One Sweet Cruising Roadster - The 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate

[@MrBuckners]

I had a series 3 1.6ltr 1990 Spider in Europe. The stereotype of Alfa breakdowns does not apply in my case. The garage I took it to for general maintenance said they would never get rich looking after this car. It was very reliable, and I went on some very long road trips in it. The engine is aluminium and really needs to get warmed up before all is at the right working tolerances. What I did find was that it would take at least 20 minutes of driving for the engine and other components to get to the right state. Then, I would have a lovely torquey engine and responsive car that would happily go all day long. It would also take less time to get back to the same point the next day after a good ride. nothing else like it, almost organic in nature.

[@upscalebohemian5372]

I owned/drove a 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce for 15 years in the rare Vinaccia Red (wine red metallic with a hint of root beer in it, depending on the light). It was VERY reliable all that time, and my only two issues at all in all that time was the driver's side door needed to be adjusted once a year or so to close properly, and the air conditioner worked but could only cope with heat up into the 90s or so (after that it was just better to put the top down). The leather held up and being garaged it looked virtually the same 15 years later as the day I bought it. Contrast this to the same model in 1987 form (which my housemate owned at one point) and those cars could blow a fuse if you rolled both windows down at the same time. If you watch Tequila Sunrise, Michelle Pfeiffer drives a Vinaccia Red Spider. I loved the car, but started commuting an hour back and forth and decided it was time I get a grownup car, so I bought a BMW 325i with a "moon roof" and thought that would be the same as a convertible (it wasn't, but it too was highly reliable). I ended up selling the Alfa just to reclaim the garage space. Other than the two issues noted, I had no other issues with this wonderful car.

[@jeffharing]

You described the car very accurately. I've loved my '86 Spider because they drive wonderfully and look beautiful. "It's all part of the charm of driving an Alfa Romeo" - perfect! The shifter is where it should be and people comment on it all the time. The pedals are too close together and the 2nd gear synchro is a pain in the butt. So true! The car has spunk. It's not "fast", it's quick. I love driving it on back roads in 3rd gear - definitely the sweet spot. Basically, you own this car for how it makes you feel. Keep up the good work!

[@francescotenti193]

I own an '88 Graduate since new, 94,000 miles and it has been the most reliable car ever, the only thing that broke, once I got to destination, was the water pump and that was at 26 years of ownership otherwise no problems at all, even the AC is pretty good, no electrical problems and yes I do have a great mechanic. 2nd gear synchro is out, they all do, so getting in 2nd is slow. The engine doesn't like to rev too high, the sweet spot between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm but, overall it is a blast to drive. I have no issues going on long trips, 100's of miles, top down and cruising at highway speeds , 65-75 mph, it is noisy though, no questions. Gas, mileage is fabulous for a 32 year old car, over 35 mph on the hwy. There is a surprising amount of leg room, I'm 6'1" and I fit well and, of course, red, Alfa red, with black interior.

[@Altek1]

That's an Alfa success story if I've heard one. It's great that you're the original owner as well, really makes owning it that much more special. I'm curious, do you get the same floaty feeling on the steering wheel at highway speeds? I can't imagine what could wear down enough to cause that, but it was the only thing that made me concerned about the safety of the drive.

[@francescotenti193]

@@Altek1 To some degree yes, some floaty feelings at highway speed but nothing that makes me worry and I did speak to my mechanic about it and he's supposed to look at. I'll keep you posted. The keys to reliability, in my opinion, are proper maintenance and a great mechanic.

[@alfafreak2011]

Great video! Alfa's are awesome. Serious character and soul, they Sing when you Drive them hard! I am selling a nice 86 Graduate I have maintained for a good customer for 10 years, and he asked me to drive as I sell it. What a fun car! Nimble, light, excellent exhaust note. Thank you for this vid, Glenn Heavy Metal Alfa.

[@mcmudkipp]

You'll get up there in subscribers some day. I know it. Your channel is a breath of fresh air in a saturated review video market.

[@Altek1]

I hope so, I'm gaining steadily these days which is nice to see. Awesome to hear I'm not churning out the same typical content as everyone else, much appreciated.

[@frankmartorana3955]

I own a 1986 for 17 years now, love, smiles ear to ear!!

[@scal2520]

Alfas are like potato chips. You can't have just one! Loved your video.

[@ngtvdlctcs4961]

Man I wish I had a Spider to finish off the whole academic antisocial mumbling vibe

[@JonnyDIY]

Immediately starts humming 🎵 Mrs. Robinson 😄👍🏻

[@Altek1]

Hah, I've been meaning to watch the movie but haven't gotten around to it yet 😄

[@JonnyDIY]

@@Altek1 Great movie, I do a wicked Dustin Hoffman impression 😂👍🏻

[@Altek1]

Haha! I didn't even know that was a thing. I can maaaaaybe do a Dustin impression from Outbreak, maaaaaybe.

[@JonnyDIY]

@@Altek1 lol 😂 mine is just the uncomfortable Hoffman rebuffing Anne Bancroft. Not the best, but makes me laugh at myself 🤣

[@Powderpopsf]

I remember these models back in the olden days and always wanted one!

[@Altek1]

It's a quirky drive but a lot of fun. I still remember the exhaust note, one of the best things about it for a baby 4cyl.

[@andybroer651]

I've had 2 ALFAs in the past and they were rock solid reliability wise. I wish reviewers would stop starting off with "They are unreliable" They are not, you might have a shitty mechanic! My mechanics are good and I've never been let down by either ALFA I've owned. The worst thing that has happened is a head light went out on me... that's IT! Replaced it and off I went!

[@cielolopez3019]

I’ve been thinking about getting one for a while my brother showed me this car and I instantly fell in love

[@sblexls]

Don’t stop making videos! You have no clue what this channel means to us! Lol bro you’re awesome, keep being you. Wishing you and the fam the best, good luck and stay safe.

[@CityTunes]

Love it! I have a 1986 BMW 325i convertible , ciao!

[@FitLabb]

Alfa Romeo may not be the most reliable cars out there (to say the least), but they certainly have a beautiful soul, offer a pure & fun driving experience, and the both the oldest & newest cars they made are among the most beautiful cars in their respective classes. Another great video pal! Looking forward to doing another video with you with my cars & over a workout one day soon!!! 💪👍

[@upscalebohemian5372]

See my comment above. I drove this car in 1989 form for 15 years with hardly any issues, and certainly nothing out of the ordinary.

[@davidBarrel]

the gear stick is there because it has no linkage to the gearbox, in this position they could go directly so they did.

[@Altek1]

Well that's a fun fact. I like it though, just adds to the character the car already has. Thanks for watching!

[@justinnicoflocco2698]

great video. you sound like Alan Alda. This is a great thing.

[@Altek1]

I'm not familiar with his voice, but if you say it's a good thing, I'll believe you. Thanks for watching buddy!

[@kitcatthatsmokescrack7380]

Omg I knew his voice sounded familiar but I was drawing a blank! You are SO right man!! The resemblance is uncanny haha. But like you said, that’s a great thing lol such an iconic cool sounding voice yah know

[@michaelmckinley4588]

Nice to meet you, (already clicked subscribe...) im looking at a spider, in worse shape, You nailed all the talking points that my research revealed, but you presented the car in such an open and entertaining way. Im more excited than ever to get one, and check out your other videos.... thanks for sharing!

[@Altek1]

Thanks for the sub Michael! I liked it because it was quirky in such an Alfa way. The exhaust is the most notable which really enhances the drive. I saw one in silver recently and it was a real looker, made the whole car pop. As long as it's in working condition and you don't go broke trying to maintain it, I think you'll have a fun time with the car. Update me once you get it, I'm curious to know how it goes. Thanks for checking out my channel as well, much appreciated.

[@sameagle988]

Alfas are actually pretty reliable. They just don't suffer fools gladly.

[@JT-ng6nq]

love this review - similar thoughts

[@KodFxTMMotion]

"At least the Horn works" damn, that was close at the end there

[@Altek1]

I know! I cut out the part where I cursed him off and flipped him the bird but people like that aggravate me so much, I saw his head turned to the right, and just knew he wasn't gonna look. I'm still wrong for just continuing to drive. Thanks for staying till the end bud!

[@petterc188]

​@@Altek1, I have had mine less than a week and have been cut off no fewer than 4 times... I bought it cause I thought it would be safer than my Moto Guzzi LoL. That horn is crucial.

[@g65_]

There are two things that are slowly becoming classics: petrol engines and manual cars. And that car has those two things; if the owner or his family get to keep this car for another 50 years or so, this thing will be worth millions of dollars.

[@Altek1]

I don't know about that much, but who the hell knows where we'll be in 50 years. I sure didn't see a Civic Si selling for $60k, but here we are. Thanks for watching and commenting as always bud!

[@mrmerlin6287]

Loving the classic red cars with soft tops. I hope one day to see you review an MG B GT.

[@Altek1]

That would be a great for sure. The more I've built my channel, the easier it's been for me to get cars. Hopefully I come across one at a show with a cool owner.

[@edwardclark2653]

A 105 series Alfa is not a sports car for the novice! A date once exclaimed, "This little coupe is a race car. You are a piece of this car!"

[@paulwyand6204]

Of course the horn works, that is called the Italian brake!

[@Altek1]

😂🤣🤣

[@markmyword8597]

Drove a 1992 for 10 years and had only problems with the wipers not working in strong rain.

[@Charles-hh2gy]

I owned a 1999 spider coolest car ever

[@mirkomasini]

I got a 1990 same car.. But I need that good luck pendant

[@xerra1]

I bought one exactly like this one couple days ago. Same year, colour, graduate model. Will see.

[@Altek1]

How's it running so far? You should check the Alfa forums, people know every single thing about this car and what'll break.

[@xerra1]

@@Altek1 Haven't got it yet. It has to come from Usa to Europe.

[@trentonmccrossin5706]

Im buying a 1988 black Alfa Romeo Spider as my first car really soon, it’s my dream car and I’m ecstatic, I’m willing to work on the car, it has so much character and I couldn’t be happier.

[@senzelian]

The front end design looks so good. The giant bumpers, especially on the rear, ruin the look for me tho :(

[@Altek1]

The rear on this was much better than the Series 4 version, but not nearly as nice as the original style. They really let that front end design last the life of the model though.

[@ngtvdlctcs4961]

@@Altek1 begs the question why they wouldn't recreate the car in the movie they named it after

[@Snocone333]

US domestic safety rules ruiiiined a lot of 80s designs

[@AliasHSW]

😆 I was just browsing Craigslist last night for this

[@Altek1]

Did you find one? The owner of this one was going to sell it, then after he saw my video, he decided to keep it. I thought that was a damn good compliment!

[@AliasHSW]

Altek - Found several in Cali. There is even a clean looking white 90’s model.

[@Altek1]

I wasn't a big fan of the last generation but then I saw a mint one at a gas station, great looking car. I gave the guy a thumbs up and he gave a nod back, he knew what was up.

[@harshithsadhana7475]

just like lord king of motoring Jeremy Clarkson said if you own an alfa romeo you are a real petrolhead.

[@Altek1]

First thing that comes to mind when I think Alfa is Clarkson bitching about something then saying he loves the car. The best thing I read was you want to drive an Alfa, but you don't want to own one. Thanks for watching bud.

[@thedom1678]

I have a 1986 and yeah I would love to keep watching but I have maintenance to do in the garage. Truly a labor of love.

[@alfaromeoofplano9172]

Alfistizimo🏁

[@joshpinchuk7061]

The white car was a Nissan? I thought that style shifter was unique to a Honda :) (crv, element and civic si) and then Porsche adopted it for it's supercar. Seems like the shifter's placement is fine but the angle of the grip doesn't suit one's wrist. Better if it was either like a horizontal bar (Hurst style), or perhaps a vertical joystick. Although both of those would make it too heavy.

[@Altek1]

Yeah, it was a GTR. I was having a lot of fun in the Alfa until that pulled up next to me, hah. I actually forgot the quirky shifter from the Si, probably the first time I saw a shifter like that. But you're right, it was good on placement but not as ergonomic for the driver as it could be. I was ready to slam the car for it, but like other aspects of the car, it just added to the unique Alfa style.

[@joshpinchuk7061]

@@Altek1 GTR is a monster, but auto only. I have never driven anything with more than 300 hp, but prefer less HP as long it has a stick. Good exhaust, fun factor and driving engagement trump raw power.

[@Altek1]

It makes sense when they're trying to get the best performance out of car. The human is the slowest part of the equation really. I play Dirt Rally and it's breath of fresh air when the car has a sequential transmission, I have to think so much harder when I race in stick. But you're right, I think I'd have more fun driving the Alfa around a track than I would in a 918 Spyder.

[@marciaz31]

In the movie the graduate .... Was the Alfa exhaust sound edited in ?

[@tientrinh943]

You’ll have 10k soon player

[@Altek1]

Hope so bro! I'm just gonna keep on keepin' in to see what happens.

[@winstonwolfe5733]

What is going on with the SZ ? One of the boldest zagato design.

[@willr69420]

I *DID* SEE this post the other day, but didn't have time to watch.

[@Altek1]

I found the car fun to drive, it's nothing overly special but to me it is because it's an Alfa. Bro, I got an 89 M3 coming up in a few weeks, I'm so excited.

[@JohnIrvine-sm9oy]

Still available as of 4/27/24?

[@samjacob6097]

Potential car review idea? VolvoS60R👀

[@Altek1]

That's a great review idea, I just need to find one. My friend has an old school one that's been upgraded pretty radically. It looks so cool but I'll bother the next person I see driving an S60R and see if they'll let me steal it for a day.

[@dougjones4007]

What part of Upstate New York are you in?

[@Altek1]

I filmed most of these near Armonk, 22 and side roads since it's scenic and mostly empty up there.

[@sebdupree1]

6:36

[@dorian-gray]

With this 3. generation "Aerodinamica" (1983-1989)" they sadly had spoiled the iconic design by putting those ugly huge spoilers and that new boring cockpit. The 2nd. generation Spider „Coda Tronca“ (1969-1983) were the best.

[@michaelreilly1310esq]

No power. Attractive but flat chested. Must have been late Friday when they designed the back end of this car

[@Altek1]

Hah yeah, especially when you consider where the design was with the previous iterations. Still stands out today though.

[@vanillascoop11]

Pinninfarina designed this and other very special Ferrari's, the 1st and 2nd gen look better IMHO 3rd and 4th lose the charm.

[@ghostspectre1861]

...especially in someone else's car.

[@Altek1]

Oh man, if it was a rental, I would have beaten the hell out of it. Thanks for watching as always bro!