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Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

17-20 · Fiat 124 Spider

67out of 100

The cheapest new Miata money could buy. Mazda-built, $5,000-8,000 badge discount, one Fiat-specific component to watch.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

70/ 100Reliability×3.566/ 100True Annual Cost×3.065/ 100Safety×1.527/ 100Practicality×0.580/ 100Repairability×1.5

Our take

What it really is

The Fiat 124 Spider is a Mazda ND Miata built in Hiroshima with Italian styling and Fiat's 1.4T turbo engine. Mazda builds the car. The 1.4T MultiAir is the only non-Mazda component. It is the one thing to watch.

Why it's on this list

The 'Fix It Again Tony' reputation is misapplied. This is a Mazda. The $5,000-8,000 badge discount is real and persistent. Turbo adds torque the ND lacks below 4,000 RPM.

The honest trade-offs

The 1.4T MultiAir actuator failure at 60-80k miles ($600-1,000) is the Fiat-specific risk. Find a mechanic who knows the 1.4T before you need one. 324-mile range is the worst on the list for a sports car.

What to buy and what to avoid

Abarth trim for the sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and Recaro seats. Verify the soft-top hydraulic cylinder is functioning. Find a mechanic familiar with the 1.4T MultiAir before purchase.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,520 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$550 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$160 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,996 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,886 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,756 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,646 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
30[5]
MPG city / hwy
26 / 35[5]
Tank
10.8 gal[5]
Engine
Fiat MultiAir 1.4T (unique to 124)
Horsepower
164 hp
Torque
184 lb-ft
Seats
2
Cargo max
4.6 cu ft
Ground clearance
5.7"
Stock tires
205/45R17
Body
Convertible
Rear seats
No fold

Safety

IIHS rating
Not Tested[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Minimal

Known issues by mileage

30,000-60,000 Miles (48,000-97,000 KM)
Soft top hydraulic cylinder failure (~50-70k, $800 to rebuild)Moderate
60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)
Fiat 1.4T MultiAir actuator failure ($600-1,000) — only non-Mazda componentMajor
N/A
Rear window defogging element degradesMinor

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$480 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.6[1]
Severe issue probability
10%[1]
250k-mile survival
40%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$55 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
8/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Fiat 124 Spider?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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