Used Fiat 124 Spider cars

After an absence of more than a decade, the Fiat 124 Spider returned to UK roads in 2016. Based on Mazda’s best-selling MX-5, it combined the Italian brand’s turbocharged MultiAir engine with a rear-wheel drivetrain. With sporty looks and exciting performance, it offers buyers an alternative to two-seater roadsters such as the Audi TT and BMW 2 Series Convertible.

The 124 Spider has its roots back in 1966 and could be found on roads for almost 20 years. In fact, its 2016 launch coincided exactly with the date of the 1966 iteration’s release. With understated styling that takes cues from the original without overplaying the retro card, it has a fun aesthetic and plenty of Italian flair. In 2017 it was named Best New Convertible by Cars.com.

The Fiat 124 Spider was retired in 2019. Fiat cited the introduction of Euro 6d regulations as one of the reasons for this.

Fiat 124 Spider updates and facelifts

Despite its limited production run, the Fiat 124 Spider had one facelift. This added an extra trim – Lusso Plus – and some updated equipment. In 2018, a special edition was also released. Named the S-Design, it featured stylistic changes including dark alloy wheels, white paintwork and gunmetal accents.

Practicality and style of the car

As a stylish roadster, the Fiat 124 Spider focuses on performance and driving enjoyment. However, that doesn’t mean a compromise on practicality. The car has a long rear overhang, which results in a larger boot than the Mazda MX-5 on which it’s based. With 140 litres available, compared with the MX 5’s 130 litres, it can accommodate the weekly shop or a couple of holdalls for a weekend away. Fiat’s clever design has also ensured that when the roof is retracted it doesn’t impact boot space.

Running costs

The Fiat 124 Spider is one of the most affordable roadsters to run. Occupying groups 25–26 out of 50 for insurance, premiums are lower than for the Mazda MX-5 (groups 25 to 33) as well as other rivals like the Audi TT, which sits in groups 32 to 50.

Road tax is lower for models manufactured from April 2017 onwards. This is due to the standard rate that was introduced, which stands at £180 per year. If you’re choosing an earlier model, annual road tax is £200–240.

How a used Fiat 124 Spider drives

The 124 Spider may be based on the same platform as the Mazda MX-5, but it has its own engine that delivers a punchy performance. Fiat’s 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine is the only option available, and it delivers 138bhp and 240Nm of torque. That’s more than the 2.0-litre engine on the MX-5 provides, and it results in more power at lower revs.

Achieving 0-62mph in just 7.5 seconds, the 124 Spider is swift and fun. It also offers a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, which both deliver short, precise shifts. Efficiency is respectable too, with this lightweight car returning a combined fuel economy of 42.8mpg when paired with automatic transmission and 44.1mpg with manual.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2016 - 2018

Engine	Official WLTP MPG
1.4 MultiAir	44.1 mpg
1.4 MultiAir Automatic	42.8 mpg

Features you can expect to find in a Fiat 124 Spider

Interior

The Fiat 124 Spider is a two-seater that provides ample legroom for tall drivers and passengers, and with the fabric roof in place there’s enough headroom for occupants of six foot or more. Inside the car, you’ll find plenty of stowage spaces. The glovebox is of a decent size and there are moveable cup holders on the transmission tunnel to store coffee cups or water bottles. You’ll also find a large, lockable cubby to keep valuables out of sight.

Behind the wheel, this sporty roadster feels sleek and well made. Fitted with high-quality plastics and leather accents, it’s welcoming and comfortable. The controls are intuitively laid out too, keeping operation of the audio, air conditioning and media functions simple.

The base-level trim gets a four-speaker AM/FM stereo and a USB port, enabling you to connect devices and stream music from them. Audio can be controlled via the buttons on the dash or using the multi-function steering wheel, a safer option while driving. Higher up the range, you’ll get two extra speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless streaming. There’s also a seven-inch touchscreen mounted high on the dashboard, which can also be controlled using a rotary dial. This also displays the sat nav which can help you reach your destination by the fastest possible route.

Top-of-the-range Lusso Plus trims feature an upgraded sound system. This is made by Bose and has a nine-speaker setup, including a powerful subwoofer.

Technology

Sporty roadsters often put performance before all else, but the Fiat 124 Spider strikes a good balance between driving dynamics and technology. All models feature either air conditioning or climate control, ensuring you can enjoy a comfortable temperature on the go, while cruise control makes motorway driving feel effortless. The keyless go function means you can start the car without inserting the key – just press the Start button to get going.

Higher up the range, you’ll benefit from rear parking sensors to make manoeuvres easier, as well as a rear camera to improve visibility when reversing. Top-spec Lusso Plus trims add more clever technology, such as adaptive headlights, which move as the steering wheel turns, better illuminating the road ahead when you’re taking corners.

Safety

The 124 Spider was not tested independently by Euro NCAP, but the Mazda MX-5, on which it’s based, achieved a four-star rating in 2015. It scored 84% for adult occupant protection and 80% for child occupant protection. The Fiat comes with all the safety equipment you’d expect. Four front and side airbags reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a collision, and there’s even an ISOFIX mounting point in the front passenger seat. This enables you to carry an infant or toddler securely. As such, you can deactivate the front passenger airbag.

Active systems include stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold assist and an active pedestrian safety system. Other options include lane departure warning, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

Trims available on a Fiat 124 Spider

Fiat 124 Spider Classica

The entry-level 124 Spider Classico offers 16-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. Technology includes air conditioning, cruise control and keyless go. Infotainment comes in the form of an AM/FM radio and USB and AUX-in sockets.

Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

The mid-spec Lusso brings 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome exhaust pipes on the exterior, as well as leather upholstered, heated seats inside. Technology includes climate control, rear parking sensors and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, sat nav and a rear camera.

Fiat 124 Spider Lusso Plus

Top-spec Lusso Plus trim features adaptive LED headlights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers and a nine-speaker Bose stereo system.

Search our stock of used Fiat 124 Spider cars for sale.