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Quote, originally posted by jake75 »I remember Fiat having a reputation just slightly better than Yugo. Many years ago, in the 70's I think, a local liquidator bought a literal boatload of Fiat 4 dr sedans and sold them dirt cheap - like 50% of their retail at the time. Must have been just a couple thousand as I think I bought a new 1978 Chevette 4-dr hatchback - auto but no air, for about $4,200. As I remember a new 1977 Buick Estate Wagon cost me about $5,800.IIRC, Yugo actually bought an outdated Fiat plant and transported it to the former Yougoslavia and used it to make Yugos. Someone please correct me if I'm mistaken. It's kinda scary when Chrysler has to ask Italian car companies for help in making money.... (?!)

You are correct. The Yugo was made from old Fiat tooling.I think Fiat of late has been doing better. The new 500 micro car is a hit over there I believe. It isn't the same car company from the '70s which the Yugo was based on.

i had a '76 131 mirafiori. it was a blast to drive! started rusting away within a couple years, but i loved that car!

Yes, the Yugo was built in a plant designed and equipped by FIAT. In addition FIAT also did something similar with Russia where they made the Lada.FIATs were always known as fun-to-drive vehicles but with less than a sterling reputation for reliability and longevity. But a friend of mine still has the FIAT 2000 (2-seater convertible) that he bought new in 1980 and it seems to be holding up quite well.

"Fix It Again, Tony!"

Quote, originally posted by prathman »FIATs were always known as fun-to-drive vehicles but with less than a sterling reputation for reliability and longevity. But a friend of mine still has the FIAT 2000 (2-seater convertible) that he bought new in 1980 and it seems to be holding up quite well.I bought a '78 Fiat 128 3p new, it was fun to drive, did start to rust around the back window (even in California). It's been said "it is more fun to drive a slow car fast, than to drive a fast car slow". With its 1.3 liter engine that was certainly true.I really really really wanted the 2000 aka 124 Spider, just couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $1500 to buy and the higher insurance on a 20 yr old driver. I still love the looks of that car today.

I had a Spider of some description wedged beneath my rear bumper one time. This lil' rich teenage stoner chick nailed me and slammed me into a van in front of me with a pregnant lady inside. That must have been quite the buzz kill for the Fiat girl!That Fiat was pretty slick, her daddy did a good job restoring it. Looked good for a little while I guess.

Fiat's newer models are all very well-recieved and all have 5 star safety ratings as well, including the 500 micro car.