Looking for an S4 Spider..

Hello chaps, it's been a while since I posted

Whilst looking for an S4 for the summer (before it's almost here..) I came across this:

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www...00720285302284

The shortcomings mentioned in the add:

-drivers side electric window no longer functions,
-there is a crease in the car's nose (a common Alfa injury!)
-the gearbox is sometimes obstinant into first and reverse (although this may be due to lack of use and can be overcome by changing your driving style - the usual fault is the syncro from third into second, mine is great in this regard).

Whilst I wasn't really looking for a project, in a way I wouldn't mind doing some minor work - the electric window I'm sure I could easily fix whether it needs re-wiring, a new motor, brushes, etc

The bodywork - it's got a crease on the bonnet but hard to tell from the photo if the bumper is damaged. If it is just a creased bonnet I could easily get fixed for little cost.

The gearbox - mentions the synchro is fine but stiff, without looking could be linkage, etc.

So these are what he has admitted and I don't mind doing them if I can get it at the right price, I just wonder what lurks beneath. Quite tempted to have a look, anyone any thoughts/opinions?

Originally Posted by ajcarter

-the gearbox is sometimes obstinant into first and reverse (although this may be due to lack of use and can be overcome by changing your driving style - the usual fault is the syncro from third into second, mine is great in this regard).

When I got my Spider, I had the same gearbox problems. Knowing that it is a weak point I had budgeted for a gearbox rebuild. But after correctly adjusting the clutch I found that the gearbox is now OK, no problems getting into first or reverse. I changed the oil and still have a touch of the second gear synco problem - if this one doesn't you may be lucky!

Car looks good - if you like white.
Gear problem is, like Cosmo says, probably clutch rather than box.
I see a scatch on front bumper, looks like paint.
Mind you, f & r bumpers are NLA, no price quated in parts catalog.
Good luck
Erik

Electric windows failing could be as simple as a poor connection, a dirty switch, or the drive motor, The drive motor is very fiddly to replace but nothing too challenging (the advice is to replace the cable operating system as well)

It's a common problem

Gearbox does sound like the clutch.... and I've not found a S4 that didn't have some synchro noise if you change up from 1st to 2nd too fast.

Go and have a look but try a few more as well

The price is very reasonable for a RHD

5500 to 7000 should buy you the best (but not concours)... so that should give you an idea of condition

Thanks for the reply chaps,

I'm in 2 minds about the white, I'd need to see it in the flesh to decide. A bumper scratch is no problem, but it looks like there's a dent on the nose, so as long as the bumper is not cracked/badly damaged I can easily sort.

When you say the gearbox sounds like the clutch do you mean worn clutch or badly adjusted clutch (which is starting to imply worn).
I'm guessing changing a clutch is no more challenging than any other rwd layout.

Also how does rhd/lhd reflect in the price difference - with lhd being original I would expect lhd to demand more, or is it fairly even?

Badly adjusted clutch

In my experience RHD is more desireable in the UK and thus is more expensive ~£500-£800

S4's were converted by a couple of companies (Bell and Colville - Seaking) and to improve their original sales appeal, the companies, included the hard top in the sales price....

So if your RHD doesn't have one it can help lower the price.

(I didn't want a hard top.. nowhere to store it.. and only use the car when the sun is shining see... I'm not such a tight wad.... honest )

Hi AJ
The slow first and reverse syndrome is common on these boxes and can normally be avoided by going into second first - if that makes sense!

If that and the electric window being dicky are all that's up with it, it's got to be worth a look. Wouldn't be my first colour choice though!

Good to see you around.
Cheers
Rick

On values - LHD are very cheap in UK compared to the Continent, about 25% or much more.
On white - read a while ago, that it the coming colour.
On 1 and reverse - true, it takes a while for the gear wheels to stop spinning.
On 2 gear syncho - if PO's have not been careful or double declutched, it will not be much use at 55k miles. It may have had a box rebuild, very common.
It's looking very good on pics, but it will be wise to give it comprehensive check for rust underneath and under floor mats. It's 15 years old!
Erik

Originally Posted by ajcarter

The bodywork - it's got a crease on the bonnet but hard to tell from the photo if the bumper is damaged. If it is just a creased bonnet I could easily get fixed for little cost.

The gearbox - mentions the synchro is fine but stiff, without looking could be linkage, etc.

If the only bodywork problem is a creased nose, you're doing well. It seems really cheap for a well-maintained car which has been garaged and barely driven (or has it not been driven for a bad reason?). Previous owners have managed to pick up tiny scratches on my Spider in a few places.

As for the gearbox, I use 2nd before selecting 1st or reverse to get rid of any ugly noises (as RicksAlfas suggests) - the 'box prefers it that way, both on its old clutch and the new one recently fitted.