The Abarth 124 Spider is a rear-wheel-drive roadster with a turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir engine. Choose between the six-speed manual and automatic after checking the timing-belt invoice, oil specification and roof drainage. The Mazda ND platform is a useful starting point for understanding the car. Engine and exhaust parts need to be matched to the Abarth.
Which Abarth 124 Spider should you buy?
The Abarth launch release gives 170 PS and 250 Nm for the regional 1.4 MultiAir Turbo and lists the Record Monza exhaust as standard. It also describes the mechanical limited-slip differential. Check actual equipment on an import or a modified car. Drive both gearboxes if undecided. With a manual, assess clutch take-up and selection when warm. With an automatic, check cold engagement, progressive shifts and manual mode.
On 5 November 2026, PistonHeads listed an advertised manual at £14,990, a 33,000-mile 2018 manual with a claimed cambelt change at £15,995, and automatics at £15,995 and £16,799. These are individual asking prices. Check the belt invoice, tyre age, condition and service records before judging the spread.
MultiAir, timing belt and turbo checks
Request a cold start and read the invoices for oil grade and approval. The MultiAir system uses oil hydraulically to control intake valve operation. Persistent rough running or a misfire needs a scan and diagnosis that considers ignition, fuel, compression and valve actuation. Ask how often oil was changed and whether the car has been left unused for long periods. Confirm the timing belt, tensioner and pump scope from the invoice. If evidence is missing, budget for the work against the applicable maintenance schedule and treat a visual check as limited evidence.
Check coolant level when cold and inspect for dried deposits. Drive until fully warm and look for repeatable hesitation or loss of boost. Ask for hardware and calibration details if the car has been tuned, especially if the original intake, catalytic converter or exhaust is missing. Inspect the Record Monza system cold for corrosion and loose mountings, and listen for blowing or rattles on the road. Establish the exhaust version before ordering parts or deciding whether its behaviour is normal.
Roof, body and chassis
Operate the fabric roof through a full cycle. Check the latch, fabric, seals and rear screen, then feel the carpets and storage areas for water. Ask whether drains have been cleaned and inspect their outlets with the seller or workshop. Lift the car to check sills, jacking points, undertrays, subframes and brake pipes. Examine the lower panels and bumper fixings for impact damage. Get a proper assessment of any coating that obscures the condition underneath.
Check all tyres for age, inner-edge wear and correct size. A car that steers differently left and right may need more than a wheel alignment. Look for bent wheels or damage under the car. Inspect Brembo calipers and discs where fitted and check for dragging, vibration or uneven braking. Check the differential and gearbox for leaks, and investigate a persistent whine on and off the throttle.
Maintenance and parts
Keep timing-belt and oil invoices together. Check the UK handbook against the car’s build, age and use. Parts allowances are indicative. Confirm part numbers with the supplier and get labour quotes separately.
These are UK parts budgeting allowances. Confirm the VIN, exact fitment, condition, delivery, VAT and any exchange deposit before ordering. Labour and diagnosis are separate.
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| Part | Parts allowance | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Timing belt and pump kit | £75–£180 | Confirm engine and exact kit contents. |
| Oil and filter service kit | £55–£105 | Match Fiat approval to the handbook. |
| Alternator | £140–£360 | Check output, connector and pulley. |
| Spark plugs | £45–£95 | Confirm specification and condition. |
| Ignition coils | £25–£70 each | Diagnose a misfire before ordering. |
| Auxiliary belt | £25–£100 | Match routing and accessories. |
| Thermostat housing | £35–£110 | Pressure-test to identify the leak. |
| Front brakes | £150–£320 | Check calipers and disc sizes. |
| Manual clutch kit | £140–£350 | Check flywheel and release system separately. |
| Record Monza exhaust | £320–£850 | Confirm variant, condition and fixings. |
| Roof seals | £45–£180 | Identify the leak path and exact seal first. |
Hidden ownership costs
Get fitted quotes for overdue belts, brakes and tyres before negotiating. A damp cabin can require drain work, seals or roof repair, depending on where water gets in. Cosmetic restoration can cost more than it appears if Abarth-specific trim and exhaust pieces are missing. Check tyre alignment after suspension work and ask your insurer about exhaust changes, remaps or aftermarket suspension before paying a deposit.
Viewing checklist
- Verify VIN, service invoices, timing-belt scope and MOT history.
- Start cold, check for warning lights and warm the engine fully on a test drive.
- Operate the roof and electrics and inspect carpets for damp.
- Check brakes, tyres, differential and exhaust on a lift.
- Price any immediate work by part number and confirm insurance on modifications.
Abarth 124 Spider FAQ
Does the Abarth 124 Spider have a timing belt?
Yes. Confirm belt and tensioner history and ask which other components were changed at the same time.
Does it use the Mazda MX-5 engine?
The platform is related to the ND MX-5. The Abarth uses the Fiat-group 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engine.
Did it come with a limited-slip differential?
Abarth lists a mechanical limited-slip differential in its launch specification. Verify the actual car, especially if it is modified.
Is the automatic worth considering?
Yes if you enjoy how it drives. Compare condition and history and check cold engagement and warm shifting.
