Models · Abarth
Abarth 124 Spider buying guide
Abarth's rear-wheel-drive roadster, sold from 2016 to 2019, built on the Mazda MX-5's chassis with Fiat's 1.4 MultiAir turbo engine, a limited-slip differential and Bilstein dampers. No significant common problems have been found, and the checks are short.
The versions
- 1.4 MultiAir turbo petrol, 170hp and 184lb ft
- Six-speed manual, or an automatic offered on the Abarth from launch
- Mechanical limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and stiffer springs and anti-roll bars
- Fabric roof; the GT added a bolted-on carbon fibre hardtop
What to check on a Abarth 124
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Automatic gearbox recall and the fuel pump
What to look for: On an automatic, ask an Abarth dealer to confirm against the VIN that the June 2019 gearbox software recall has been carried out; Fiat dealers can service the car but not do Abarth recall work. On the drive, note any harsh jolts or unexpected downshifts, and ask whether the fuel pump has ever been replaced.
Why it matters: Automatics built from August 2016 to April 2019 could select first gear while moving, risking rear wheel lock-up, and a control module software update was the fix. Even when healthy, the automatic hunts for gears and jolts in paddle-shift mode, so judge it against that. Fuel pump failures are not uncommon, so a replacement in the history is reassuring.
Roof seals and leaks
What to look for: Lower and raise the roof, checking it latches cleanly. Press the carpets in both footwells and look at the roof seals for gaps, splits or damp around the edges.
Why it matters: The manual fabric roof is simple, with no powered mechanism to fail, but like any soft top it can leak at the seals, and soft tops need care if the car lives outdoors. Damp carpets or tide marks are the sign to look for.
Aluminium panels and previous damage
What to look for: Check the panel gaps along the bonnet, wings and boot lid are even, and ask whether the car has an insurance write-off category such as Cat S or Cat N.
Why it matters: Many of the body panels are aluminium and harder to repair well, and poor repairs can lead to rust later. Category S and N cars are on the market, so knowing the history matters.
Also in the full guide
- Cambelt and servicing
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Abarth 124
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Abarth.