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1990 Alfa Romeo Spider

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1990 Alfa Romeo Spider

The 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is a rear-wheel-drive, two-door roadster that was produced by Alfa Romeo from 1990 to 1993. It is powered by a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The Spider is available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Alfa Romeo Spider for its stylish design, its responsive handling, and its relatively low price. However, the Spider is also known for its reliability problems.

Engine

2.0L Engine

  • Blown Head Gasket: Head gasket failure is a common issue on the Alfa Romeo Spider. Symptoms of a blown head gasket include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and coolant leaks. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found
  • Intake Valve Issues: Intake valves can stick or break on the Alfa Romeo Spider. Symptoms of intake valve issues include rough idling, stalling, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the intake valves. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt on the Alfa Romeo Spider can fail prematurely. Symptoms of a timing belt failure include engine noise, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

  • Clutch Failure: The clutch on the Alfa Romeo Spider can fail prematurely. Symptoms of a clutch failure include difficulty shifting gears, a slipping clutch, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Noise: The transmission on the Alfa Romeo Spider can make noise, especially when shifting gears. Symptoms of transmission noise include a grinding noise, a whining noise, or a clunking noise. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Transmission Slippage: The automatic transmission on the Alfa Romeo Spider can slip gears. Symptoms of transmission slippage include difficulty shifting gears, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Fluid Leaks: The automatic transmission on the Alfa Romeo Spider can leak transmission fluid. Symptoms of a transmission fluid leak include a low transmission fluid level, a slipping transmission, and a check engine light. The solution is to repair the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front Suspension Noise: The front suspension on the Alfa Romeo Spider can make noise, especially when going over bumps or rough roads. Symptoms of front suspension noise include a clunking noise, a rattling noise, or a squeaking noise. The solution is to replace the worn or damaged suspension components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Suspension Sag: The rear suspension on the Alfa Romeo Spider can sag over time. Symptoms of rear suspension sag include a lower ride height, uneven tire wear, and a loss of handling. The solution is to replace the worn or damaged suspension components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Electrical Gremlins: The electrical system on the Alfa Romeo Spider can be unreliable. Symptoms of electrical gremlins include intermittent electrical problems, such as flickering lights, dead batteries, and power window failures. The solution is to diagnose and repair the electrical problems. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain: The battery on the Alfa Romeo Spider can drain prematurely. Symptoms of a battery drain include a dead battery, difficulty starting the car, and a check engine light. The solution is to diagnose and repair the battery drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure: The alternator on the Alfa Romeo Spider can fail prematurely. Symptoms of alternator failure include a dead battery, difficulty starting the car, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust: The Alfa Romeo Spider is prone to rust. Symptoms of rust include rust spots on the body panels, the undercarriage, and the exhaust system. The solution is to repair the rust and prevent future rust by applying a rust-resistant coating. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
  • Convertible Top Leaks: The convertible top on the Alfa Romeo Spider can leak. Symptoms of a convertible top leak include water leaking into the car, mold, and mildew. The solution is to repair or replace the convertible top. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracks: The dashboard on the Alfa Romeo Spider can crack. Symptoms of dashboard cracks include cracks in the dashboard, peeling paint, and fading colors. The solution is to replace the dashboard or repair the cracks. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Air Conditioning Failure: The air conditioning system on the Alfa Romeo Spider can fail. Symptoms of air conditioning failure include a lack of cold air, warm air blowing from the vents, and a check engine light. The solution is to diagnose and repair the air conditioning system. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is a stylish and fun-to-drive roadster. However, it is also known for its reliability problems. The most common issues include blown head gaskets, intake valve issues, timing belt failures, clutch failures, transmission noise, transmission slippage, transmission fluid leaks, front suspension noise, rear suspension sag, electrical gremlins, battery drain, alternator failure, rust, convertible top leaks, dashboard cracks, and air conditioning failure.

The severity of the issues can range from minor annoyances to major repairs. The cost to fix the issues can also vary widely, depending on the severity of the problem and the location of the repair. Overall, the 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is a risky choice for buyers who are looking for a reliable vehicle.

Alfa Romeo, Spider
Alfa Romeo Spider 1990
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