What To Look For When Buying A Spyder?

[Blurred Talon]

I'm curious if their any any Spyder specific problems to look for when buying one?

Thinking about buying a GS-T Spyder to replace my current DD. I want a convertable that's a bit bigger then most others on the market, something with a 4cyl for good gas mileage and something fun to drive. I think the Spyder can deliver all of this.

I'm hoping that even though it's a convertable the handling should still be good.

 

[97spydergs]

Besides the usual stuff when buying a car like mechanics, look at the ribs on the top to see if all are still connected to the rest of the skeleton. and look at the front seats to see if there are any stains, usually a good sign of a leaky top. Good Luck

 

[MelloEclipse]

yea spyders usually hold up well....however i hate the look of the tan top () but just check for leaks and that it operates smoothly without any popping or funny stuff.

 

[v01dy]

Bring the car somewhere and hose it down. Make sure you hose it from teh sides, as in the water will be hitting the top sideways. I didn't do that and got a leaky top that I had to replace for like 1k.

 

[spyderturbo007]

however i hate the look of the tan top ()

Hey now.......

Take a look at the 2 connections on each side of the rear window. They have a habit of breaking off and then the defroster doesn't work. Also make sure that the top operates and that it doesn't leak, which is another common problem. You don't always have to replace the top if it leaks, but it's always a possiblility. I have seen some people that stop the leaks by cleaning out the channels, tightening the top and applying scotch guard.

If you don't know where the rib is that 97spydergs is talking about, take a look at this tech article. Wret is our resident convertable top expert.