Fulvia 3

[simonandjuliet]

My brother in law is looking to buy a Fulvia coupe and has come across a low mileage third series car which may beof interest.

I have had a number of Fulvias but have always steered clear of a third series because of a ( mis) perception that they are not as nice as earlier cars ! I have been led to believe that they suffered from even less rust protection , performance stiffling emissions controls and poorer fittings

What are the views of better informed Fulvistas and should he hold out for a nice second series ? (He doesn't want a first series car)

Plus, what are values like versus other Fulvias and is a good third series likely to hold its value?

I hope not to open a can of worms, but hear your views !

Many thanks

[fay66]

Simon,
I'm just curious, why not a series 1

Brian
8227

[simonandjuliet]

Quite simple, he prefers the 'look' and a 5 speed 'box

[fay66]

Quite simple, he prefers the 'look' and a 5 speed 'box

Fair enough

Brian
8227

[lancialulu]

There is not much different performance wise but the Interior is not as nice (in fact it is not nice).

The best option is to find a Series 1.5 with 5 speed and S1 suspension. 14 inch wheels help with pot holes...

[chugga boom]

very little difference between s2 s3 fulvias, intruments in s2 are far nicer as is the steering wheel, seats in s3 are better, mechanically pretty much the same except early s2's have tubular upper wishbones where as late cars have pressed steel, reality on the road no differance, there are many arguements of why s1 or s2 or s3 is the best, truthfully a good s3 is as good as you will get, yes fiat did cheapen it but it was still a good quality exspensive car, i've owned 2 s3's on the road that have been trouble free and i've really enjoyed them, unfortunatly a rust free fulvia of any year is a holy grale, very rare and most have been repaired or patched over the years, my personal feeling is whatever fulvia he gets will put a huge smile on his face when driven,

[Jai Sharma]

Personally I doubt there is much performance difference S2 to S3. Many of the bits that were changed (especially interior) could probably be swapped straight for s2 bits if you were that bothered (although there would be loss of originality, if that matters to you).
The other thing that I suspect makes a difference to values now is the tax exempt 1973 cut-off.

[chriswgawne]

I was lucky enough to have had a new S3 Fulvia having previously done many miles in an early S2 Coupe back in the early 70's. IMHO the S2 was better built as far as the body is concerned and I preferred the S2 instruments and interior in period as well.
However these days I far prefer the S1 Fulvia range whether Saloon, Coupe or Sport and in many ways the earlier the better although there is no doubt the 1300cc engine makes life a little more interesting.
The early cars just seem that more balanced and well packaged.
Chris