[Joshbfishing]

Hey guys,

My name is Josh and I love the 4C. I have been considering a 4C for many years but never pulled the trigger until now. Sunday, I am going to a dealership to look (and hopefully buy) a 2015 4C. This particular car has all the options I would like. However, my only concern is that it is nearing 50k miles. How reliable are these cars at these mileages and beyond and what maintenance items can I expect within the next 20k miles?
Thanks a lot!

 

[4Canada]

With an older car, you need to find out if regular maintenance was performed. That will be hard when not purchasing from the former owner, unless records come with the vehicle.
Too many people buy cars like the 4C and push past the required maintenance intervals, then sell or trade the vehicle rather than service it properly.

If you cannot verify these were done, you are in for everything on the factory schedule up to the current age, including:
Bolt tightening.
Timing belt (do the water pump while you are in there for only the cost of the part).
Spark plug replacement.
Brake fluid flush.
Oil change.

Only the first two are expensive.

Also, expect the battery to be on its way out unless already replaced, and check the manufacturing date and condition of the tires. Entirely possible that they are old and need replacement too.

 

[4Canada]

Also, welcome and good luck.

If this isn’t the one for you, there are often good, enthusiast-owned cars posted in the classifieds here.

And the 50k by itself is nothing to be overly worried about.

Another thing to check is that there is no lifting of the leather dash or door panels. Look for bubbles. Some early cars suffered from this.

 

[Joshbfishing]

With an older car, you need to find out if regular maintenance was performed. That will be hard when not purchasing from the former owner, unless records come with the vehicle.
Too many people buy cars like the 4C and push past the required maintenance intervals, then sell or trade the vehicle rather than service it properly.

If you cannot verify these were done, you are in for everything on the factory schedule up to the current age, including:
Bolt tightening.
Timing belt (do the water pump while you are in there for only the cost of the part).
Spark plug replacement.
Brake fluid flush.
Oil change.

Only the first two are expensive.

Also, expect the battery to be on its way out unless already replaced, and check the manufacturing date and condition of the tires. Entirely possible that they are old and need replacement too.

Thanks for the insight! The car is in superb condition, however there are no records for almost 2 years with the last owner. I presume just about everything will need to be done in order to get the vehicle back on track. I’m quite handy with cars and I have full access to a shop, however I’m not sure if I want to mess around cranking on her. I called my local Maserati/Alfa Romeo dealership for a ballpark quote to get her up to snuff, hopefully will give me a better idea on if I want to pull the trigger on this car.

 

[Joshbfishing]

Also, another question about clutch life. Generally, how long does the clutch tend to last with these vehicles?

 

[4Canada]

Also, another question about clutch life. Generally, how long does the clutch tend to last with these vehicles?

Without track use or repetitive launches, and with a driver who does not encourage clutch slip by creeping the car, so far the clutches are not a weak point on these cars. But launching and creeping are the hardest things you can ask of a clutch.

 

[Alfanut]

Also, another question about clutch life. Generally, how long does the clutch tend to last with these vehicles?

Generally expect about 80,000miles for the clutch but it really depends upon the type of use or abuse it’s received.. 80,000miles or 130,000km is what I’m expecting with my usage. (No commuting or shopping runs)

 

[Joshbfishing]

Thank you both for your help! The vehicle I was considering turn out to be complete trash! It was disheartening to even see a 4C in the condition it was in. However, the brief seat time was greatly appreciated. As a former owner of a Boxster and currently a Miata, I can’t imagine a vehicle more thrilling to be in than a 4C. The search continues!

 

[Wheelhor]

Good on ya for walking away

 

[4Canada]

There will always be the right one, around the corner.
If price is an issue, you may need to be more patient. But the car will be there if you wait.