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The Barchetta should regularly return 30mpg in mixed driving but servicing costs are higher than for the MGF and Mazda MX5, and left hand drive means it costs a little more to insure too. It does not hold its value as well as the alternatives either. One factor works against the Barchetta's future used prospects: left-hand drive. It's so much cheaper going direct to Europe, or buying an import, that the UK model has become close to pointless. Resale values have dropped, and although there is some used demand, it's only at the right price. It's not as fashionable as it was, and in this market that means lower prices. Good news for buyers though, because this fundamentally reliable car is becoming very affordable. The Barchetta was once competitively priced, but while the MGF and Mazda MX-5 have evolved and cost no more, the Barchetta hasn't changed at all, in either price or specification. Remember, too, that Fiat tends only to import 'comfort pack' cars for stock, at increased cost. Shop abroad, such as in Italy, and you can save a good three-grand - which makes it a lot more atttractive.
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