Hopefully, you were meaning to show this one: (Your link went to a screaming red Eldorado...) https://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Fiat-131/324045757268?hash=item4b72a1db54:g:SMgAAOSwszVeIkP-
Otherwise, a cop might stop you for weaving all over the road or something? The later ones were injected. A buddy of mine bought a 4-door sedan which was Bosch-injected. It ran pretty good. At least, the engines are good in these. I don't know, however, who built their automatics. On these, it's better that they have less gadgets, because one of the Achilles Heels were switches that would fly apart or simply be subject to early corrosion. In other words, this isn't a brand of which you can cowboy around with. The rear axles are also dependable leakers, at the driveshaft. So, when you get around to replacing the seal, take care not to replace it with a factory original part. Other than that, they ride comfortably and handle pretty good
$9,500? I don't think so...... Although a good car at the time, compared to other...…...Fiats, the 131 wasn't really known for being on par with say a Datsun 710, or a Toyota Corona of the day. It MAY have handled a bit better, but it certainly wouldn't have been built better. I'm wondering how it fared in a comparison road test by Car & Driver? They probably did one...…. The wagon's in Glendale, CA, by the way, a Los Angeles area suburb.
Nice looking little Rat, to bad its an automatic and has the small 1.6 L engine. In the early 1980's I owned a 1979 124T Wagon, with the twin OHC 2.0L engine and a 5-speed manual. It was actually a fun little wagon to drive, handled well had 4-wheel manual disc brakes, and even got over 30 mpg Highway. Only around 16 mpg city with me beating on the engine around town. I have no experiance with the 131 models. but it sure looks like my old 124?
The 131 was basically the next generation of the 124..... at least in the U.S. (Not talking about the 124 'sport' models).
Strange as I remember my 124T as being a 1979 Model? And this 131 is listed as a 1978? I wonder if they sold both for a year or two? Or if my memory is starting to fade more than I want to admit?
I think, the 131 was added to FIAT's line-up. The 124 convertible continued way into the 80's. Therefore, there really wasn't a need for discontinuing the 124 altogether, as long as domestic demand was still there. FIAT also built a 132