The Giulia Spider handles beautifully when its suspension and steering are fresh — and feels tired and vague when they're not. Most of what wears is routine and renewable; the trick is telling a car that needs the usual refresh from one that's been neglected.
What wears
As on any classic, the perishable parts are the bushes, dampers and steering joints. Tired rubber bushes let the suspension move where it shouldn't, dulling the handling; worn dampers let it float and wallow; and wear in the steering shows up as vagueness and play at the wheel.
What to check
On a test drive, feel for vagueness or play in the steering, clonks over bumps (worn bushes or joints), and a floaty, poorly-controlled ride (tired dampers). Check the car tracks straight and doesn't pull. Uneven tyre wear can point to worn components or misalignment.
What it means
A full suspension and steering refresh — bushes, dampers, joints and a fresh alignment — is routine specialist or competent-DIY work, and parts are available. It transforms a tired car, so a Spider that feels vague isn't necessarily a worry; it may simply be due for the usual overhaul. Factor the work in, but don't mistake honest wear for a fault.
The reward
Set up properly, these cars steer and handle in a way that explains their reputation. A suspension refresh is one of the most rewarding things you can do to a tired but sound Giulia Spider.