Hi,
has anyone ever owned an Alfa147. My daughter has set her heart on one, mainly a 1.6 lusso. I know there is an issue with cambelts but was wondering if there are any other major issues to be on the lookout for. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Andy.

 

I know it's not a 147 but. . . .



I have no experience of owning an Alfa, but I know that the 2 156 Estates we have at work haven't lasted that well

 

I've owned a 156.
Interesting experience.

Piss poor dealer support.
Expensive to service.
Drinks oil like petrol
Build quality woeful.
Fuse box trim kept dropping on the carpet.
A lovely orchestra of rattles and squeaks.
Not exactly what I would call reliable.

But when every everything works... it was a great car.

Now.. Would I buy another one.. Nope.
Would I recommend an Alfa.. Nope.
Did I love my Alfa... Yep.

 

She's not buying new, and I'm well aware of their dealer reputation. Like I said she's set her heart on one. Surely there must be something positive about them!! Sorry only just seen Gaspodes entry.

 

I took a test drive of a 147 before I bought my Civic Type-R and in reality what put me off was the Salesman who went for me on the test drive. He took me through busy West London roads and actually made me feel nervous in the car. The guy from the Honda dealer got me out of London and onto some great roads and encouraged me to push the car and have some fun.

I have owned a 146 though and didn't regret it for a second. I bought a 3yr old model and ran it for two years and 40,000 miles with not a hiccup. At the time, I knew I could have bought a potentially more reliable Escort / Astra but I wouldn't have had anywhere near the fun I had with the 146. It had a sweet boxer engine which was a joy to listen to. I often drove to work without the stereo on.
For some time I commuted from London to Peterborough 5 days a week for work in it with absolutely no problems. I only sold it when I had to take up a company car.

I bought it from here, Veloces, and the guys were brilliant. They're Alfa specialists rather than a dealer so you wouldn't have to put up with poor Fiat / Alfa servicing. They would also be cheaper.

They have 6 in stock at the moment including a sweet GTA.

I know all the problems associated with Alfa, maybe I was lucky in my experience but as Clarkson says, "you can't call yourself a true petrolhead until you've owned an Alfa".

 

mine did the same


despite all of the silly niggles.. still liked the car a lot


as long as the car is cheap enough - and you are realistic in having a budget to take care of it.. should be a fun alternative.

 

Check out www.alfa156.net

147 section on there.

All I'll say is I'm now on my second

 

W

 

Thanks guys, I know a Focus makes sense, but she doesn't want sensible. The pro's and cons have been pointed out, we just have to find a good 'un now !!

 

Actually, it's rather reassuring to read some positive (ish) comments about the car.

Perhaps what is annoying is they actually sound no more shit than the french cars that people seem to buy by the billion. Yet Alfa's a dirty word.

It's just something I've never got. Perhaps it's that Alfas appeal to petrolheads who bother to find out & avoid them, whereas Renos appeal to people who know far call about cars, so don't do any research.