Alfa Romeo

G

Gabriel

Guest
There was a thread on this topic some time ago I remember but I can't seem to find it.

Am in the market for a new car and am looking at Alfa's. 147's and 156's in particular.

What's the deal with reliability? Is there a certain year/time where they became more reliable? Pre '00 bad/ post '00 good?

Is there much difference in reliability between the two models?

Finally, has anyone any tips on what to look out for when buying a second hand Alfa? Every car has its own demons. I will probably steer clear of car dealers and opt for the buyandsell route.

Thanks.
 
You are right....

There was a thread. Can't find either.

To own an Alfa you have to be very brave. (1) The depreciation is shocking. I have a 2.0L 166, new price €44K. Only 52K on the clock and I'll let you drive it away for €5K cash (2) Timing Belt, big job on the 156/166 and has to be done at 45K miles. Not worth taking a chance on this, I've heard horror stories (3) Main Dealer servicing costs an arm an a leg, I use an Alfa Specialist (isn't cheap but a lot cheaper than the dealers). I've had mine nearly three years, power steering packed in, air conditioning went ( each about 600-700 to fix ) and air conditioning unit blew again over the christmas ( haven't got fixed yet ). Never a days trouble with the engine though.

The 147, my sister had one, gave a lot of trouble with the electrics. A friend of mine has a 156, same difficulties with the electronics.

Tips: Don't buy one without a complete service history. Check that the timing belt has been done. The service manual says it should be done at 72K however Alfa advised all dealerships that you're taking your life in your hands by doing same. Pose the same question on [broken link removed] . All sorts of petrol heads on same that will give you a more complete answer.
 
Re: Alfa

If purchasing an Alfa 156 it is better to purchase a post late 2000 vehicle with Euro 3 engine and without selespeed transmission to avoid most problems with electrics and mechanicals.
Go for lowest mileage possible and FSH if possible. Inspect owner carefully.
www.alfa156.net is the best place to go for advice.

questions to explicitly ask:
Does the airbag work.
does the air con work.
does the intermittent speed on wipers work
Is there a knock in the engine?(v. important as many of them have worn crankshafts which the owners are trying to hide)
Has the timing belt been changed
 
Re: Alfa

Thanks for all the replies guys. You may have managed to spook me enough that I'm re-thinking my alfa plans.
 
Worth it

Hi Gabriel, I think you should reconsider... I've been an Alfa owner for years, from an old 33 to my current 00 156 and love them. Sure, they have a few idiosyncracies ;- but well worth it. They're a lot of fun to drive, and apart from the electrics apart surprisingly reliable... 4 years later and 58K miles my 156 is in great form and I still enjoy driving it
 
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