Suggested buying an Alfa at a party, didn't expect answers

[stuart-b]

To set the scene, last night at the OH's birthday party I mentioned I was going to replace the Astra for something a bit more fun, as I have a BMW E92 I use for day to day.

There isn't much fun to be had for 5k if you are looking for a thrilling drive, more than 4 pots, that won't cost the earth to maintain, so I set my sights on a decent Alfa GTV V6, which would be fully sorted for that money. Everyone has to have an Alfa at least once in their life, right? Or so I thought.

Cue being ribbed by everyone - including the OH, who thought it was a much better idea to get a Cooper S (why couldn't I see that one coming a mile away ... )

"The engine will be great, but everything else will break around it", "I'd rather drive a Skoda", etc etc !

This wasn't in the UK, the party was international expats from France, Slovakia, Bosnia, Germany and more - all of them, took the piss.

Where has the love for Alfa gone?

I'm thinking sod the lot of 'em - a GTV (or perhaps Cup), sports exhaust, etc.





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scFNcpnCNFE

[stuart-b]

AudiWurst said:

Harsh, but I'd imagine most people who have bought an old/cheap Alfa have taken the approach that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, and have only announced their purchase to their other half when the car has already been bought and is sat on the driveway.

True, and considering the bland boxes being driven around, it does make a change from the norm. Actually I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks, I will always buy the car that suits me, as I'm paying for it, and driving it I was just surprised at the reactions. I thought old sporty Alfa's were loved by all... I saw the Top Gear episode where they pitted the GTV against the MK1 Focus RS and Golf R32. All said the Golf was technically better, but everyone took the Alfa.

That cup is great, very strong money though - a bit like the 968 CS, huge money, better value to be had else where. A normal GTV 3.0 with 2k spent on sorting bits is a better idea (at least, for me).

[stuart-b]

V8forweekends said:

Ex wife had a 4 pot GTV from new in Y2K. Faultless except for wear and tear items for at least 80k (from memory) she was one of the least mechanically sympathetic drivers I have ever met and thrashed the flip out of it. It was a fabulous car, loved it and would have another (even and old 1k one) in an instant. Hugely underrated IMHO.

ETA In other advice, don't ask tts at parties to critique car choices :-)

Good to know.

Actually, it started with a friend from Germany stating he wanted to sell his 2nd car (Corsa), and I said me too (Astra). He wants to buy a Mazda 4x4 (says it all..) I mentioned Alfa, cue laughs at my expense I was all taken as fun, I wasn't upset or offended whatsoever, I was just surprised t'is all.

[stuart-b]

Jurgen said:

Most people I know that aren't really into cars just want an Audi, for some reason that's the highest status level you can achieve.

The GTV will probably annoy you at times with small defects and you'll develop a strong love/hate relationship. I've had a very well sorted Fiat Coupe 20vt and always had a small to-do list. But it was very enjoyable and never bonded so much with a car, you'll probably love the Alfa most of the time! So don't listen to those boring people and just buy one

You get that a lot here. I tried an A5 before I bought my E92 - the quality of plastics was very bad, wasn't impressed at all with the interior (personal preference). I also wanted RWD. Yet, all I hear is, buy an Audi, reach car perfection. I had that love hate relationship with Porsche 924/944S2- and I loved those cars. I should mention my ideal car is a Sebring V8 MG - but can't justify 25k on a weekend car yet

[stuart-b]

ArsE92 said:

Typo maybe, but that was the 147 GTA.

I watched that video several times on Youtube before I bought mine

You're right, that wasn't the video I meant, there was another one with the GTV. Pitted against all the other Coupes of the era.

Edited by stuart-b on Wednesday 23 April 18:24

[stuart-b]

ORD said:

I've never understood the Alfa thing - relatively pretty but flawed cars. I find it hard to get my head around the idea that a car being flawed (i.e. a bit bad) gives it "character". If an Alfa is worse than a Golf, it is a pretty average car. We romanticise poor engineering and build quality!

This is what everyone else with a German car at the party was telling me. I have an E92, if you want a car with flaws, this is one. I can give you a list as long as my arm of problems... don't even get me started on the interior with bits breaking and wearing out (not even 40k miles). They aren't E30's that's for sure.

[stuart-b]

DeltonaS said:

Audi interiors of the past decade do not seem to age well, shiny scruffy leather, tired plastics.

But why not buy a 147 or 156 gta ??

Don't like the styling. I think the GTV has aged much better with the front light cluster and I love Coupes

[stuart-b]

Olivera said:

OP, if you have an E92 BMW then I simply wouldn't bother with a wobbly old GTV with a boat anchor slung out over the driven wheels. Stick with what you've got or buy something that really is more enjoyable to drive.

Did you drive one though? It's a lot less wobbly than a V12 XJS

With the Q2 diff it is regarded as a superb chassis - and with a few subtle mods can be ~240 bhp.

Really can't see the issue

[stuart-b]

RichB said:

orgive me but I didn't do that. Not being a fan of BMWs I don't even know what an E92 is without looking it up on Google. My reply was simply to say that your opinion was undermined by the use of a derogatory term like "boat anchor" to describe the Alfa V6 engine. One could obviously use a BMW straight 6 as a boat anchor but even though I have no interest in BMWs I am sufficiently aware of their engines' qualities not be flippantly dismissive of them.

It's me with the E92, he has the V12 boat anchor in a rust bucket

But seriously, it's a cheap car for cheap thrills. I'm not expecting 12C driving dynamics - just a bit of fun. I can assure you it's better than a 1.6 Astra!

You can't compare a 3k Audi to a 3k GTV - the GTV has depreciated enough to make it viable