Alfa 147 - Any good?

[Graham B]

My other half is seriously smitten on the Alfa 147, now whilst I think it's a good looking car I still have my reservations about buying an Alfa.

Let me know what you think. Has anyone got one/driven one? Are they reliable these days?

Cheers,

Graham
Ps. She's after a 1.6 Lusso

[SBD]

Haven't they just announced that they're going to do a 3 litre V6 version?

[Gargamel]

swmbo - her car is a 147 2.0

In my opinion - great engine, loverly car - uses about a litre of oil per 1000 miles (typical alfa) - but goes great - came fully loaded - a/c elec windows - traction control, leather seats 18inch alloys etc etc even heated front seats

all the usual alfa design touches - really a great car


Except .....

2.0 is quite a handful through the front wheels and there is something about the handling that is not fully inspiring of confidence ... I certainly don't consider it a very chuckable car.

But - very competant, adult, good value and a fine auto for a daily drive

And so far niggle free !

[Graham B]

Unfortunately (for me - as she doesn't care what's under the bonnet) I'm sure that'll be slightly out of her price range!

Edited to say I'm talking about the 3.0V6 that SBD mentioned!!

Graham

>> Edited by Graham B on Tuesday 1st October 17:24

[pdv6]

I've had a few as loan cars (no 2 litres or the GTA, though!). Basically, apart from the 'good' looks (in the eye of the beholder and all that) its just like any other Fiesta-class motor IMO.

Considering the motoring press were waxing lyrical about its handling & performance, I thought it was wobbly & sluggish!

[Gargamel]

I don't think fiesta class is a fair shout

the 147 is about the size of a focus for one thing, and is a fair bit more capable than a fiesta - ours will crack 130 mph for one thing ....

[go-go]

Go for it, I was dubious too, no niggles, handles well if susp. set up is ok, and "the other half" likes the shape.

[.Mark]

A mate of mine has one of these, loves it to bits.

But then he has a 1.6 Vectra LS company car.

Go for it I say.

[Graham B]

Thanks for the comments, the local Alfa dealer are currently trying to sort out a part exchange value on her current car (Corsa!!) so once they've given us a figure we'll be better placed to procede and get a test drive etc.

I still can't help thinking she'd be better off buying a second hand Audi A3 turbo or something but she's got her heart set on the Alfa...

Graham

>> Edited by Graham B on Wednesday 2nd October 10:54

[gnomesmith]

I've always loved Alfas as their depreciation was so savage I could afford a good recent one providing I chopped it in before:-

(i) it depreciated to zero
(ii) it turned into a heap of ferous oxide

Are things any better of either front?

[pdv6]

quote:
I've always loved Alfas as their depreciation was so savage I could afford a good recent one providing I chopped it in before:-

(i) it depreciated to zero
(ii) it turned into a heap of ferous oxide

Are things any better of either front?

(i) Depreciation's still mad - good for 2nd hand buys!
(ii) Rustproofing seems ok these days
(iii) Dealerships. I'll resist the urge to name & shame, but if you can find a good one, hang on to them! Not so much of a problem for 2nd hand cars, though, as there are a few specialists around.

[Graham B]

quote:
I've always loved Alfas as their depreciation was so savage I could afford a good recent one providing I chopped it in before:-

Is depreciation an issue with the 147's? I've looked second hand and the all seem to be hovering around the 10k mark (not bad). I guess they are still relatively new...

[Mon Ami Mate]

Dealers are a major issue for Alfa owners. I'm on my fourth Alfa and have experienced the full panoply (if you look at my profile, you'll find a thread detailing a recent experience of a big name trying very hard to rip me off in the most pathetic way). Use SGT at Taplow - I have no vested interest and am happy to recommend them as the very best.

[Gargamel]

no problems with the dealers, they let us test drive several - on our own, gave us a better courtesy car when ours was being serviced, really no problems

no rust yet - but still early days really, depreciation average...

[Spiderman]

I suggest you take a look at www.alfaowner.com
The 147 owners are in the vast majority there,so you won`t find a shortage of opinions on the cars virtues and vices.For my part ,I had a 156 as a company car which contrary to expectations,did not break down or dissolve in the rain.My wife has a 2 litre Spider,too so you could say we like them.Had a 147 Selespeed for a couple of days on demo.Much nicer than similarly priced cars,but I would suggest you stick with the conventional manual.The Selespeed suffers from far tooo many reliability gremlins for me to reccomend one.
But have to agree the dealers are mostly crap!
However SGT do seem to have a good reputation,and in my limited dealing with them, Perrys at Amersham are OK too.

[pdv6]

quote:
The Selespeed suffers from far tooo many reliability gremlins for me to reccomend one.

No direct experience of Selespeeds, but I've overheard scathing conversations* about them in my local dealership whilst waiting for my car.


* Between staff, not customers - a bit different to the line they take when a punter comes in looking to buy one!

[Leadfoot]

I went looking at Sportwagons before deciding on my Leon.
Whilst waiting for the saleman to collect the keys for a demo, I overheard an exchange between a customer & the service desk:
"My F**ing selespeeds F**ing F***ed a F***ing 'gain! etc etc"
Out comes salesman "we've only got a manual, but I'm sure we could get a selespeed in for you to try, they're bleddy good you know". "er, no thanks. don't worry".