Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio... reliability

[firethorne]

I have no issue with the Corsa in the wet, I was on m25 in a monsoon yesterday and found the car so planted . It’s more the cold. I like the idea of not having to change every winter, so might try the mps 4s next , but do love the Corsa.

[firethorne]

Well guys and girls , spoke to soon. After 5500 great mile, it let me down big time today. About 30 warnings lights came on, lost power steering put me into lump home mode and give it its due got me back to my office. Great start to the customer service, with Mechanic out within 50 minutes, Established it was a wheel sensor so needed to get collected . Collected within the hour, good conversation with the guys at Tunbridge Wells told him I need is a courtesy car by four. And that’s where the good bit ends, still without the courtesy car, and a lot of finger-pointing between two departments, seriously pissed off with this bit, much more than the car letting me down . So looks like it’s the corvette for the weekend! Thank god the sun is shining!

[firethorne]

So... I now have my car back . The issue was actually the power steering, electrically it failed and they sent a load of warnings that put the car into limp home mode and sent them on a bit of a bum steer when trying to diagnose the issue . After being totally let down by the courtesy car from Alpha direct, Tunbridge Wells stood up and help me out, getting me a Fiat 500 4x4 thingyTo get me out of trouble and then follow that up the following day with a Stelvoi.

A little disappointing, that the first power steering unit that turned up was damaged, but I got it back on Thursday, first drive on Friday found out the steering wasn’t tracked properly, once again bit disappointed as this is a bit of a schoolboy error, so it was picked up yesterday and brought back to me at the end of the play running and now also driving back perfect again .
I get these things can happen, the tracking was just a stupid error that has made the experience a bit more disappointing, the issue now is is that mentally I’m waiting for it to break down, I want to balance that with I’ve had an Audi A4 that they had to keep for four months because of an electrical issue they could never find, and I’ve had an A5 the left me on the side of the road with a water pump I gess these things can happen, the tracking was just a stupid error that has made to experience a bit more disappointing, the issue now is that mentally and waiting for it to break down.

If the question is do I wish I’d never brought it? The answer is definitely at this stage no way, I absolutely love the car and if this is the only problem I have with it then I’m good. Let’s just hope this isn’t the first of a few.

Written by voice command, so apologies for any strange words

[firethorne]

FocusRS3 said:

generationx said:

Mine just popped over 21,000 miles at the weekend. Not a thing to report.

I've read that the car can 'pop' itself out of Race from time to time.

2k for a new carbon splitter if needed is lumpy

I have never heard of this, never had any issue with it changing mode . And if you jack the car up and see how much carbon fibre is in that front splitter, it’s worth every penny, the thing is about 800 mm deep !

[firethorne]

Dingle Dell said:

firethorne said:

So... I now have my car back . The issue was actually the power steering, electrically it failed and they sent a load of warnings that put the car into limp home mode and sent them on a bit of a bum steer when trying to diagnose the issue . After being totally let down by the courtesy car from Alpha direct, Tunbridge Wells stood up and help me out, getting me a Fiat 500 4x4 thingyTo get me out of trouble and then follow that up the following day with a Stelvoi.

I still keep getting the urge to go and buy one of these, and if I do it I will probably buy new, to get the full 5yr warranty. My local dealer is Maidstone but Tunbridge Wells is not far away, and out of the two whenever I have popped in, the latter strikes me as better run.

Would be interested in hearing if you are generally happy with sales / service levels at Tunbridge Wells.

I have found the sales and after service teams at T Wells very good. A little disappointed with the tracking issue not being picked up before being given back, however all sorted quickly professionally and friendly. The sales guy is Peter Williams, I found him very easy to get on with and Wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them. Hope that helps

[firethorne]

firethorne said:

Dingle Dell said:

firethorne said:

So... I now have my car back . The issue was actually the power steering, electrically it failed and they sent a load of warnings that put the car into limp home mode and sent them on a bit of a bum steer when trying to diagnose the issue . After being totally let down by the courtesy car from Alpha direct, Tunbridge Wells stood up and help me out, getting me a Fiat 500 4x4 thingyTo get me out of trouble and then follow that up the following day with a Stelvoi.

I still keep getting the urge to go and buy one of these, and if I do it I will probably buy new, to get the full 5yr warranty. My local dealer is Maidstone but Tunbridge Wells is not far away, and out of the two whenever I have popped in, the latter strikes me as better run.

Would be interested in hearing if you are generally happy with sales / service levels at Tunbridge Wells.

I have found the sales and after service teams at T Wells very good. A little disappointed with the tracking issue not being picked up before being given back, however all sorted quickly professionally and friendly. The sales guy is Peter Williams, I found him very easy to get on with and Wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them. Hope that helps

On the sunvisor is the telephone number for a central system, I didn’t find them the best, however they did ask me where I wanted the car to go to, I elected for it to go back to T Wells and once they taken over I found the service and being kept up-to-date with the situation very good.

[firethorne]

generationx said:

footsoldier said:

I should know this as I owned one for 6 months...but what happens if it does break down? Do you call a central number and they take it to nearest dealer who will fix and get it back to you, or do you have to sort things out with dealer you purchased from?

I don’t have a dealer nearby, which is probably biggest issue for ordering another one.

I don’t know about others, but mine has a sticker in the side window with national and international helpline numbers.

Touching wood: I’ve never needed them

I feel I have been really well looked after there, mostly issues I’ve had with the Alpha helpline, when I had all the warning lights come on. However I have found Tunbridge Wells to be extremely polite, friendly and really do want you to be happy. I got a phone call after the issues I had one of the senior managers “Natasha”, along with regular updates From my service manager I really friendly chap called Stace. Peter Williams was a sales guy, once again more than happy with his information and friendly out look. Reading between the lines of a lot of other views it does sound like people feel let down by the servicing and sales people, and with my experience with Audi, Jaguar, and other high-end brands, what are they do not quite fit that standard they certainly are a good honest dealership .
If you ever do decide to go appreciate you mentioning that I have recommended them. ( as I will be going there for my next car )
Marin Baker 👍

[firethorne]

velocemitch said:

FocusRS3 said:

Hadn’t thought this to be the case as AR are producing some good looking cars now-

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltaylor/2019/07...

I’m not convinced that article has that much credibility but unfortunately you only have to look at the sales figures to see there is something badly wrong at Alfa at the moment. Yes they have two really good Cars with the Giulia and Stelvio, but the Giulietta is ancient now and they badly need something to sell in big numbers. Tonale May or may not be the answer, we shall find out I guess.

Agree that the article may not stand up, but one of the main reasons I wanted a qv was for a level of exclusivity !! I don’t want AR to become another Audi, merc or beema . I have other driver flash and give thumbs up! Get that on a m3!? I doubt it.

[firethorne]

urquattroGus said:

footsoldier said:

Just been through the same comparison, and bought my second QV...

https://www.evo.co.uk/features/22971/mercedes-amg-...

Nice, I'm 2.5 years 27,000 miles into mine and plan to do the same in a couple of years time.

Any differences with the new car? Apple Car play and folding rear seats?? Feels just as good?

Struggle to think what I would replace mine with apart from another one.

I've not had a bond with a modern car like this before; it's been a real pleasure.

Totally get it! Loving mine and can’t imagine what will replace it apart from another one in the same colour.

[firethorne]

Seeing the dealership negativity , I still remain happy with Tunbridge Wells, and they care far more than any Audi or Jaguar dealership I have ever dealt with !

[firethorne]

Dingle Dell said:

Picked up my 69 plate on September 1st - no issues yet!

Tunbridge Wells have been good so far.

Lovely car. The morning I picked it up I went for a little drive and parked up somewhere and had this old fellow come over and say that it was his dream car that he would love to own over anything else on the road including Ferrari's, Porsche's, etc. I found that so many people seem to love the car - it gets attention, but in a good way.

Edited by Dingle Dell on Wednesday 11th September 22:03

I get a lot of that, thumbs up on the road, comments at petrol stations, boy racers telling me to blast it , to hear the exhaust. ....never fork that in my Audi.

Also glad your experience with Twells is also good. I’m
Not saying they are perfect, but wheat dealer is. I can tell you some horrific stories about my experience with Audi Crawley .

[firethorne]

Phil_D said:

2017 21k no issues, had to get the fuel flap replaced due to it distorting in the cold. Overall a truly fantastic car, more reliable than the RS4 it replaced. For anyone in NI, Donnelly's Alfa Romeo are a brilliant dealer, could not fault them .

Since starting this post I am 14k miles In to mine, apart from one major issue with power steering rack it’s all good. With mps4 on for the winter it handles the cold wet weather fine. Loving it and while I’m now use to the power I never get board of it !

Edited by firethorne on Thursday 9th January 07:37

[firethorne]

Redmax said:

Are there any known issues of car alarms going off randomly on the Giulia, the QF specifically? Ours seems to go off more nights than not It's definitely false alarms rather than break-in attempts.

Thanks,

Jason

Never had any issue with mine and not heard of that. I would get that looked at my be a faulty sensor !

[firethorne]

Redmax said:

Krikkit said:

But the important question is, is it worth it?

I can't remember..!

Sitrep: the car got recovered to our local dealer on Tuesday. By last Friday the DNA fault had been fixed apparently, not sure what the root cause was as yet. I've rung up twice to ensure they replace the broken engine loom plug (that's caused the first two issues and is currently cable-tied up to keep it connected) and to desensitise the alarm - from the interactions I've had I have limited confidence they've actually fixed those issues as they seem 'new' requests every time I talk to the service guys.

Whilst the DNA issue has allegedly been fixed, we're not allowed to take the car home yet - they say there's been a safety recall and the required parts need to come from Italy. Will be at least another week before we get it back. So we're looking at three callouts, a recovery, and two weeks in the dealers. On a 6-week old car.

Awesome

My advice to anyone reading this and contemplating a left-field alternative to the usual BMW, Audi, Mercedes - avoid, avoid Alfa like the plague. I say this having had most brands over the years and having had some pretty nice cars. This is utterly ridiculous and so deeply, deeply disappointing.

What year is your car?
I started this thread a year or so ago and now done 18000 miles in my 2019 qv, apart from one issue it’s not missed a beat, way better than the 3 Audi’s I’ve owned and just an amazing daily car for me .

[firethorne]

MarkJS said:

R.Sole said:

MarkJS said:

urquattroGus said:

Comparing a 440i to a Giulia Quad, don't get that one.

If you read my original post on the matter, it's very clear that I wasn't. Then someone started talking about how a Quad looks...in a thread about quality.

Very true because you will only see the back for a very short time!

Just long enough to snigger at your warped plastic fuel flap sticking out.

Ooooo you bh ... mines just started to do that but it’s helping with right hand turns... clever these Italians pmsl.

[firethorne]

Anyway I’ve brought a more suitable car to go along with my qv , looking to keep the cost down etc etc ..... LP560-4

[firethorne]

SagMan said:

Congrats on that purchase and great combo . You have good tastes . Enjoy both

Thanks buddy

[firethorne]

Redmax said:

Redmax said:

Redmax said:

It’s essentially brand new - got it just before Christmas. 69 plate, we’re the first owners.

Still no sign of getting the car back, it's still awaiting parts from Italy. So in about 8 weeks of ownership we've had three recovery callouts, and for two weeks and counting it's been with the dealer.

The recall is for a fan apparently, it can fail and overheat the engine.

Another week without the car making it three weeks at the dealer awaiting parts from Italy, still no guidance on when we'll get it back

Gutted for you, I don’t think this represents the quadrifoglio brand generally , but I do wish you car back quickly.

[firethorne]

I started this thread a few years Ago and now only have 1 year (ish) left with the quadrifoglio , starting to
Think about a replacement and had very little issue so do I jump in another one . Or m3, what’s the view on c63? I fear both may feel like a down grade!?

Also thinking suv what’s the view on the Macan ? Not sure why this appeals, need to get a ride in one when show rooms open I think .

[firethorne]

darty said:

I was in the same boat. Only driven 11k miles in 3 years and the car still feels special. Normally I get bored, but I decided to buy a 2 year service plan and 2 years extended warranty and ride it out for a few more years. For my requirements I can’t think of many better options... I did add the AHM exhaust flap mod which completes the car

Yes I added that AMH remote flap after 1week , I understand the new cars have a button now??

I do 15-20k miles a year and never get board with it! Going to test drive the main players before deciding but have a year to do this .