GT - should I buy one?
Discussion
Good choice, either model is OK and the petrol will be newer and/or lower mileage. Check when the cambelts last been done (due at 36k on JTS, 60K on JTD) check the JTS for EOBD lights, make sure the clutch is OK on the JTD, otherwise just buy the car you most feel comfortable with. Ignore the Alfa doom mongers and also ignore the so called Alfa specialists who prey on buyers fears. They are strong cars, better than contemporary Germans and much cheaper to repair.
V6s should have had belts replaced, and preferably an upgrade to the water pump with a metal impeller rather than the standard plastic. Alfa set the intervals at 72k/5yrs - I worked on 48k/4yrs as most people did. The V6s are a bulletproof engine otherwise. The biggest thing with GTs is fit and finish; they use the 147 dash and some of the quality here and there can be a bit shoddy, but the mechanicals in general are superb.
robsco said:
V6s should have had belts replaced, and preferably an upgrade to the water pump with a metal impeller rather than the standard plastic. Alfa set the intervals at 72k/5yrs - I worked on 48k/4yrs as most people did. The V6s are a bulletproof engine otherwise. The biggest thing with GTs is fit and finish; they use the 147 dash and some of the quality here and there can be a bit shoddy, but the mechanicals in general are superb.
Thanks for the advice. It claims to have had the belt done, will check for evidence of that and a metal impeller.OperationAlfa said:
I would definitely get the JTD over the JTS, the JTS engine is terrible.
If you can, have a look at the 3.2 if it's feasible for you.
Not wanting to cause an argument here but I really like my JTS engine, sound, power delivery, smoothness etc! What is it that makes it terrible in your opinion? I would love a 3.2, made the decision to go for a 2.0 because of the amount of miles I was travelling and soon after got a job closer to home so a 3.2 would have been feasible in the end. The 3.2 engine alone is worth buying a GT for, plus the possibility of adding an LSD. I like to think the inference that a 2.0 is less nose heavy than a 3.2 is true as it makes me feel better! If you can, have a look at the 3.2 if it's feasible for you.
OperationAlfa said:
There was a load of problems with the early ones causing deposit build ups in the valves which meant a load of them were down on power considerably. I've even seen one GT where the engine threw a conrod into the passenger footwell!!
I'm sure they've solved that by now although I hope conrods being chucked at passengers is not a common occurence?!!!!RenesisEvo said:
Thanks for the advice. It claims to have had the belt done, will check for evidence of that and a metal impeller.
Also be certain that its not just the cambelt that was replaced - it should have had all idlers, tensioners, pulleys and the aforementioned water pump replaced too at the same time. After all, these are just as likely to fail as the belt itself, so its vital that these are done too.Back from my little test drive!
I wish I hadn't gone now... because now I really want one! What a noise! A great engine, I could drive it almost like my diesel, but it sings and responds cleanly and well in all gears. Gear shift a little slack and clutch a little heavy but seemd ok. Didn't detect any noises from the suspension. All the MoT certificates were present, plenty of main dealer stamps and receipts. Dealer was spot on, a pleasure to deal with.
However, a few things put me off. It's on 97k, but the clocks are on 65k (reverse clocking? No, fuel gauge was broken apparently), the coolant level was well below the Min marker when I checked it, and I couldn't get the electric mirrors to respond on either side. And I had to really turn up the radio before I could hear it, front speakers might have not been working. A lovely car, but I think it might be wise to spend a bit more on a lower mileage one.
Feel free to PM if you want to know what specific car I viewed.
I wish I hadn't gone now... because now I really want one! What a noise! A great engine, I could drive it almost like my diesel, but it sings and responds cleanly and well in all gears. Gear shift a little slack and clutch a little heavy but seemd ok. Didn't detect any noises from the suspension. All the MoT certificates were present, plenty of main dealer stamps and receipts. Dealer was spot on, a pleasure to deal with.
However, a few things put me off. It's on 97k, but the clocks are on 65k (reverse clocking? No, fuel gauge was broken apparently), the coolant level was well below the Min marker when I checked it, and I couldn't get the electric mirrors to respond on either side. And I had to really turn up the radio before I could hear it, front speakers might have not been working. A lovely car, but I think it might be wise to spend a bit more on a lower mileage one.
Feel free to PM if you want to know what specific car I viewed.
Thanks for all the comments guys. Well I test drove a couple of '04 JTS's and an '05 JDT today. They really are beautiful to look at and I found the interior very comfortable which is fortunate as I am over 6 foot. I had no particular preference of the JDT over the JTS. The downside for me was the ride quality, I was surprised that it wasn't a lot smoother. I wasn't put off but just not totally convinced.
Edited by nixB10 on Saturday 5th November 21:20
Lots of useful links here for you (scroll down a bit): http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?car...
Kinky said:
Lots of useful links here for you (scroll down a bit): http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?car...
Thanks for that 
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