Just found this on eBay - calling all Alfa fans/owners.

[MonkeyWrench]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Any thoughts? Heard they are meant to be quite good, and am in the market for a small, cheapish roadster. Plus it looks the business, which is always a bonus Are they as unreliable as I have heard Alfas can be? What are they like on insurance?

[Wombat Rick]

Just check that the cambelt has been done recently - you want concrete documented proof. If it hasn't, factor in £400 of work to have it done straight away. Listen out for clonks from the suspension and check for even tyre wear across the tread. Check the oil every week and enjoy it!

[velocemitch]

Rear suspension was always the achilees heel of this generation of Spider/GTV. But if it's been done, which it likely has by now it should be OK.
Can't go too far wrong at that price really.

[51mes]

yeah,

my uncle had the 2.0 GTV his rear subframe bushes had worn to th epoint where the actual subframe itself had been damaged - his full arsh was the only thing between him and a 2.5K (dealer) bill.

If these are replaced with powerflex bushes - job done....


SImes.

[V6Alfisti]

GTV 2.0 Litres

Ensure cambelt/tensioners have been changed (every 36,000 miles or 3 years), also look for a variator replacement (otherwise car will sound like a diesel on start up)

Check the oil!! if low...walk a mile

Rear suspension bushes can wear
Ensure air con blows cold
All warning lights go out when started
Check wipers (sometimes the intermittent can play up)
Exhausts aren't the strongest aspect of the car
Check inner tyre wear (indicates tracking needs to be done)

and all the usual car check stuff

Service history is essential, and lots of proof of work done to the car