Brera - Any must knows?

[Sycamore]

Hi,

I'm thinking of changing my car and I've been looking at Alfa's, specifically the Brera.

I want something which looks 'different' and stands out in a sea of Fiestas(Current car), Golfs, A3's etc.

The tiny back seats aren't a problem for me, so the Brera is standing out. I've heard they're not a great drive, but I don't mind this all too much. Also, I'm not a great fan of the GT.

Anything I should know in lieu of looking around for one? Not sure on petrol/diesel yet. I do 12k P/a, 95% urban, so I'm slightly put off the diesel.

Thanks!

[AlfaRSpider]

Sycamore said:

Hi,

I'm thinking of changing my car and I've been looking at Alfa's, specifically the Brera.

I want something which looks 'different' and stands out in a sea of Fiestas(Current car), Golfs, A3's etc.

The tiny back seats aren't a problem for me, so the Brera is standing out. I've heard they're not a great drive, but I don't mind this all too much. Also, I'm not a great fan of the GT.

Anything I should know in lieu of looking around for one? Not sure on petrol/diesel yet. I do 12k P/a, 95% urban, so I'm slightly put off the diesel.

Thanks!

If you're going for petrol, take the V6 engine over the 2.2 JTS!

Also, if you're not too fussed about rear seats, go for a spider for those rare British summers that we hear about

[Sycamore]

AlfaRSpider said:

If you're going for petrol, take the V6 engine over the 2.2 JTS!

Also, if you're not too fussed about rear seats, go for a spider for those rare British summers that we hear about

I probably should've said before; I'm 20, so the V6 is out on account of fuel economy I think. I'm currently driving a Black Edition Fiesta, which I avg 36mpg with, I wouldn't mind dropping to 28-30, but the V6 might kill me!

Also, I love the look of the Spider, although they do seem to fetch a slightly shiner penny than the Brera. Still, I'm considering Alfa's over the usual crap you see most young people in, so I must be heading in the right direction c:

[AlfaRSpider]

Sycamore said:

I probably should've said before; I'm 20, so the V6 is out on account of fuel economy I think. I'm currently driving a Black Edition Fiesta, which I avg 36mpg with, I wouldn't mind dropping to 28-30, but the V6 might kill me!

Also, I love the look of the Spider, although they do seem to fetch a slightly shiner penny than the Brera. Still, I'm considering Alfa's over the usual crap you see most young people in, so I must be heading in the right direction c:

You're in the exact same boat as I was 3 years ago. Bought my Spider when I was 22 (I'm 25 now) and went for the 2.2 because the V6 insurance was slightly too high. I regret it, and wish I'd put myself under a bit of pressure and got the V6.

In terms of fuel economy for the 2.2 engine, I don't get any better than 30mpg with very careful driving. As soon as I try to have anything like a spirited drive, it shrinks easily to low-mid twenties. The car is heavy, and the 2.2 doesn't have a lot of output. I feel like the V6 just would have given it that little extra "oompth" to match the look of the car.

Still a lovely car to drive overall though, and brings far more grins to my face than frowns! Turns heads and gets comments too. It's the kind of car you go for heart over head. On paper, there a far better german cars out there for similar money... But come on, as you said, how boring and common are they!?

[flyingplum]

It depends on your budget and what you want from the car. For me, the ultimate incarnation of the Brera is the V6 S Prodrive, as it offers performance, handling, looks and exclusivity all in one. But you can remove any of those factors if they aren't important to you. So, if you want handling, looks and exclusivity but prioritise economy over performance, what about a Prodrive 2.2 S? For great looks, what about a Spider? And so on...

I currently own a Brera 3.2 S and a Giulietta Cloverleaf, but I much prefer the Brera, even though it's performance is now quite old fashioned (heavy and thirsty V6 versus light and economical 1750 TBI). It's just personal preference.

Also, I wouldn't discount the GT. Not as eye catching as the Brera, nor do they have as good a build quality, but they feel light and nimble and have a good choice of engines. The 1.9 JTDm is great even in standard form, and the Busso V6 is a legend!

[JimmyJam]

I had a Brera D for a few years. Without doubt the worst car I've ever owned for build quality and reliability and a pretty crap drivers car too, terrible driving position and st seats and numerous design flaws I'm a long time Alfa nut and it really tested my love. However, it looks fantastic inside and out and nothing out there in that price range comes close. Bizarrely I have considered getting another but I'd definitely go V6 and at the very least you should get the petrol.