147 GTA buying guide

[WarnieV6GT]

Vitorio said:

It is listed as black, and the pictures just looks like a slightly dirty black car photographed with poor lighting.

And Imho, 8k for an import with an Auto box? i'd probably skip it

The selespeed box on the GTA's is quite sort after believe it or not. It's a better box than the one found on the standard 156.

[anonymous-user]

awooga said:

I've got a 53 plate one if you want to ask any questions. Things to look for:

- history, history, history
- water pump change from plastic to metal impellor. Normally done with cambelt change.
- cambelt change done recently
- uneven tyre wear
- clunky suspension noises.
- normal car electric stuff - AC etc.
- MAFs are almost a disposable item and you should expect to see one in the history.
- Q2 diff

My headlight levelling switch doesn't work. Think the motor / lifting unit on the driver's side is a bit shot as I can see it wobbling at night and I don't think it's just due to the suspension....also, the ipod connection doesn't work with an iphone. Found a soaking wet t shirt inside where the pollen filter is. Wondered why the passenger floor was wet. It's eaten one MAF. Otherwise that's been it (so far) since August. It'll need a belt change with its MOT in a few months and the back box is looking a bit worse for wear. Tempted to just keep a standard one on - sounds epic as it is and at least it's bearable on the motorway, but will take advice from others.

There's some amount of bumpff in the alfaowner.com website which will also help you. However, don't get put off a car with the smaller disk brakes. There's nothing wrong with them if you upgrade the pads. Previous owner tried to upgrade the disks as well; despite having 17" teledials, they still wouldn't clear them so it runs on normal disks but some sort of fancy fast road pad of which I can't remember the brand off hand.

The headlamp levelling motor could be corroded through a loose or badly fitted lamp access cover. They get wet, then rust and either stop running or won't stop whirring away. They're a little bdo to fit with lamp unit in situ but with the right tools not impossible and they don't cost the earth.

I so hankered after a GTA when they were new, in a few months I might offload the daily and invest. However I just love the non GTA 3.2 powered GTV and GT and will be seriously torn between the options.

[Vitorio]

WarnieV6GT said:

The selespeed box on the GTA's is quite sort after believe it or not. It's a better box than the one found on the standard 156.

I didnt know the GTA selespeed was different, all i know about is that one the regular 156/147, while it is a decent auto box, it does have a tendency to break, and it is an expensive thing to fix.

I wouldnt touch a selespeed with someone else's ten foot pole, but that is partially because i much prefer shifting manually, especially in something sporty.

[carinaman]

I thought the grey may have been a not sold here colour, which thinking about it, probably wasn't a valid thought given low volumes of GTAs made. I've seen black ones before.

[Zombie]

I wrote the buyers guide on AO. For Info, I don't think anything new has really become an issue beyond what is covered in there.

- Chris155