RE: Alfa Romeo Brera V6

[cirvy]

pooh said:

Clarkson's view of the Brera, eventually after some environment stuff.


[url]http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/arti[/url]

A strange review, but he's right in his summary, we only buy a Brera for one reason, the way it looks

[jamieboy]

cirvy said:

To clarify, i have never demanded Alfa to give me "all" my money back, merely to treat me fairly & assist me with my problems with the car.

These 'problems' being that the performance is no better than advertised, that the fuel consumption you get is closer to the published 'urban' than the published 'combined' and that you can't see out of it properly?

I know that others have confirmed that they enjoy better fuel economy than you, so I wonder if there's anything to do with your journeys or your driving style (perhaps trying to get better performance) that contributes to the fuel economy? Others have also said that they can see out without problems, and (if I remember from another thread) you have acknowledged that you are perhaps an unusual shape?

I'm honestly disappointed that you don't like your Brera particularly given how enthusiastic you were about it at first, though, and I'm certainly not suggesting that you should stop putting your point of view across.

[cirvy]

jamieboy said:

These 'problems' being that the performance is no better than advertised, that the fuel consumption you get is closer to the published 'urban' than the published 'combined' and that you can't see out of it properly?

In answer,yes, my principal issues are the 17.6 mpg, the lacklustre performance & the visibility issues. Beyond that, i find the seats very uncomfortable, of no lateral support & the armrest is in the wrong place. I have a myriad of other technical/operational issues & snags with the car that have yet to be resolved.

What i also have are quite fundamental customer service issues with the supplying dealer. I shall keep on at them though, i've been an Alfa enthusiast for too long now to switch over to one of the Germans. Believe it or not, i would still prefer to drive a crap Alfa to a 3 Series or a TT!

[SCOOTERMAN]

If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are these technical/operational issues and snags of which you speak?

[cirvy]

SCOOTERMAN said:

If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are these technical/operational issues and snags of which you speak?

It will have to be a quick list.....

Alarm probs, keyfob remote probs, window closure probs, door hold open stays, engine rattle, engine hesitation, seatbelt probs, misting up probs, sticking clutch, minor interior trim bits, seat mechanism sliders, etc!

Biggies remain the consumption at less than 18mpg & the visibility out, ( the high driving position is exacerbated by my option of the visibility pack which actually lowers the height of the rear view mirror, thus causing a blind spot for me )

Combine the foregoing with a nonplussed dealer, & you can probably imagine my disappointment!

[blueyes]

cirvy said:

SCOOTERMAN said:

If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are these technical/operational issues and snags of which you speak?

a nonplussed dealer

There's your MAIN problem.

Every car develops faults, some more than others, but if you have a dealership that really makes an effort to help you and sort things out the whole experience isn't too bad.

Change the formula by adding a dealership who can't get things right and really couldn't give a flying and you have a nightmare scenario.

Been there and done it with my TVRs.

Now, my decision on purchasing a certain car depends as much on the dealership as the car.

[swanny71]

grahambell said:

mag1caltrev0r said:

"It was like being promised a hot fortnight in Bermuda with a Page Three girl and then being given a wet weekend in Barrow-in-Furness with a checkout girl."

Hey, I'm from Barrow-in-Furness and I'd like to point out that I no longer live there... :-)

Ditto.

I'm from Barrow too, its not that bad.

[sfyamr1]

I'm so disappointed. I bet it's not a bad as it seems, but relative to expectations created by the phenominal concept, it seems to be a real let-down. The interior appears really uninspired and lacking refinement and luxury, as well. Open the door of any "little" Audi, BMW, etc. and this interior looks almost cheap by comparison. Not good for a range-top model.

I gues it doesn't matter to me. I'm in the US and won't see a new Alfa until 2009 (funny how that date keeps changing though). In the meantime, my "original" Alfa V6 will provide plenty of tactile wonder. And by the look of things, I should definitely keep her.

[outofthebox]

I get the impression that early models of this car as tested by the motoring press are different to later ones. I may be wrong but the impression I get is that early reviews are a lot more critical than later ones. I've driven a 3.2 myself and was hugely impressed. The steering feels light and quick, there plenty of grip and the chassis is very communicative, acceleration is very brisk, especially in 2nd. I won't go on too long, but I'm swopping my SLK 350 for one. Also I think it's the best looking car on the road at present.

[cirvy]

outofthebox said:

Also I think it's the best looking car on the road at present.

It's certainly that, just not a lot else

[outofthebox]

I've seen your posts here & elsewhere and with the very greatest respect Cirvy, I really do hope you've been very unlucky in this instance.

[cirvy]

outofthebox said:

I really do hope you've been very unlucky in this instance.

Don't kid yourself mate, read the press road test reports.

[alfaspiderman2]

after a week in a 3.2 159, I have to say that I agree with most of cirvy's comments (lack of visibility not withstanding)

[dinkel]

cirvy said:

outofthebox said:

Also I think it's the best looking car on the road at present.

It's certainly that, just not a lot else

Yeah, really got into cars as a kid loving those raw Alfetta's and GT Juniors. Even de 75 had that touch of old-skool.

New 159 looks like an effing Audi and is TOO SILENT!

The days are gone for ever . . .

[outofthebox]

Depends which road test you read about the Brera. Some love it, some hate it, but I get the impression that mostly it gets critised for things like lack of space in the back/ boot & high running costs.