Alfa 147 ownership - what can go wrong?

[dave10111]

I'm thinking of buying a 2002 147 1.6 T Spark - it's a grogeous car but i'm a bit put off by all the Alfa Romeo horror stories, can anybody offer any advice on reliability? I've heard that cam belts are prone to failure, is this a common problem? My old car was a renault, which wasn't exactly a pillar of reliability, so if i buy the alfa i need to know i can depend on it..

[ettore]

I`ve had two, a 1.6 and a 2.0. Both have been completely reliable but I have heard horror stories surrounding the selespeed. The cambelts are a known problem but if you change them early (36,000 miles) there is nothing to worry about. I think some of the Twin Sparks can be oil thirsty but can`t say I noticed with either of mine.

I think they`re cracking little cars and very good value - I`ve got a 54 plate 2.0 Lusso for sale for £7K!

[pwig]

Cammmmmmbelt.

[john ward]

Take somebody with you who knows what they are looking at. My daughter's boyfriend has just bought a 1996 2.0 twin spark Spider - and he didn't take anybody with him. Two weeks later and he's just had it serviced and had the cambelt done, which brought up other faults like worn tensioners, the front discs and pads and the rear pads all replaced. Just short of a grand with the labour. It was £80 + vat just for the 8 plugs. That's using my regular mechanic who is honest as the day is long. In the next six months he'll be needing an exhaust system, probably another £600.

They are expensive cars to run. I have to say though that it is a stunning car to look at, much more stylish than mine - but then it is Italian. Once again, take some advice before you buy.

[exgtt]

Cambelts are the only real problem area with these cars, they need changing @ 36k at the very latest so check this has been done with the tentioners, not the cheapest job £350-£400. I have seen two cars at my local Alfa specialist with broken cambelts, Alfa recommend a change @ 72k!! So not really a weakness, just a mis judgement from Alfa themselves. If it sounds like a Diesel on start up thats the variator, change it when the cambelt needs doing. It wont damage the engine but it sounds bad and you will loose top end power, and maybe MPG. Apart from that, check all the electrics work, the paint aint too badly stone chipped and the guy selling the car aint a fast talking grease bucket (from experience)

[Dave Brand]

exgtt said:

Alfa recommend a change @ 72k!!

They now specify 36,000.

[chauffeur]

premature failure of cambelt/tensioner and suspension arms

other than that nothing that doesn't happen on any other car

Alfa's are great as long as you look after them. But like a woman - neglect at your peril!