ALFA 147 GTA

[Nicholas Pringle]

Hello to all. This is my virgin posting so looking forward to a good response.

I'm in the process of getting an ALFA 147 GTA. It has 22000 miles on the clock and it will be serviced and MOT'd before I get it.

Is there anything I should be looking out for or mayb get the dealer to check out more thoroughly before I do get the car?

[Robertf]

Hi Nicholas, bought a GTA myself at the weekend. Can't really offer too many suggestions, but theres a GT and GTA forum at alfaowner.com, and you'll get lots of help there!

All the best with the purchase

[REDGTA]

I'd check a couple of things... I'll assume of course you have checked the service history and that it has had the required services. Over and above that, I'd check that the campaigns (recalls) have been completed. I don't have the complete list at hand, but the heat shield for the power steering was the one that looked most significant to me. There are others. People always bang on about the 'brake upgrade', which wasn't actualy a recall. Do a search and you can read all about it, but basically, later cars have 330mm discs, earlier cars had 305mm front discs. Some of the early cars have been upgraded to the later spec. Point to note is that if your car has the early spoked wheel option, then these don't fit over the bigger front calipers that are required. Again read all about it by doing a search as I don't want to open the can of worms again. In summary, They are fun cars, and fairly rare it seems. Enjoy it...

[Ecurie Ecosse]

I have had a 147 GTA for 2 years now and love it.

Mine has the "big brakes" (330mm) and this seems to be a sought after feature as the smaller brakes may warp (check the pics at alfaowner.com to spot the difference in the callipers).

No real recalls to think of - but try and buy one that is still in warranty (3 years) so you can get any bits fixed now for free.

As for essential options, best to get leather although I haven't seen that many cars with cloth. Most colours are good, although Alfa Red (my car) and Nuvola White are my favourites.

[stuartalfa]

I have the small brakes, warped the set that were on the car in about 6 weeks, changed them & the pads last Oct for the AROC track day at Donington, & another track day, guess what, they have warped again, i will change them again after this years AROC track day, if they last that long.
Still i love the car to bit's.
AO or alfa156.net are great alfa forums.
I have made a GTA forum too, a bit of fun with all the info i can find in one place, mag reviews etc.
Have fun
Stu
http://alfaromeogta.createforum.net/

Edited by stuartalfa on Friday 22 June 08:49

[davey68]

Used to have an 04 one, superb cars. Feel special each time you get in it. Apart from fuel consumption and awful turning circle (you will notice it when parking) they are fab. Miss mine actually.

[Lama1]

Thanks very much for the info guys. Definitely comes in useful.

[twinspark]

Depending on the age of it, I'd be wanting a cambelt change as a condition of sale.

I know the V6 is supposed to be less of a risk than the 4-potters in terms of premature failure, but I really wouldn't want to risk it.

If it's 3 years old or more, I'd want it changing.

[Lama1]

In regards to the mileage, its got 21.500miles so I reckon the cam belt should be fine.

[twinspark]

Remember, the cambelt change is not only based on mileage - it's also based on age.

If it's more than 3 years old, then you want it changing as part of the deal.

Alfa will say 5 years, but I *really* wouldn't risk it that long.