Buying Advice - Which is the most fun?
Discussion
I hope that people can best advise me.
I am currently going through an enjoyable mid-life crisis and hope that 2015 brings true Alfa ownership. What I need to find out from owners is which model is actually the most fun.
I want a petrol car (as I was rather badly bitten by the diesel bug this year by a Mazda 6 that went from working to right-off in the space of one day) that gives a smile every time I use it. In the running currently is the 2.0 litre GTV, 2.0 GT and 147. I do not think that my budget (assume small) will stretch to the V6 in any model as the upkeep on this engine will prove beyond me.
Has anyone owned all three and could suggest an alternative?
Many thanks
I am currently going through an enjoyable mid-life crisis and hope that 2015 brings true Alfa ownership. What I need to find out from owners is which model is actually the most fun.
I want a petrol car (as I was rather badly bitten by the diesel bug this year by a Mazda 6 that went from working to right-off in the space of one day) that gives a smile every time I use it. In the running currently is the 2.0 litre GTV, 2.0 GT and 147. I do not think that my budget (assume small) will stretch to the V6 in any model as the upkeep on this engine will prove beyond me.
Has anyone owned all three and could suggest an alternative?
Many thanks
There's also the JTS, the 2.0 which replaced the twin spark. It probably comes down to miles and money. Money no object:V6, low miles: V6; medium to high miles the V6 seems to eat tyres and although good on a run, esp with 6 speed box, you'll get about 20 mpg around town. A Pininfarina built GTV is a lovely car.
The V6 is thirsty but not expensive to run in terms of servicing - the 2.0 4 pot needs more regular cambelt changes etc and with the price or variators going through the roof, (many recommend/insist on replacing the variator with every cambelt change, the V6 does not have variator) the 2.0 IMHO is more expensive to maintain.
Have a look here http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_servicing...
I agree with Rick...if you are looking at investment potential then 156 GTA would be my choice or 2nd would be V6 GT which was the last iteration of the V6 Busso engine as we know it.
Having said all that, I run a 155 2.0 for pure driveable, chuckable practical fun but look out for rust in rear quarters and sills/floorpans, same more or less applies to 156/147.
Have a look here http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_servicing...
I agree with Rick...if you are looking at investment potential then 156 GTA would be my choice or 2nd would be V6 GT which was the last iteration of the V6 Busso engine as we know it.
Having said all that, I run a 155 2.0 for pure driveable, chuckable practical fun but look out for rust in rear quarters and sills/floorpans, same more or less applies to 156/147.
Thanks for the advice around the diesel engine, but I am put off for a few reasons. The engines across all makes seem to suffer from the same problems due to emissions and manufactures attempting to get a high degree of performance from the engine by adding turbos and fuel injection. EGR valves fail, turbos blow up, DPF gets clogged and break, injectors stop working.
The V6 is looking more and more like a better option, but its a leap of faith...
The V6 is looking more and more like a better option, but its a leap of faith...
Brompty said:
The V6 is looking more and more like a better option, but its a leap of faith...
Fairly small leap though. The V6 GTV was known as the poor man's Ferrari and I don't think that the well maintained ones will fall in value so buy a nice one at a good price and if by some almost unbelievable occurrence you don't like it then sell it on and get your money back. When I bought mine I had to change the cambelt, give it a major service and a new oil cooler (some hazy memory about plastic pipes and not cheap) Good buyers guide here: http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_gtv.shtml seems like you can even sleep in them: http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/images/15-4-800.jpg
As said above don't discount the diesels, or the 147.
I have a 147 JTDm on a 55 plate and as standard I was pleasantly surprised as it still drove like an Alfa. This era of engines misses out on the DPF but does have the EGR valve.
I now have a remap and let's just say 189hp and 289lbs/ft now make for a very interesting drive, the EGR has also been removed. The 8v JTDm responds very well as it is the same block as the 16v just without the 16v head, Alfa also detuned these units a fair bit, so gains are massive.
For me the smaller size of the 147 also adds to the fun as it's light and chuckable.
I have a 147 JTDm on a 55 plate and as standard I was pleasantly surprised as it still drove like an Alfa. This era of engines misses out on the DPF but does have the EGR valve.
I now have a remap and let's just say 189hp and 289lbs/ft now make for a very interesting drive, the EGR has also been removed. The 8v JTDm responds very well as it is the same block as the 16v just without the 16v head, Alfa also detuned these units a fair bit, so gains are massive.
For me the smaller size of the 147 also adds to the fun as it's light and chuckable.
Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff