Talk to me about ('90s) Alfa GTVs
Discussion
This is largely window shopping at the moment, but I'm tempted by an Alfa GTV (probably a V6) for my next daily driver.
Most of my driving is motorway trips. So while I would like a car that's capable of hitching its skirt up on the occasional B-road, the main priority is something that can bring some sense of occasion to the M25 on a wet Monday morning. Not an easy task.
I was wondering what the long distance comfort is like? Some people seem to grumble about the seats on previous threads, but I wasn't sure if that was comfort or just lateral support. Likewise, how do you find the running costs?
I'm looking at something like a 350Z or RX-8 as an alternative, so I'd be particuarly interested to hear from anyone who's swapped one of those for a GTV (or indeed vice versa!)
Most of my driving is motorway trips. So while I would like a car that's capable of hitching its skirt up on the occasional B-road, the main priority is something that can bring some sense of occasion to the M25 on a wet Monday morning. Not an easy task.
I was wondering what the long distance comfort is like? Some people seem to grumble about the seats on previous threads, but I wasn't sure if that was comfort or just lateral support. Likewise, how do you find the running costs?
I'm looking at something like a 350Z or RX-8 as an alternative, so I'd be particuarly interested to hear from anyone who's swapped one of those for a GTV (or indeed vice versa!)
sunbeam alpine said:
The only negative is that the amount of boot space is really tiny, and the back seats aren't really any use even for small children.
I'm coming from an MX-5, so I would imagine the boot is a step up.Plus I've got a Chimaera in the garage if I need anything with an unfeasibly large boot.
Any idea know if you can get a baby seat in a GTV? I assume they pre-date ISOFIX.
Is the 6-speed worth going for if you're going to do a lot of motorway miles?
ETA Just realised the significance of the 2.0 TV V6. Quite a rarity, I'm guessing?
Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 18th January 10:22
awooga said:
If you're driving round the M25, there's no need to focus purely on the V6. The twinny will get consistantly 30mpg and still has a reasonable performance for what you're after - and they're a lot more plentiful and cheaper.
True. And I've heard a lot of people say the four-cylinder is better balanced. But I want the noise. I know that's shallow, but I'd argue it's when you're just cruising around that you need that added theatre. To be fair, I've not driven a Twin Spark for comparison and I'd certainly have a look if there was one for sale locally when I come to buy.
woody166 said:
I've run a 3.2 Ph3 for 5 years now. I wouldn't use it as a daily. To heavy on the fuel, awful turning circle and very awkward in car parks. As a weekend runabout though, it's great. V6 unit is pretty reliable with only an £800 timing belt change every 4 years to plan for. Most electrical issues will come up with worrying codes on the diag but will often simply be poor connectors needing a clean with contact cleaner. Not too bad with Rust. Build quality is a bit creaky!
Loads of very knowledgeable Alfa specialists that will allow you to maintain it on a budget.
The twinny is also good fun and a more sensible choice for daily use. I think the later 2.0 JTS units had some issues but there will likely be some fixes out there by now.
I'm in the fortune position that I work from home. I don't do a huge total mileage, and most of what I do is on the motorway and/or tax-deductable. So from what I gather, a GTV V6 wouldn't be hugely different to the 350Z and probably a useful improvement over the RX-8 (which are the other two contenders)?Loads of very knowledgeable Alfa specialists that will allow you to maintain it on a budget.
The twinny is also good fun and a more sensible choice for daily use. I think the later 2.0 JTS units had some issues but there will likely be some fixes out there by now.
Certainly wouldn't rule out a Twin Spark, but I get the impression the V6 plays to the GTV's strengths. It always seems to be described as more of a feel-good GT than a B-road blaster, so I don't know if the benefits in fuel economy and weight distribution would be enough to tip the balance. Surely a lightweight hot hatch is the way to go if those are important? That's not a criticism of the Alfa, I hasten to add. I had a Clio 172 Cup that would do a genuine 40 mpg on the motorway or leave most things standing on a B-road, but it didn't stir the soul in quite the same way that a red Alfa with half a V12 can do.
ST270 said:
Chris71 said:
What do people reckon is the going rate for a GTV V6 currently? They seem to vary hugely from what I can see.
If I do take the plunge I will be looking for something mechanically good, but not a show car that will halve in value the moment I leave it parked out overnight.
P.S - this car looks great and well cared for with desirable upgrades...If I do take the plunge I will be looking for something mechanically good, but not a show car that will halve in value the moment I leave it parked out overnight.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Incidentally, I realise keeping on top of servicing and replacing the various bits as they wear out is more important, but would nigh-on 100,000 miles put you off? I suppose any of them that are used regularly will be close to that now.
Are there any good forums or any classifieds sites (PH, Autotrader and Car & Classic aside) that you'd recommend keeping an eye on?
Don't suppose anyone on here is in the Hertford area and would be up for taking a prospective owner out for a passenger ride? Bit of an odd request, I know, but I figure if I'm going to be picky about colour combinations and suchlike I might have to pounce when I see one I like, so it would be good to get an idea of what constitutes a good one.
ETA Oh, turns out there's a place called the Alfa Workshop is 20 minutes down the road from me! Could be handy...
Also, not my ideal spec, but this one is close enough for a speculative look:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-GTV-V6-24V-LU...
Don't suppose anyone on here is in the Hertford area and would be up for taking a prospective owner out for a passenger ride? Bit of an odd request, I know, but I figure if I'm going to be picky about colour combinations and suchlike I might have to pounce when I see one I like, so it would be good to get an idea of what constitutes a good one.
ETA Oh, turns out there's a place called the Alfa Workshop is 20 minutes down the road from me! Could be handy...
Also, not my ideal spec, but this one is close enough for a speculative look:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-GTV-V6-24V-LU...
Edited by Chris71 on Friday 3rd February 10:26
ST270 said:
Also noticed a V6 Spider in Wrexham on Ebay - £4950, blue with black (but could be changed to tan) 107k and good service record by the looks of it!
I think I saw that one. Bit of a trek if it's just for a first look to check I like the concept, though, and I prefer the idea of a coupe. For the time being I've got something else for top down driving at the weekends. 
What do you make of this one, gents?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Also, on a general note:
What are the brakes like? Do they come with ABS? (Might sound like a strange question, but my current daily driver MX-5 is hopelessly inadequate when someone cuts in front of you and promptly jams the brakes on going down the M1!)
What sort of fuel tank range should I expect from the V6?
Not much talk of rust so far on this thread. Are they generally pretty solid?
Is there any way visually to tell if it's a 6-speed (to save me asking everyone)?
Am I right in thinking silver grille surround and silver centre console means P2?
Random one, is it only the P2 that allows you to disable the airbag to fit a child seat?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Also, on a general note:
What are the brakes like? Do they come with ABS? (Might sound like a strange question, but my current daily driver MX-5 is hopelessly inadequate when someone cuts in front of you and promptly jams the brakes on going down the M1!)
What sort of fuel tank range should I expect from the V6?
Not much talk of rust so far on this thread. Are they generally pretty solid?
Is there any way visually to tell if it's a 6-speed (to save me asking everyone)?
Am I right in thinking silver grille surround and silver centre console means P2?
Random one, is it only the P2 that allows you to disable the airbag to fit a child seat?
Edited by Chris71 on Sunday 5th February 18:26
Arrgh. Realised last night that I'd failed to factor my current car (which is off accruing an almighty bill at the local TVR specialist) into the man maths for this. Suddenly the budget is looking a whole lot more marginal if I'm going to buy a decent example, maintain it and pay the first half of my next tax bill (I'm new to self-assessment, but rumour has it HMRC are quite keen on being paid).
At the same time, I stumbled across an old Shed of The Week thread with a GTV on last night and it made for quite sobering reading.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=927...
I've owned a couple of TVRs and an assortment of kit cars over the years, so I'd like to think I'm quite realistic on running costs, but I'm starting to wonder if I'd underestimated the GTV's potential to run up bills. Has anyone on here had those sort of experiences? (I realise people who've bought them for shed money or heard second hand stuff from 'a bloke down the pub' aren't necessarily the most reliable sources...)
On a more specific note, I'm looking at an apparently nice example that has had its rear springs and bump stops replaced following an MOT advisory for corrosion. Can I be reasonably confident that that would have been a self-contained issue or should it ring alarm bells for the rest of the car?
At the same time, I stumbled across an old Shed of The Week thread with a GTV on last night and it made for quite sobering reading.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=927...
I've owned a couple of TVRs and an assortment of kit cars over the years, so I'd like to think I'm quite realistic on running costs, but I'm starting to wonder if I'd underestimated the GTV's potential to run up bills. Has anyone on here had those sort of experiences? (I realise people who've bought them for shed money or heard second hand stuff from 'a bloke down the pub' aren't necessarily the most reliable sources...)
On a more specific note, I'm looking at an apparently nice example that has had its rear springs and bump stops replaced following an MOT advisory for corrosion. Can I be reasonably confident that that would have been a self-contained issue or should it ring alarm bells for the rest of the car?
Edited by Chris71 on Monday 6th February 10:10
Still wrestling with a dilema on that blue GTV.
After my budgeting oversight I'd be marginal on budget. But a low mileage, blue and tan car with the Q2 diff and what I understand is one of the more discrete sports exhausts sounds like my ideal spec. Wondering if I can justify dipping into my credit card.
After my budgeting oversight I'd be marginal on budget. But a low mileage, blue and tan car with the Q2 diff and what I understand is one of the more discrete sports exhausts sounds like my ideal spec. Wondering if I can justify dipping into my credit card.
amancalledrob said:
Chris71 said:
Still wrestling with a dilema on that blue GTV.
After my budgeting oversight I'd be marginal on budget. But a low mileage, blue and tan car with the Q2 diff and what I understand is one of the more discrete sports exhausts sounds like my ideal spec. Wondering if I can justify dipping into my credit card.
You probably shouldn't do it. Summer's coming and I'm sure you'd prefer a lie in to getting up early and enjoying that sonorous V6 on deserted country roads, coupled with a simply musical induction sound. Stopping for a cup of tea whilst admiring those gorgeous Pinifarina-penned lines wouldn't justify it eitherAfter my budgeting oversight I'd be marginal on budget. But a low mileage, blue and tan car with the Q2 diff and what I understand is one of the more discrete sports exhausts sounds like my ideal spec. Wondering if I can justify dipping into my credit card.
It's more whether a car like this will be available in a similar spec in a few months time when I can justify it a bit more easily. In other words, is this too good an example to miss?
woody166 said:
There is a few people looking at this one over on the AlfaOwner forum. General consensus is its pretty good value and looks pretty solid. I don't think it will hang around unless inspection brings up a few undisclosed issues.
One of them was me.What put me off was references to rust on several previous MOTs. Nothing serious but a sill advisory here or a rusty springs advisory there. Latest MOT is clear of such things, but made me wonder what else might be lurking or what repairs might have been carried out in the past.
That's almost certainly unfair. The current owner seemed knowledgable and it appears to have had plenty of money spent over the years. But with a marginal budget and no space for a third car I decided I should probably wait. I was (and am) really looking to buy in a few months time, but that one caught my eye because it was such a nice spec and colour combination.
woody166 said:
If I was after a mother GTV I would have snapped up that one...... assuming the advert was accurate.
The thing is, I can't quite afford it currently. If I'd known it was definitely 100% perfect - or even if I'd seen a few to make an informed decision when I went to view it - I'd have found the extra cash somehow. As it was, I thought discretion was the better part of valour. You're right, though. If it was as good as it appeared I'm very jealous of whoever gets it.
It did make me thing I might prefer a red one, though!
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