GTV - 2.0 vs 3.0 - Alfaholics please.
Discussion
I'm still looking to update the Cloverleaf, since August in fact, but still can't find a decent replacement. The 3 cars that I search for each day are:
* Volvo C70 2.4T
* Astra Bertone Coupe 2.2
* 2.0 GTV
As I'm now a house owner, I wanted to get away from the running costs of an Alfa, but I keep getting drawn back.
Anyhoo, completely ignoring my own advice, I am now looking at the 3.0 GTV. So I need your HONEST opinions please, against the 2.0, and the others listed above, taking in to account my new mortgage situation.
Compared to the 2.0, how wildly will MPG, insurance, servicing etc compare? I'm well familiar with the 2.0's belt/oil issues, so is the 3.0 a stronger lump all in all? And are GTVs actually strong in the first place? Will I be having more hassle than my 145 for example, which has actually been very reliable.
Basically, my brief is to have something a little different, very reliable, cheap'ish to run (i know i know), and fun. The Astra is the safest option, but the spec has to be right. The Volvo - I love the shape, and the engine is a cracker. And a bargain. But rare. Your thoughts?
* Volvo C70 2.4T
* Astra Bertone Coupe 2.2
* 2.0 GTV
As I'm now a house owner, I wanted to get away from the running costs of an Alfa, but I keep getting drawn back.
Anyhoo, completely ignoring my own advice, I am now looking at the 3.0 GTV. So I need your HONEST opinions please, against the 2.0, and the others listed above, taking in to account my new mortgage situation.
Compared to the 2.0, how wildly will MPG, insurance, servicing etc compare? I'm well familiar with the 2.0's belt/oil issues, so is the 3.0 a stronger lump all in all? And are GTVs actually strong in the first place? Will I be having more hassle than my 145 for example, which has actually been very reliable.
Basically, my brief is to have something a little different, very reliable, cheap'ish to run (i know i know), and fun. The Astra is the safest option, but the spec has to be right. The Volvo - I love the shape, and the engine is a cracker. And a bargain. But rare. Your thoughts?
Wombat Rick said:
What I do know is that if you buy a 2 door Vauxhall saloon or an Ovlov you will always wish you'd bought an Alfa, so it will actually be cheaper in the long run to buy one first.
The Astra maybe, but I really like the Volvo. It won't be a fling'able as an Alfa, but the waft-value would be worth it. I see your point though. So, 2.0 vs 3.0?
Wombat Rick said:
phil1979 said:
Is having the belts changed on the V6 much more costly than on the already-painful 2.0? I think I had quite a bargain at £300 all-in on the 145.
It is a bit more...
www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_timing_belts.shtml
You've got two less spark plugs to buy though!!
Not too bad then. It would be something I would have done immediately, regardless of when it was last done.
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