Alfa Romeo Brera Reliability
Discussion
Hi,
Got my eye on one of these - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?Category=us...
Looks beautiful but general opinion seems to be that Alfa reliability can be a real problem, can anyone shed any light on the Brera? What's it like?
Thanks,
Daniel
Got my eye on one of these - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?Category=us...
Looks beautiful but general opinion seems to be that Alfa reliability can be a real problem, can anyone shed any light on the Brera? What's it like?
Thanks,
Daniel
I just bought a low mile 2006 JTDM a month ago, so far so good!
I would take a look at a couple, paint seems thin on some of the cars I viewed - I think it's heavily dependent on colour though. I saw a couple of red and black 2006/7 cars that appeared pretty awful. It's worth paying a premium for a good interior in my opinion, the grey/black combo looks cheap IMO.
good luck
I would take a look at a couple, paint seems thin on some of the cars I viewed - I think it's heavily dependent on colour though. I saw a couple of red and black 2006/7 cars that appeared pretty awful. It's worth paying a premium for a good interior in my opinion, the grey/black combo looks cheap IMO.
good luck
digger_R said:
I just bought a low mile 2006 JTDM a month ago, so far so good!
I would take a look at a couple, paint seems thin on some of the cars I viewed - I think it's heavily dependent on colour though. I saw a couple of red and black 2006/7 cars that appeared pretty awful. It's worth paying a premium for a good interior in my opinion, the grey/black combo looks cheap IMO.
good luck
that's good feedback, thank you. Won't be getting one straight away but that's good to hear that it seems to be reliable.I would take a look at a couple, paint seems thin on some of the cars I viewed - I think it's heavily dependent on colour though. I saw a couple of red and black 2006/7 cars that appeared pretty awful. It's worth paying a premium for a good interior in my opinion, the grey/black combo looks cheap IMO.
good luck
underphil said:
depends what engine you're after:
2.4 JTDM - fine if you do a lot of mileage, if you don't get the DPF/EGR removed/deleted
2.2 / 3.2 - can suffer stretched cam chains if oil not changed regulary enough.
front wishbones don't last long.
Cheers, Phil. Will be looking for a 2.4jtdm. Got a DPF in my current car, couple issues but not major - mainly dealer putting in wrong oil. 2.4 JTDM - fine if you do a lot of mileage, if you don't get the DPF/EGR removed/deleted
2.2 / 3.2 - can suffer stretched cam chains if oil not changed regulary enough.
front wishbones don't last long.
Will be looking more seriosuly towards end of year, doing some background research just now.
From an owners point off view .. I can only tell you the problems I've hard with mine ...
59 plate .. 2.4jtdm .. 14k on the clock 2 years ago when I bought it ......
It's now done 35k and its been the worst car I've ever ever owned .........problems so far ( and since I drove or away from the dealer )
Clutch cylinder replaced
Brake shims replaced
ECG sensor replaced ( after 4 attempts to sort the problem )
All injectors replaced
Cam belt replaced
Tensioners replaced
DPF sensor replaced
Mirror control replaced
Parking sensors replaced
Manifold replaced
Manifold valve replaced
Bonnet realise mechanism replaced
Engine mounting bracket ... Booked in to be replaced this Monday
Its still running like a pig and the gear knobs falling off ,.. Brera badge fell off ....
Looks stunning ...inside and out ..
Have got extended warranty from Alfa uk as a goodwill gesture and to be fair the dealers ok (I get a courtesy car and they are local )
Would I buy another Alfa .... Absaloutly never !!!!
59 plate .. 2.4jtdm .. 14k on the clock 2 years ago when I bought it ......
It's now done 35k and its been the worst car I've ever ever owned .........problems so far ( and since I drove or away from the dealer )
Clutch cylinder replaced
Brake shims replaced
ECG sensor replaced ( after 4 attempts to sort the problem )
All injectors replaced
Cam belt replaced
Tensioners replaced
DPF sensor replaced
Mirror control replaced
Parking sensors replaced
Manifold replaced
Manifold valve replaced
Bonnet realise mechanism replaced
Engine mounting bracket ... Booked in to be replaced this Monday
Its still running like a pig and the gear knobs falling off ,.. Brera badge fell off ....
Looks stunning ...inside and out ..
Have got extended warranty from Alfa uk as a goodwill gesture and to be fair the dealers ok (I get a courtesy car and they are local )
Would I buy another Alfa .... Absaloutly never !!!!
Konacyndercone said:
From an owners point off view .. I can only tell you the problems I've hard with mine ...
59 plate .. 2.4jtdm .. 14k on the clock 2 years ago when I bought it ......
It's now done 35k and its been the worst car I've ever ever owned .........problems so far ( and since I drove or away from the dealer )
Clutch cylinder replaced
Brake shims replaced
ECG sensor replaced ( after 4 attempts to sort the problem )
All injectors replaced
Cam belt replaced
Tensioners replaced
DPF sensor replaced
Mirror control replaced
Parking sensors replaced
Manifold replaced
Manifold valve replaced
Bonnet realise mechanism replaced
Engine mounting bracket ... Booked in to be replaced this Monday
Its still running like a pig and the gear knobs falling off ,.. Brera badge fell off ....
Looks stunning ...inside and out ..
Have got extended warranty from Alfa uk as a goodwill gesture and to be fair the dealers ok (I get a courtesy car and they are local )
Would I buy another Alfa .... Absaloutly never !!!!
Volvo c30 d5 instead then? Lol59 plate .. 2.4jtdm .. 14k on the clock 2 years ago when I bought it ......
It's now done 35k and its been the worst car I've ever ever owned .........problems so far ( and since I drove or away from the dealer )
Clutch cylinder replaced
Brake shims replaced
ECG sensor replaced ( after 4 attempts to sort the problem )
All injectors replaced
Cam belt replaced
Tensioners replaced
DPF sensor replaced
Mirror control replaced
Parking sensors replaced
Manifold replaced
Manifold valve replaced
Bonnet realise mechanism replaced
Engine mounting bracket ... Booked in to be replaced this Monday
Its still running like a pig and the gear knobs falling off ,.. Brera badge fell off ....
Looks stunning ...inside and out ..
Have got extended warranty from Alfa uk as a goodwill gesture and to be fair the dealers ok (I get a courtesy car and they are local )
Would I buy another Alfa .... Absaloutly never !!!!
Funny this has come up. Back in 2007, I was in the enviable position of looking to spend up to 30 grand on something nice.
I was originally looking at Porsche 911's, but when I was at Meridian Modena viewing a Porsche, they also had some brand new V6 Brera cabrios, going for £23k.
I took one out for a drive, and it was great. I NEARLY bought one, but subsequent internet searching about them and asking questions on here basically warned me off that idea.
So I found what I thought was a perfect 996 shape 911 instead.
It was a beautiful looking car, just the spec I was after. And drove nicely, ticked all the boxes etc.
Well, when it was working.
It turned out to be the most unreliable, shonky motor I've ever owned, and cost me so many £000's in repair costs it was unbelievable.
So there you are. For me, the story shows I probably would have had better reliability from an Alfa than a Porsche!
I was originally looking at Porsche 911's, but when I was at Meridian Modena viewing a Porsche, they also had some brand new V6 Brera cabrios, going for £23k.
I took one out for a drive, and it was great. I NEARLY bought one, but subsequent internet searching about them and asking questions on here basically warned me off that idea.
So I found what I thought was a perfect 996 shape 911 instead.
It was a beautiful looking car, just the spec I was after. And drove nicely, ticked all the boxes etc.
Well, when it was working.
It turned out to be the most unreliable, shonky motor I've ever owned, and cost me so many £000's in repair costs it was unbelievable.
So there you are. For me, the story shows I probably would have had better reliability from an Alfa than a Porsche!
I have an 08 159 40K.. Pretty much the same car with the 2.4 210 JTDM engine..
Had replaced:
Glow Plugs
Glow Plug Relay
Injectors
MAF
MAP
CANBUS wiring
Multiplugs
Due to be changed:
Air intake Manifold
Swirl flap's
Steering rack (Potentially, replaced fluids still hearing a groan)..
Would I buy another one? Nope! Never. Actually might not seem too bad in the space of 40K? This is within the last 1000 miles..
Had replaced:
Glow Plugs
Glow Plug Relay
Injectors
MAF
MAP
CANBUS wiring
Multiplugs
Due to be changed:
Air intake Manifold
Swirl flap's
Steering rack (Potentially, replaced fluids still hearing a groan)..
Would I buy another one? Nope! Never. Actually might not seem too bad in the space of 40K? This is within the last 1000 miles..
Edited by Shadows on Thursday 18th April 01:54
Edited by Shadows on Thursday 18th April 01:55
Shadows said:
I have an 08 159 40K.. Pretty much the same car with the 2.4 210 JTDM engine..
Had replaced:
Glow Plugs
Glow Plug Relay
Injectors
MAF
MAP
CANBUS wiring
Multiplugs
Due to be changed:
Air intake Manifold
Swirl flap's
Steering rack (Potentially, replaced fluids still hearing a groan)..
Would I buy another one? Nope! Never. Actually might not seem too bad in the space of 40K? This is within the last 1000 miles..
Sounds like your car has a problem and the garage in question hasn't got the first clue what's wrong with it and on that basis, they're trying to fix the problem by replacing random (and expensive) components in the hope that they fix it. Ridiculous situation common to many garages throwing random new components at a problem looking to find a cure with luck more than judgement.Had replaced:
Glow Plugs
Glow Plug Relay
Injectors
MAF
MAP
CANBUS wiring
Multiplugs
Due to be changed:
Air intake Manifold
Swirl flap's
Steering rack (Potentially, replaced fluids still hearing a groan)..
Would I buy another one? Nope! Never. Actually might not seem too bad in the space of 40K? This is within the last 1000 miles..
Edited by Shadows on Thursday 18th April 01:54
Edited by Shadows on Thursday 18th April 01:55
Let's clear a few things up,the Brera 3.2 is highly and I mean highly unlikely to stretch its cam chain,in fact I have only heard of one instance of this. The engine is solid and features a duplex design change. The 2.2 however loves to strectch it's chain.
Also you are unlikely to damage the Breras glass roof.
The 2.4 your are looking at is a good engine but don't expect amazing economy the Brera is very heavy. The 2.4 suffers DPF failure quite regularly so the best advice is to get it removed and remapped. This literally transforms the car.
Gearbox is solid but doesn't like being rushed,it will crunch and grind if you try to change gear too quickly.
The Brera been so heavy it does wear on the suspension and parts are not cheap.
The steering rack is probably the biggest issues, listen for a grinding or whirring when turning the wheel. A new pump is £350approx excluding fitting and the rack £700-800. This shouldn't be a recurring issue and only really affects early cars. Alfa were putting the wrong fluid in,check the reservoir when you buy,the fluid should be green (almost see through). If it's red walk away.
They suffer from tyre wear on the inners which can be remedied by setting the toe to 0. And some of the older ones are getting quite rusty underneath.
On the surface they seem to have a lot of issues,but get one that's been properly cared for and you shouldny have too many problems,many of the issues are shoddy Alfa engineering which shouldnt be a recurring thing.
I loved mine and was gutted to see it go, yes it was sometimes a pain in the arse,I spent 3k in six months but it had been neglected. But it looked stunning inside and out, never failed to turn heads and sounded epic.
Also you are unlikely to damage the Breras glass roof.
The 2.4 your are looking at is a good engine but don't expect amazing economy the Brera is very heavy. The 2.4 suffers DPF failure quite regularly so the best advice is to get it removed and remapped. This literally transforms the car.
Gearbox is solid but doesn't like being rushed,it will crunch and grind if you try to change gear too quickly.
The Brera been so heavy it does wear on the suspension and parts are not cheap.
The steering rack is probably the biggest issues, listen for a grinding or whirring when turning the wheel. A new pump is £350approx excluding fitting and the rack £700-800. This shouldn't be a recurring issue and only really affects early cars. Alfa were putting the wrong fluid in,check the reservoir when you buy,the fluid should be green (almost see through). If it's red walk away.
They suffer from tyre wear on the inners which can be remedied by setting the toe to 0. And some of the older ones are getting quite rusty underneath.
On the surface they seem to have a lot of issues,but get one that's been properly cared for and you shouldny have too many problems,many of the issues are shoddy Alfa engineering which shouldnt be a recurring thing.
I loved mine and was gutted to see it go, yes it was sometimes a pain in the arse,I spent 3k in six months but it had been neglected. But it looked stunning inside and out, never failed to turn heads and sounded epic.
makaveli144 said:
Let's clear a few things up,the Brera 3.2 is highly and I mean highly unlikely to stretch its cam chain,in fact I have only heard of one instance of this. The engine is solid and features a duplex design change. The 2.2 however loves to strectch it's chain.
Also you are unlikely to damage the Breras glass roof.
The 2.4 your are looking at is a good engine but don't expect amazing economy the Brera is very heavy. The 2.4 suffers DPF failure quite regularly so the best advice is to get it removed and remapped. This literally transforms the car.
Gearbox is solid but doesn't like being rushed,it will crunch and grind if you try to change gear too quickly.
The Brera been so heavy it does wear on the suspension and parts are not cheap.
The steering rack is probably the biggest issues, listen for a grinding or whirring when turning the wheel. A new pump is £350approx excluding fitting and the rack £700-800. This shouldn't be a recurring issue and only really affects early cars. Alfa were putting the wrong fluid in,check the reservoir when you buy,the fluid should be green (almost see through). If it's red walk away.
They suffer from tyre wear on the inners which can be remedied by setting the toe to 0. And some of the older ones are getting quite rusty underneath.
On the surface they seem to have a lot of issues,but get one that's been properly cared for and you shouldny have too many problems,many of the issues are shoddy Alfa engineering which shouldnt be a recurring thing.
I loved mine and was gutted to see it go, yes it was sometimes a pain in the arse,I spent 3k in six months but it had been neglected. But it looked stunning inside and out, never failed to turn heads and sounded epic.
Interesting feedback, thank you. The problem I have with ALfa's is that generally they look beauitful inside & out, no denying that but as cars, there just not practical. As pieces of art, they are brilliant.Also you are unlikely to damage the Breras glass roof.
The 2.4 your are looking at is a good engine but don't expect amazing economy the Brera is very heavy. The 2.4 suffers DPF failure quite regularly so the best advice is to get it removed and remapped. This literally transforms the car.
Gearbox is solid but doesn't like being rushed,it will crunch and grind if you try to change gear too quickly.
The Brera been so heavy it does wear on the suspension and parts are not cheap.
The steering rack is probably the biggest issues, listen for a grinding or whirring when turning the wheel. A new pump is £350approx excluding fitting and the rack £700-800. This shouldn't be a recurring issue and only really affects early cars. Alfa were putting the wrong fluid in,check the reservoir when you buy,the fluid should be green (almost see through). If it's red walk away.
They suffer from tyre wear on the inners which can be remedied by setting the toe to 0. And some of the older ones are getting quite rusty underneath.
On the surface they seem to have a lot of issues,but get one that's been properly cared for and you shouldny have too many problems,many of the issues are shoddy Alfa engineering which shouldnt be a recurring thing.
I loved mine and was gutted to see it go, yes it was sometimes a pain in the arse,I spent 3k in six months but it had been neglected. But it looked stunning inside and out, never failed to turn heads and sounded epic.
Having said that my Dad is currently driving a 159 1.9jtdm and had no problems over 3/4 months.
Hi,
I bought my Brera 'Italia Independent' edition two years ago.
Although the car is gorgeous to look at inside and out I have had a few issues in the beginning but everything has been sorted under guarantee.
All injectors replaced
Bonnet realise mechanism replaced as I broke it off without actually putting much force on it.
exept for these things only one of my light bulbs seems to die every three to four months, but it's not one of the main beams so I do not worry too much.
to be honest, compared to my Peugeot 406 coupe, the seats are not that comfortable (I have two TVR's so I am not quick in calling a car uncomfortable).
But overall, I am happy. Alfa service as well is pretty good here in Belgium.
I bought my Brera 'Italia Independent' edition two years ago.
Although the car is gorgeous to look at inside and out I have had a few issues in the beginning but everything has been sorted under guarantee.
All injectors replaced
Bonnet realise mechanism replaced as I broke it off without actually putting much force on it.
exept for these things only one of my light bulbs seems to die every three to four months, but it's not one of the main beams so I do not worry too much.
to be honest, compared to my Peugeot 406 coupe, the seats are not that comfortable (I have two TVR's so I am not quick in calling a car uncomfortable).
But overall, I am happy. Alfa service as well is pretty good here in Belgium.
MJK 24 said:
Sounds like your car has a problem and the garage in question hasn't got the first clue what's wrong with it and on that basis, they're trying to fix the problem by replacing random (and expensive) components in the hope that they fix it. Ridiculous situation common to many garages throwing random new components at a problem looking to find a cure with luck more than judgement.
Well there isn't any fault codes, it just sounds like a bag of spanners when the engine starts and it's down on power / economy.Then again, I looked on FES and noticed the correction on injector 2 is out of bounds.. I'm not even a mechanic.!
I'm not knocking Alfa's as a whole, I had some very reliable 156's in the 2.4 guise.. The amount of issues seen on 159's / Brera's for the small amount that's in service is silly.
Edited by Shadows on Thursday 18th April 15:26
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