Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2V6 Q4

[handbrake]

I've been considering buying one of these when I finish uni for a while but have struggled so far to find much discussion/information from owners or people who have had direct experience of them. I think they're representing strong value for money considering what they offer, but am wary of their very low published economy figures as well as being in the highest tax bracket! Is running them ruinous? I've read that their cam belt interval is ~60K and that is is a costly change, is there anything else to look out for?

Thanks in advance

[Contigo]

handbrake said:

I've been considering buying one of these when I finish uni for a while but have struggled so far to find much discussion/information from owners or people who have had direct experience of them. I think they're representing strong value for money considering what they offer, but am wary of their very low published economy figures as well as being in the highest tax bracket! Is running them ruinous? I've read that their cam belt interval is ~60K and that is is a costly change, is there anything else to look out for?

Thanks in advance

My boss used to have one and sold it after a year as it was crippling on fuel bills.

[alspeed]

No idea if it's typical, but someone i know had one just out of warranty and the gearbox let go, the repair bill was eye watering.
Don't think the mileage was particularly high at the time either.

[interloper]

I've not owned but driven them. A few thoughts, they have a quality feel but I didn't like the driving position, even after playing with the settings you sit high and I'm only 5'10 found my shoulder too close to the door/window.

The V6 is lack luster compared to the old V6, it feels like it has a very heavy fly wheel. The cars drove okay but I preferred the older GTV and GTs, they felt more entertaining and I preferred the driving position in those too.

So in short, they look nice but aren't comfortable, aren't very quick and feel ponderous, although the Pro-drive developed version might be better.

[Codswallop]

Here's my view - petrol is not getting any cheaper, so you may as well indulge in "gas guzzlers" you would like to own now. There'll be plenty of time for electric cars when you're older.

[Mr Adds]

I had a 2.2 Brera SV and absolutely loved it. Wasn't amazing to drive very heavy and not quick to be honest, but had a specialness about it. Steering racks go which is common, as the factory used wrong fluid, about £600 to sort, maybe cheaper now. I got about 28mpg off mine, high teens is probably best in a q4 V6. Tyres on 18" and 19" wheels crazy expensive- about £180 for a Bridgestone, although can get Accelera for £90 a corner. I would have another in a heartbeat. Have a look on alfaowner.com for advice.

[TobyLerone]

Mr Adds said:

probably best in a V6. Tyres on 18" and 19" wheels crazy expensive- about £180 for a Bridgestone, although can get Accelera for £90 a corner. I would have another in a heartbeat. Have a look on alfaowner.com for advice.

I wouldn't buy any with cheapo tyres fitted. If the owner didn't see the importance of fitting decent tyres, could be the same story with servicing, how it was looked after and how it was driven...

So even at £180/corner (£720 for a set, if changed all together), if they last for 20k miles - its only 3.5p per mile. Even at 15k miles, its not even 5p per mile! Bearing in mind, it'll be getting high teens in fuel economy (say 19mpg, at £1.30/litre) its be costing you over 31p per mile in fuel alone!

[TobyLerone]

Mr Adds said:

probably best in a V6. Tyres on 18" and 19" wheels crazy expensive- about £180 for a Bridgestone, although can get Accelera for £90 a corner. I would have another in a heartbeat. Have a look on alfaowner.com for advice.

I wouldn't buy any with cheapo tyres fitted. If the owner didn't see the importance of fitting decent tyres, could be the same story with servicing, how it was looked after and how it was driven...

So even at £180/corner (£720 for a set, if changed all together), if they last for 20k miles - its only 3.5p per mile. Even at 15k miles, its not even 5p per mile! Bearing in mind, it'll be getting high teens in fuel economy (say 19mpg, at £1.30/litre) its be costing you over 31p per mile in fuel alone!

Edited by TobyLerone on Sunday 16th March 08:43

[alfabadass]

Was a big fan of alfas but IMO Brera just doesn't make sense when you compare it to rivals.

Check out a similar age TT 3.2V6. IMO just as good looking, will hold value much better and more importantly...well built.

Breras have a lot of gremlins still.

[Mr Adds]

TobyLerone said:

Mr Adds said:

probably best in a V6. Tyres on 18" and 19" wheels crazy expensive- about £180 for a Bridgestone, although can get Accelera for £90 a corner. I would have another in a heartbeat. Have a look on alfaowner.com for advice.

I wouldn't buy any with cheapo tyres fitted. If the owner didn't see the importance of fitting decent tyres, could be the same story with servicing, how it was looked after and how it was driven...

So even at £180/corner (£720 for a set, if changed all together), if they last for 20k miles - its only 3.5p per mile. Even at 15k miles, its not even 5p per mile! Bearing in mind, it'll be getting high teens in fuel economy (say 19mpg, at £1.30/litre) its be costing you over 31p per mile in fuel alone!

I put Bridgestones on mine, lasted about 8k on the front, the geometry is set up so the inners are down to limit, where they still had 4mm on the outsides.

[handbrake]

Thanks, I appreciate the replies. The thought of one is currently getting me through endless days of dissertation and revision but I was expecting a consensus that they're a killer on fuel! Performance will be a big step up to anything I'm used to, (currently 85 and 120bhp), but I suppose I'm wondering will it be worth it, or will I just end up resenting the fact that £70 of petrol will do 250 miles? The allure of this car (besides its appearance) is 4WD in a small package with a big engine and relatively low insurance. It's equivalents (S3, TT etc) just don't appeal, and I imagine that insurance will be quite a bit more (I'm 21). Should I keep dreaming, or start looking for a more frugal alternative?!

[anonymous-user]

If you want a V6 Alfa then I think you'd have more fun in a GT 3.2, personally. The Brera V6 is 'OK', but not the most exciting engine in the world.

[Ali_T]

Get the GT 3.2 instead. Then you get the last of the Busso engines and a much livelier, lighter car.

[handbrake]

The GT doesn't really appeal for the same reason the prodrive Brera's don't. I know both have their merits and a lot of people might say that FWD is more involving than 4WD but I really would like a move away from FWD and in my head I don't want 260bhp through the front wheels, I think I'd spend more money on tires than fuel......

[soad]

Contigo said:

My boss used to have one and sold it after a year as it was crippling on fuel bills.

You don't buy a V6-engined car for the fuel economy though?

[robsa]

alfabadass said:

Was a big fan of alfas but IMO Brera just doesn't make sense when you compare it to rivals.

Check out a similar age TT 3.2V6. IMO just as good looking, will hold value much better and more importantly...well built.

Breras have a lot of gremlins still.

I would never choose a TT over a Brera personally. At 21 that is going to be killer on insurance though! It's a lovely and fairly rare car, the Prodrive Brera was supposed to sort a lot of its problems out. If you are looking for a comfy cruiser as opposed to a sports car I think its a great choice.

PS What about a 147 GTA?!

Edited by robsa on Saturday 15th March 18:22

[carinaman]

The Brera V6 has a cam chain. The Busso is cambelt driven. I think you can find all the information you need if you use google. There are also the owners clubs and specialists.

[IanMorewood]

I would go 147 or 156 GTA save a fortune on purchase and depreciation and enjoy for twelve months before moving on, fuel is going to sting and insurance even more so at 21, but you're only young once and with luck if you buy wisely you could end up with minimal maintenance for what is still a pretty special car.

[ferrariF50lover]

I looked for one of these a few years ago, but gave up because I couldn't find one with the exact spec I wanted. There weren't many around then (2009 or so). I'd guess that's because they were ruinously expensive both to buy and run. Good luck in your search, it'll be a brilliant car if you get hold of one you like.

Simon.

[Contigo]

soad said:

You don't buy a V6-engined car for the fuel economy though?

Really?

It was WAY WORSE than the stated figures, he couldn't get more than 18mpg around town and struggled to get 24mpg on a long run which for the performance is frankly shocking.