Torn between two cars
Author
Discussion

Fastchas

Original Poster:

2,843 posts

151 months

Friday 17th October 2014
quotequote all
I'm thinking of changing my car but can't decide between two choices. I currently drive a '02 reg 1.9TDi Audi A6 estate. I can't decide between the newer model A6, about '55/'56 reg 2.0 estate or an Alfa Romeo 159 JTDM estate of same vintage.
I know about the depreciation of both but if you keep it for years what does it matter?
I've looked at the rear legroom of the 159 but convinced myself 'that'll be OK'. Are they really that bad? I've got two growing boys, 10 & 5 yo's.
Will I notice the difference in build quality so much going from my older Audi to the Alfa?
Will I enjoy ownership of the Alfa more?
A friend's trying to steer me away from the Alfa as his wife's petrol version was on the back of the AA lorry 7 times in 3 years!!

Head or heart?
Experiences/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

BritishRacinGrin

26,562 posts

190 months

Friday 17th October 2014
quotequote all
Sounds like you want the Alfa. Get it bought man. Usual advice is to check belts aren't due.

Fastchas

Original Poster:

2,843 posts

151 months

Friday 17th October 2014
quotequote all
Didn't mean it to sound like that!
The Alfa definitely the better looking.

BritishRacinGrin

26,562 posts

190 months

Friday 17th October 2014
quotequote all
I think you'll find the style of the Alfa Romeo, especially the interior, refreshing after the decidedly teutonic Audi. I think the Audi would be objectively better in most departments, but the Alfa will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside and it'll be more exclusive. Get a good one and you might even be pleasantly surprised by the reliability.

unpc

2,998 posts

243 months

Friday 17th October 2014
quotequote all
Alfa's are supposed to have a bad reputation for reliability but my 147GTA was the most reliable car I've ever owned and I had it for 4 years.

There's also a general perception that soft touch plastics and well managed panel gaps make cars better built. It's total bks IMO.

I'd go with the Alfa every time.

Jayho

2,415 posts

200 months

Friday 17th October 2014
quotequote all
I always go by the notion of "Lifes to short to be driving the same type of car over and over again". I understand some people like "If it aint broke dont fix it" but if I had the chance/choice, I'd most likely choose something different from my previous car.

Plus the Alfa just looks that much better and less mondane.