Help needed deciding between 2 cars please

[rockhopper]

Hi, I have finally narrowed the search for my next motor down to 2 cars, Honda Civic 2.2 or the Alfa Romeo GT 1.9, both diesels as I do a fair few miles.

Having researched the 2 I have a few pros and cons, these being,

Alfa

Pros
Prefer the look of the Alfa both inside and out although the civic I like as well.
The paint seems to be better than on the civic.
I can pick one up for less money.

Cons
Suspect electrics ?
Timing belt issues due to water pump failures
Wind noise issues due to window not sealing fully, seems to be mainly passenger side.

Civic

Pros
Great engine gives good performance and economy.
Four doors and more load space with clever folding seats.
Lots of gadgets.

Cons
Dodgy paintwork
Clutch issues
Crashy ride

These are what I can think of from what I have read, if anyone can add anything to these or if anyone has owned both and could give their experiences It would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

[ewenm]

Heart says Alfa, head says Honda. Not any help, I know.

[adycav]

I'd have the Alfa.




Actually I'd probably have a BMW 1 or 3 series diesel but that's not what you asked is it?

Probably best you don't post up your budget, you'll get a load of suggestions of varying suitability which can only make matters worse.

[AndrewO]

Alfa

Honda is assembled in Swindon with a new Honda diesel engine according to the wiki. The alfa looks to have a bit of history to its diesel engine in the form of GM/fiat tie ups. The japs generally don't do Diesels in their own market, tending to pop someone elses in for the Europeans.

[anonymous-user]

Alfa, I'm shocked you had to ask the question. Nothing wrong with a Civic though.

[thebullettrain]

AndrewO said:

...The japs generally don't do Diesels in their own market, tending to pop someone elses in for the Europeans.

Honda have developed their own diesel.

[rockhopper]

adycav said:

I'd have the Alfa.




Actually I'd probably have a BMW 1 or 3 series diesel but that's not what you asked is it?

Probably best you don't post up your budget, you'll get a load of suggestions of varying suitability which can only make matters worse.

The 320d was my original choice but reading about turbo/engine failures has frightened me off !


Thanks for the reply's so far, appears that GT's winning with no Alpha reliability jokes, anyone else wishing to give their opinions appreciated.

[RDRR]

rockhopper said:

with no Alpha reliability jokes

No, just spelling ones.

[rockhopper]

RDRR said:

No, just spelling ones.

OOPS !!!

[rockhopper]

Any more opinions ?

[VladD]

Alfa all the way. The Civic just looks a bit crap.

[blank]

Have you driven them both?

I was driving a Civic at the weekend and couldn't get on with the instrument "cluster" set up.

Digital speedo - I like to see a gauge moving - gives you more info.
The separation of the speedo and rev counter meant that one of them was always obscured by the steering wheel.


If it was my car it would do my head in!

[rfn]

Not driven the Alfa BUT have driven the Civic. The petrol 1.8 will get you 40 to 45mpg quite easily and tend to be a bit cheaper to buy.
The diesel engine is very good too, though the ride is a bit crashy with 18" wheels.