Considering an A110
Discussion
Hello, kicking off the investigation into A110 ownership as I've liked it for some time and hopefully will be getting one in 2025.
Love the concept, previously had S1 elise and Alfa 4C which i sold regretably to get my flat and now consider the A110 as it seems to be equally special but better resolved product.
Over the years in production, have there been any significant changes that I should be targeting particular one vintage over another?
Love the concept, previously had S1 elise and Alfa 4C which i sold regretably to get my flat and now consider the A110 as it seems to be equally special but better resolved product.
Over the years in production, have there been any significant changes that I should be targeting particular one vintage over another?
Honestly like WWW said it’s mostly the major 2022 change. There were also some small changes like with the final button under the infotainment being given functionality for models at some point post 2022. As you might’ve also seen in the configurator, a lot of older “extras” also become standard over the years, like the metal pedals for example.
If I were you I’d figure out if you’d want Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and go for other features from there like parking sensors, active sport exhaust, etc.
Good luck searching motorsport!
If I were you I’d figure out if you’d want Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and go for other features from there like parking sensors, active sport exhaust, etc.
Good luck searching motorsport!
The updated infotainment is the main update on >22MY cars, look for the power button on the bottom right below the screen, which is blanked off on earlier cars.
Windscreen cracks (common) and alternators (less common) on early cars were issues, low mileage early cars are priced well but may not have had these issues crop up yet.
Rear sensors I'd say are a must, the camera and front sensors (can't have one without the other) aren't necessary. The Focal audio is much better than the standard system if you like music. The sports exhaust is debatable due to the predictable pops and bangs, on reflection I wouldn't be too bothered either way. The 17" wheels ride a bit better but means you will have the smaller brakes, both are easier to drive around town as the ride is smoother and the brakes a bit less grabby but you sacrifice a bit of sharpness. The main choice you'll have to make is GT or bucket seats, there's no aftermarket options for seats.
It's probably a good time to get into one as production will be stopping at the end of this year, next year latest. Let us know what you end up going for...
Windscreen cracks (common) and alternators (less common) on early cars were issues, low mileage early cars are priced well but may not have had these issues crop up yet.
Rear sensors I'd say are a must, the camera and front sensors (can't have one without the other) aren't necessary. The Focal audio is much better than the standard system if you like music. The sports exhaust is debatable due to the predictable pops and bangs, on reflection I wouldn't be too bothered either way. The 17" wheels ride a bit better but means you will have the smaller brakes, both are easier to drive around town as the ride is smoother and the brakes a bit less grabby but you sacrifice a bit of sharpness. The main choice you'll have to make is GT or bucket seats, there's no aftermarket options for seats.
It's probably a good time to get into one as production will be stopping at the end of this year, next year latest. Let us know what you end up going for...
Cheers guys, appreciate the feedback. Not particularly concerned about the multimedia aspect in an A110. It's not going to be a daily, just a weekend toy, besides my other car is a 20yr old maserati (not known for cabin tech!)
I've read owner flagged issues such as paint bubbling which is really the main concern as I would like to preserve. Need to understand how common these are. Right, I'm off reading Dan Proser reports.
I've read owner flagged issues such as paint bubbling which is really the main concern as I would like to preserve. Need to understand how common these are. Right, I'm off reading Dan Proser reports.
Quite simply no there hasn’t really been any ‘significant’ changes over the years, save for spring rate, arb stiffness, damper valving & seats they are all same really. One of the joys of the A110 is that a sub £40k 5yr old non S will give you 90%+ of what you get with a newer £90k R. Unlike say a GT4RS Cayman which is very very different to a non S 4 pot Cayman.
Biggest advice would be try to meet up with or speak to owners from here, super knowledgeable bunch !!
Biggest advice would be try to meet up with or speak to owners from here, super knowledgeable bunch !!
Motorsport3 said:
Cheers guys, appreciate the feedback. Not particularly concerned about the multimedia aspect in an A110. It's not going to be a daily, just a weekend toy, besides my other car is a 20yr old maserati (not known for cabin tech!)
I've read owner flagged issues such as paint bubbling which is really the main concern as I would like to preserve. Need to understand how common these are. Right, I'm off reading Dan Proser reports.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the paint corrosion issue, all Alpines come with a 10 year warranty for it. If it does crop up on one you buy, you basically just get a free respray.I've read owner flagged issues such as paint bubbling which is really the main concern as I would like to preserve. Need to understand how common these are. Right, I'm off reading Dan Proser reports.
I bought a 2019 A110S with 25,000 miles on it from a main dealer last year.
Issues I have had so far other than those mentioned, rear dampers leak (both mine have been replaced).
Rear lights both replaced as the seals at the top perished or came unglued and filled with water! Not sure how common this is but the moisture/fog in the rear lights is common but usually clears over time.
Front brake discs warped but mine were quite worn anyway so replaced them with Brembo high carbon discs from a Clio which fit on our cars, they are a bit heavier but are a lot cheaper than Alpine branded discs.
Gearbox oil needs replacing after 4 years, not a big job but worth remembering if you are buying an older used Alpine.
Issues I have had so far other than those mentioned, rear dampers leak (both mine have been replaced).
Rear lights both replaced as the seals at the top perished or came unglued and filled with water! Not sure how common this is but the moisture/fog in the rear lights is common but usually clears over time.
Front brake discs warped but mine were quite worn anyway so replaced them with Brembo high carbon discs from a Clio which fit on our cars, they are a bit heavier but are a lot cheaper than Alpine branded discs.
Gearbox oil needs replacing after 4 years, not a big job but worth remembering if you are buying an older used Alpine.
Rocket. said:
I bought a 2019 A110S with 25,000 miles on it from a main dealer last year.
Issues I have had so far other than those mentioned, rear dampers leak (both mine have been replaced).
Rear lights both replaced as the seals at the top perished or came unglued and filled with water! Not sure how common this is but the moisture/fog in the rear lights is common but usually clears over time.
Front brake discs warped but mine were quite worn anyway so replaced them with Brembo high carbon discs from a Clio which fit on our cars, they are a bit heavier but are a lot cheaper than Alpine branded discs.
Gearbox oil needs replacing after 4 years, not a big job but worth remembering if you are buying an older used Alpine.
Really useful, thank you. The quality issues you mention are obviously unwelcome but you could see similar in a used ferrari costing 4x as much. Symptoms of low volume production I guess. After the you replaced the rear lights did you have issue with moisture on the new set?Issues I have had so far other than those mentioned, rear dampers leak (both mine have been replaced).
Rear lights both replaced as the seals at the top perished or came unglued and filled with water! Not sure how common this is but the moisture/fog in the rear lights is common but usually clears over time.
Front brake discs warped but mine were quite worn anyway so replaced them with Brembo high carbon discs from a Clio which fit on our cars, they are a bit heavier but are a lot cheaper than Alpine branded discs.
Gearbox oil needs replacing after 4 years, not a big job but worth remembering if you are buying an older used Alpine.
Just paid a visit to a local Alpine dealer and looked at the stock available. Lovely cars, from concept to execution.
Motorsport3 said:
Really useful, thank you. The quality issues you mention are obviously unwelcome but you could see similar in a used ferrari costing 4x as much. Symptoms of low volume production I guess. After the you replaced the rear lights did you have issue with moisture on the new set?
Just paid a visit to a local Alpine dealer and looked at the stock available. Lovely cars, from concept to execution.
You are absolutely correct these items can easily affect other manufacturers of course. Rear lights are fine now. Just paid a visit to a local Alpine dealer and looked at the stock available. Lovely cars, from concept to execution.
They are great a great little drivers car, possibly last of their type, I think of mine as a grown up version of my much loved S1 Elise I owned 25+ years ago. Not much out there I could think of replacing it with even at twice the money and on the whole they are cheap to run. You just have to work out which one is right for you.
Rocket. said:
I think of mine as a grown up version of my much loved S1 Elise I owned 25+ years ago. Not much out there I could think of replacing it with even at twice the money and on the whole they are cheap to run. You just have to work out which one is right for you.
I had a S1 Elise and other than the steering the A110 does everything better than the Elise.As others have said, great little car. You'll know if it's for you in a very short time. If you like it, you'll quickly grow to love it as its delicacy and subtleties that maybe aren't at first apparent get under your skin.
Had mine from new, a 2021 model pre-facelift (CarPlay lift??). I have toyed with updating it but honestly a new one adds nothing to the car I have except CarPlay really. That certainly isn't worth a significant cost to change. And several features on mine simply aren't available now on a new one, the 17's particularly. Fundamentally, the current model, from the base specification up was right first time out of the box. The higher up models simply added to that basic excellence.
I should add, 15k miles, mostly on fantastic road trips into Europe and mine has been utterly perfect. No faults or any of the reported issues.
Had mine from new, a 2021 model pre-facelift (CarPlay lift??). I have toyed with updating it but honestly a new one adds nothing to the car I have except CarPlay really. That certainly isn't worth a significant cost to change. And several features on mine simply aren't available now on a new one, the 17's particularly. Fundamentally, the current model, from the base specification up was right first time out of the box. The higher up models simply added to that basic excellence.
I should add, 15k miles, mostly on fantastic road trips into Europe and mine has been utterly perfect. No faults or any of the reported issues.
Edited by biggles330d on Sunday 29th December 16:03
I am also now considering an A110 after considering an Emira and potentially going the safer option of a Cayman, I find myself now looking at these.
It would be my daily (poss 15k per year). I would want a post 22 car with car play but what is best for a mixture of driving including motorway to heathrow fairly often?
I am thinking a GT as the S will be too stiff, what is it like in the real world. I think the 248hp engine wont be enough so looking at 300?
Anything else to look for?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412187...
This one caught my eye at Romans
It would be my daily (poss 15k per year). I would want a post 22 car with car play but what is best for a mixture of driving including motorway to heathrow fairly often?
I am thinking a GT as the S will be too stiff, what is it like in the real world. I think the 248hp engine wont be enough so looking at 300?
Anything else to look for?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412187...
This one caught my eye at Romans
interstellar said:
I am also now considering an A110 after considering an Emira and potentially going the safer option of a Cayman, I find myself now looking at these.
It would be my daily (poss 15k per year). I would want a post 22 car with car play but what is best for a mixture of driving including motorway to heathrow fairly often?
I am thinking a GT as the S will be too stiff, what is it like in the real world. I think the 248hp engine wont be enough so looking at 300?
Anything else to look for?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412187...
This one caught my eye at Romans
That's a nice spec! The only thing to check is whether it's had the fuel pump replaced under recall; I wouldn't expect chipped paint or any wheel arch corrosion on such a lightly-used model. I've got a pre-facelift Legende (the model that preceded the GT) and find the 'comfort' seats to be just that: I can do hours in them, unlike a number of other cars. You'll find a range of opinions on here about seats, and 250bhp vs. 300bhp,: ultimately it comes down to personal choice.It would be my daily (poss 15k per year). I would want a post 22 car with car play but what is best for a mixture of driving including motorway to heathrow fairly often?
I am thinking a GT as the S will be too stiff, what is it like in the real world. I think the 248hp engine wont be enough so looking at 300?
Anything else to look for?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412187...
This one caught my eye at Romans
If you're going to St Albans to view the car at Romans, then I'd recommend that you drop in at the Alpine dealership on the other side of town while you're there: a chance to look at/sit in a range of models.
interstellar said:
I am also now considering an A110 after considering an Emira and potentially going the safer option of a Cayman, I find myself now looking at these.
It would be my daily (poss 15k per year). I would want a post 22 car with car play but what is best for a mixture of driving including motorway to heathrow fairly often?
I am thinking a GT as the S will be too stiff, what is it like in the real world. I think the 248hp engine wont be enough so looking at 300?
Anything else to look for?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412187...
This one caught my eye at Romans
That Neptune Blue GT looks stunning! It would be my daily (poss 15k per year). I would want a post 22 car with car play but what is best for a mixture of driving including motorway to heathrow fairly often?
I am thinking a GT as the S will be too stiff, what is it like in the real world. I think the 248hp engine wont be enough so looking at 300?
Anything else to look for?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412187...
This one caught my eye at Romans
The S is like normal sports car stiffness, nothing silly. The standard suspension while still firm allows the car to breathe quite a bit more in all directions. The S would make a great weekend and track car but as a daily, around town, I would go for the standard set up.
I find 250hp plenty for the road in such a light car, you do really need to have it in Sport or Track mode for a quick pick up but you can always go for a remap should you want more.
The main choice beyond S is the seats, I find the buckets are a bit of a tighter squeeze but actually softer than the GT seats.
The subwoofer behind the passenger seat is only an option on the S or GT, but it can't be tuned separately from the speakers and it's also behind the passenger due to the car being designed primarily LHD. I plan to install a sub under the driver's seat.
I sat in a Boxter today for the first time and even from the passenger seat I could feel the extra weight, it actually felt cumbersome in comparison. The Porsche also didn't really feel more of a premium place to sit. If you have yet to drive an A110 you are in for a treat.
interstellar said:
I am also now considering an A110 after considering an Emira and potentially going the safer option of a Cayman, I find myself now looking at these.
It would be my daily (poss 15k per year). I would want a post 22 car with car play but what is best for a mixture of driving including motorway to heathrow fairly often?
I am thinking a GT as the S will be too stiff, what is it like in the real world. I think the 248hp engine wont be enough so looking at 300?
Anything else to look for?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412187...
This one caught my eye at Romans
I have a GT which is my daily covering 10k miles per year purchased from Hendy Eastleigh. Previously I had an S for 4 years (purchased from Martins). For me the GT is the sweet spot of the added power coupled with the slightly more comfortable ride for everyday use. The car on Autotrader looks a nice spec.It would be my daily (poss 15k per year). I would want a post 22 car with car play but what is best for a mixture of driving including motorway to heathrow fairly often?
I am thinking a GT as the S will be too stiff, what is it like in the real world. I think the 248hp engine wont be enough so looking at 300?
Anything else to look for?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412187...
This one caught my eye at Romans
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