Time to build up my NCB. Alfa 147
Discussion
This is my first type of thread like this and it is more for me to keep track of what I have done with the car and where I have been with it. But I will also update progress made.
I've been driving for nearly 2 years and I still have no NCB which is affecting me badly. So I made the decision to get a car to keep for a few years to build them up. But also from a car I wanted something I wouldn't get bored in a few months.
About the car -
It is a Alfa Romeo 147 and apparently it is a collezione which is limited edition. I bought it because I fell for it as I saw it as I originally was going to view a Clio. The Alfa is only a 1.6 but the ts engine makes a okay sound for what it is and it seems to pull okay for a little car.
Time for pictures I guess of what I blew my savings on.
I've been driving for nearly 2 years and I still have no NCB which is affecting me badly. So I made the decision to get a car to keep for a few years to build them up. But also from a car I wanted something I wouldn't get bored in a few months.
About the car -
It is a Alfa Romeo 147 and apparently it is a collezione which is limited edition. I bought it because I fell for it as I saw it as I originally was going to view a Clio. The Alfa is only a 1.6 but the ts engine makes a okay sound for what it is and it seems to pull okay for a little car.
Time for pictures I guess of what I blew my savings on.
Excellent choice....although I may be a little biased....as I am on my second Alfa 156..!
Alfas are wonderful cars with much more character than most other marques: especially the 147/156 era. The interiors are unlike any other car, they have that extra charm.
If possible, try to find a decent independent Alfa specialist to look after it as they do need a garage that is sympathetic towards them !
And also get the 4 wheel alignment done properly, many Alfas are not set up correctly and can wear the rear tyres if neglected ( this applies to the 156, not sure if the 147 is the same).
Its a good idea to get it done anyway, so the the car handles as Alfa intended.
Once they are right, they drive like no other modern car....
Alfas are wonderful cars with much more character than most other marques: especially the 147/156 era. The interiors are unlike any other car, they have that extra charm.
If possible, try to find a decent independent Alfa specialist to look after it as they do need a garage that is sympathetic towards them !
And also get the 4 wheel alignment done properly, many Alfas are not set up correctly and can wear the rear tyres if neglected ( this applies to the 156, not sure if the 147 is the same).
Its a good idea to get it done anyway, so the the car handles as Alfa intended.
Once they are right, they drive like no other modern car....
The interior is what drew me to the car in the first place. I think the 147 and 156 are very similar but I could be wrong being new to alfas. The car had alignment done before I picked it up but I might ask a specialist to do it again as the possibility of better handling appeals to me although the handling feels immense. Do you know of any decent places in Yorkshire ??
Depends what part of Yorkshire you mean....I live in Co Durham and use a place in Ferryhill, ( not too far from Darlington) but that may be too far from you.
My suggestion would be to go on the alfa forums ( I use Pistonheads Alfa forum, and also alfaowner.com and alfa156.net ) . They are all very helpful, and that was where I found out about my indy.
Also, Haynes do not do Manuals for Alfas ( probably not enough cars sold over here !) so the only way of finding out about them is via the online forums ( or is it fora ! )
Youtube is also very helpful if you are handy with a spanner !
Not sure if yours is a twinspark engine....but if it is then make sure the correct oil is kept topped up to the mark at all times. My 1.8 TS was a wonderful engine, but did use oil ( they all do apparently), and also make sure that the timing belt/tensioner has been changed ( along with the water pump ).
Again, I am assuming it is a twinspark, but these engines need a cambelt every 36,000 miles.
Just for an excuse to show my car....
In Weardale earlier today...my 2005 156 JTDM 150 with 130,000 miles on it....just been to Monaco and back last month...
My suggestion would be to go on the alfa forums ( I use Pistonheads Alfa forum, and also alfaowner.com and alfa156.net ) . They are all very helpful, and that was where I found out about my indy.
Also, Haynes do not do Manuals for Alfas ( probably not enough cars sold over here !) so the only way of finding out about them is via the online forums ( or is it fora ! )
Youtube is also very helpful if you are handy with a spanner !
Not sure if yours is a twinspark engine....but if it is then make sure the correct oil is kept topped up to the mark at all times. My 1.8 TS was a wonderful engine, but did use oil ( they all do apparently), and also make sure that the timing belt/tensioner has been changed ( along with the water pump ).
Again, I am assuming it is a twinspark, but these engines need a cambelt every 36,000 miles.
Just for an excuse to show my car....
In Weardale earlier today...my 2005 156 JTDM 150 with 130,000 miles on it....just been to Monaco and back last month...
tonyb1968 said:
Backboxes rot straight out of the factory due to them being double skinned and they dont last long.
2ltrs drink oil, dont think the 1.6's are as bad, nice cars and should be pretty reliable if maintained well
My 1.6 does drink oil, but its an oldie, and only does one litre per 1K miles roughly, not too bad considering how cheap decent 10w40 is.2ltrs drink oil, dont think the 1.6's are as bad, nice cars and should be pretty reliable if maintained well
Lovely car OP! i bought a 2002 1.6 myself in march, loving it so far, even if it is a bit tired and old.
The backboxes do rot externally, but take ages to actually fail. My brother in law's 147 had "exhaust corrosion" listed as an MOT advisory for about 5 years before it needed to be replaced.
As others have said: oil, oil, oil. You need to check every 1K miles, these engines do burn oil and so many are wrecked by people not checking, then wondering why a red light is flickering on as they go round corners.
As others have said: oil, oil, oil. You need to check every 1K miles, these engines do burn oil and so many are wrecked by people not checking, then wondering why a red light is flickering on as they go round corners.
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