Alfa Romeo GT 1.8TS
Discussion
For my son's 18th birthday (end of December), we thought we would treat him to a new motor, befitting his status as a bass guitarist in a lively band. His mates all seem to be driving Polo's these days, and so something different was needed. Insurance is always an issue, of course, as is the tight budget of £1.5k. The ability to carry two guitars was vital.
Having owned a 156 GTA for nearly 20 years and knowing my way around it pretty well, I looked at various 156's, but nothing stood out within the budget that wasn't rotten.
In the end I found an Alfa GT. I have always loved the way these look, and indeed have hankered after one a few years back. This fine specimen has 91k on the clock, zero history, various faults (see below), full MOT (apparently), no obvious rust issues and I got it for under budget. I viewed it for about 30 minutes at a typical dealership which deals with this sort of budget motor and a deal was done, oil and coolant checked and I drove it the long way home to give it a good test (150 miles). It was a pretty nice drive. No issues, other than a low oil pressure warning flashing up as I drove into the drive.
So, what have I got....
- Alfa GT 1.8 twin spark with 91k
- no history
- reasonably tidy bodywork. A couple of dings and scratches here and there and a scuff on the offside rear quarter
- full MOT apparently - and a remarkably clean MOT history
- no obvious corrosion other than the exhaust back box
- driver's window switch knackered - so window not working
- no windscreen washers
- no horn
- all tyres need replacing (18")
- all alloys need tidying
- significant oil leak from the rocker cover (hence why it used quite a lot of oil on the way home!) - and which any evidence of had been kindly all cleaned up at the dealers...
- horribly sticky interior rubber everywhere
- one parking sensor pushed in
- passenger door handle missing (this snapped off on the way home at Strensham services)
- bonnet insulation hanging off (needs new clips)
- no squeeks or bangs from the suspension (although the ride on the 18" wheels is a bit firm)
- engine held a steady 90 degrees and warms up quickly
- aircon works
- cruise control not working
- cracks in both rear light lenses
- warning lights on dash for bulbs out (although all bulbs are correct and present)
- only one key
It is certainly no show pony, but I think it has been largely quite well looked after for most of its life, but has fallen on tough times in recent years.
I now have a couple of months to get it sorted for my son's birthday at the end of December.
Having owned a 156 GTA for nearly 20 years and knowing my way around it pretty well, I looked at various 156's, but nothing stood out within the budget that wasn't rotten.
In the end I found an Alfa GT. I have always loved the way these look, and indeed have hankered after one a few years back. This fine specimen has 91k on the clock, zero history, various faults (see below), full MOT (apparently), no obvious rust issues and I got it for under budget. I viewed it for about 30 minutes at a typical dealership which deals with this sort of budget motor and a deal was done, oil and coolant checked and I drove it the long way home to give it a good test (150 miles). It was a pretty nice drive. No issues, other than a low oil pressure warning flashing up as I drove into the drive.
So, what have I got....
- Alfa GT 1.8 twin spark with 91k
- no history
- reasonably tidy bodywork. A couple of dings and scratches here and there and a scuff on the offside rear quarter
- full MOT apparently - and a remarkably clean MOT history
- no obvious corrosion other than the exhaust back box
- driver's window switch knackered - so window not working
- no windscreen washers
- no horn
- all tyres need replacing (18")
- all alloys need tidying
- significant oil leak from the rocker cover (hence why it used quite a lot of oil on the way home!) - and which any evidence of had been kindly all cleaned up at the dealers...
- horribly sticky interior rubber everywhere
- one parking sensor pushed in
- passenger door handle missing (this snapped off on the way home at Strensham services)
- bonnet insulation hanging off (needs new clips)
- no squeeks or bangs from the suspension (although the ride on the 18" wheels is a bit firm)
- engine held a steady 90 degrees and warms up quickly
- aircon works
- cruise control not working
- cracks in both rear light lenses
- warning lights on dash for bulbs out (although all bulbs are correct and present)
- only one key
It is certainly no show pony, but I think it has been largely quite well looked after for most of its life, but has fallen on tough times in recent years.
I now have a couple of months to get it sorted for my son's birthday at the end of December.
Nice, I had a very similar car in 2.0 JTS.
Definitely take a look at that suspension, no squeaks is suspicious as the bushings are very vocal. Though maybe have been polybushed.
What's front tyre wear like? Notorious for wearing inside shoulder on default geometry.
This won't suffer the issues of the JTS (coking, oil) but it's still a car that will keep you busy!
I think the washers can be swapped with heated ones off a FIAT, I'm sure the plug is there and it was functioning based on reports on forum (going back a decade now).
Loved mine, but was stress inducing...
Definitely take a look at that suspension, no squeaks is suspicious as the bushings are very vocal. Though maybe have been polybushed.
What's front tyre wear like? Notorious for wearing inside shoulder on default geometry.
This won't suffer the issues of the JTS (coking, oil) but it's still a car that will keep you busy!
I think the washers can be swapped with heated ones off a FIAT, I'm sure the plug is there and it was functioning based on reports on forum (going back a decade now).
Loved mine, but was stress inducing...
Evanivitch said:
Nice, I had a very similar car in 2.0 JTS.
Definitely take a look at that suspension, no squeaks is suspicious as the bushings are very vocal. Though maybe have been polybushed.
What's front tyre wear like? Notorious for wearing inside shoulder on default geometry.
This won't suffer the issues of the JTS (coking, oil) but it's still a car that will keep you busy!
I think the washers can be swapped with heated ones off a FIAT, I'm sure the plug is there and it was functioning based on reports on forum (going back a decade now).
Loved mine, but was stress inducing...
I've had an Alfa 156 GTA for nigh on 20's years.....I know all about how much care and attention they need! I'll take a look at the heated washers!Definitely take a look at that suspension, no squeaks is suspicious as the bushings are very vocal. Though maybe have been polybushed.
What's front tyre wear like? Notorious for wearing inside shoulder on default geometry.
This won't suffer the issues of the JTS (coking, oil) but it's still a car that will keep you busy!
I think the washers can be swapped with heated ones off a FIAT, I'm sure the plug is there and it was functioning based on reports on forum (going back a decade now).
Loved mine, but was stress inducing...
Skodillac said:
I reckon these are better looking than the (overstyled to my eye) Brera. You have one very lucky son, mine got a X-reg Corolla 1.4, in dog's cock red!
I've always fancied one of these for myself, perhaps when I retire I'll get one as a modern classic before they get too rare.
He has had almost a year of trundling around in the 07 family fiesta, which is on 185k miles now. I guess I'll be back driving that come January!I've always fancied one of these for myself, perhaps when I retire I'll get one as a modern classic before they get too rare.
Nice. I also had a 2.0 JTS. Lovely car, fun to drive and brilliant for long runs.
Worth a check of the sills as they rust from the inside due to the foam NVH insulators and only comes to light when a tyre place crushes your sills when jacking in the wrong place...
Parking sensors should just push back out! Passenger door handle is the same part as on the Fiat 500 and breaks in just the same way. Makes them cheap if fiddly to fit though.
On mine the suspension was great after replacing it all with Koni/Eibach.
The warning lights could be just someone fitting LEDs as they seem very susceptible to canbus errors even with ballast fitted. The sidelights also blow for laughs. Mine went through loads until I eventually replaced them with Bosch long life bulbs rather than generic bulbs.
Still a great car! Hope he enjoys it.
Worth a check of the sills as they rust from the inside due to the foam NVH insulators and only comes to light when a tyre place crushes your sills when jacking in the wrong place...
Parking sensors should just push back out! Passenger door handle is the same part as on the Fiat 500 and breaks in just the same way. Makes them cheap if fiddly to fit though.
On mine the suspension was great after replacing it all with Koni/Eibach.
The warning lights could be just someone fitting LEDs as they seem very susceptible to canbus errors even with ballast fitted. The sidelights also blow for laughs. Mine went through loads until I eventually replaced them with Bosch long life bulbs rather than generic bulbs.
Still a great car! Hope he enjoys it.
I had a black 3.2 from new for a year and I still miss it.
I think the seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in.
Agreed that they're much nicer visually than the Brera.
Don't they rust in the rear floorpan?
They had issues with the windows dropping when you open the door but not going up when you close it.
Also a characteristic rattle from the top of the tailgate
I think the seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in.
Agreed that they're much nicer visually than the Brera.
Don't they rust in the rear floorpan?
They had issues with the windows dropping when you open the door but not going up when you close it.
Also a characteristic rattle from the top of the tailgate
king delighted to drive that at 18! nice work, even if it needs some tidying up, a car at that age shouldn't be mint.Om said:
Nice. I also had a 2.0 JTS. Lovely car, fun to drive and brilliant for long runs.
Worth a check of the sills as they rust from the inside due to the foam NVH insulators and only comes to light when a tyre place crushes your sills when jacking in the wrong place...
Parking sensors should just push back out! Passenger door handle is the same part as on the Fiat 500 and breaks in just the same way. Makes them cheap if fiddly to fit though.
On mine the suspension was great after replacing it all with Koni/Eibach.
The warning lights could be just someone fitting LEDs as they seem very susceptible to canbus errors even with ballast fitted. The sidelights also blow for laughs. Mine went through loads until I eventually replaced them with Bosch long life bulbs rather than generic bulbs.
Still a great car! Hope he enjoys it.
Yes, it seems fun to drive. Corners very flat. This being the lowly 1.8 is hardly a rocket ship, but is a big upgrade on the Fiesta! Steering is typical Alfa - very direct which is great.Worth a check of the sills as they rust from the inside due to the foam NVH insulators and only comes to light when a tyre place crushes your sills when jacking in the wrong place...
Parking sensors should just push back out! Passenger door handle is the same part as on the Fiat 500 and breaks in just the same way. Makes them cheap if fiddly to fit though.
On mine the suspension was great after replacing it all with Koni/Eibach.
The warning lights could be just someone fitting LEDs as they seem very susceptible to canbus errors even with ballast fitted. The sidelights also blow for laughs. Mine went through loads until I eventually replaced them with Bosch long life bulbs rather than generic bulbs.
Still a great car! Hope he enjoys it.
Good info on the door handle. Thanks
5 In a Row said:
I had a black 3.2 from new for a year and I still miss it.
I think the seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in.
Agreed that they're much nicer visually than the Brera.
Don't they rust in the rear floorpan?
They had issues with the windows dropping when you open the door but not going up when you close it.
Also a characteristic rattle from the top of the tailgate
Floorpan is all very solid. Sills appear solid. Little bit of damage at the front end of them, but they have passed my screwdriver test with aplomb.I think the seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in.
Agreed that they're much nicer visually than the Brera.
Don't they rust in the rear floorpan?
They had issues with the windows dropping when you open the door but not going up when you close it.
Also a characteristic rattle from the top of the tailgate
Bit of progress...my son is helping which is great. He is being tortured for the next 2 months until his birthday...
Windscreen washers now fixed - fuse and a split pipe.
Got a lot of the manky rubber coating off the main areas using IPA and elbow grease.
Undertray was hanging on with a wing and a prayer (just like my 156), removed, and oil changed. Nice easy access to the filter on these :-)
New window switch arrived - plugged it in, and it tries to work, but the window only drops about an inch. Ordered a new regulator/motor.
Ordered a door handle and a rocker gasket set.
Already had the clips for the bonnet insulation so that is now firmly back in place.
Found some rear lights on ebay so bought them.
Gave it a good clean outside. It so desperately needs a good polish!
The aim is to do everything I've noticed, then put it through another MOT with my trusted garage to see what else needs doing....
The elephant in the room is the ICE department. It doesn't have an AUX in socket so my plan for fitting a bluetooth dongle and phone cradle is scuppered. He needs Spotify! I'll have to do some googling on that. On my 156 I use a Parrot 9200 kit, which works pretty well, but is such old tech now. Perhaps I'll have to find one of those...
Windscreen washers now fixed - fuse and a split pipe.
Got a lot of the manky rubber coating off the main areas using IPA and elbow grease.
Undertray was hanging on with a wing and a prayer (just like my 156), removed, and oil changed. Nice easy access to the filter on these :-)
New window switch arrived - plugged it in, and it tries to work, but the window only drops about an inch. Ordered a new regulator/motor.
Ordered a door handle and a rocker gasket set.
Already had the clips for the bonnet insulation so that is now firmly back in place.
Found some rear lights on ebay so bought them.
Gave it a good clean outside. It so desperately needs a good polish!
The aim is to do everything I've noticed, then put it through another MOT with my trusted garage to see what else needs doing....
The elephant in the room is the ICE department. It doesn't have an AUX in socket so my plan for fitting a bluetooth dongle and phone cradle is scuppered. He needs Spotify! I'll have to do some googling on that. On my 156 I use a Parrot 9200 kit, which works pretty well, but is such old tech now. Perhaps I'll have to find one of those...
alfabeat said:
The elephant in the room is the ICE department. It doesn't have an AUX in socket so my plan for fitting a bluetooth dongle and phone cradle is scuppered. He needs Spotify! I'll have to do some googling on that. On my 156 I use a Parrot 9200 kit, which works pretty well, but is such old tech now. Perhaps I'll have to find one of those...
I'd recommend something that plugs into the CD changer port at the back of the radio, these will give you bluetooth streaming and use of the buttons on the radio and steering wheel so no need to touch your phone. I had one in my Panda that worked great. 
He's a lucky chap. I like the design of those Blackline alloy wheels lots. There's been at least one Blackline at work that always caught my eye.
Is there foam sound deadening material on the inside of the rear wings behind the interior trim that absorbs moisture and causes corrosion issues?
I've certainly considered these and one advertised on Autotrader had been owned by an enthusiast and had had new cills both sides and a proper paint job, possibly an entire respray.
Is there foam sound deadening material on the inside of the rear wings behind the interior trim that absorbs moisture and causes corrosion issues?
I've certainly considered these and one advertised on Autotrader had been owned by an enthusiast and had had new cills both sides and a proper paint job, possibly an entire respray.
Rough101 said:
Nice one, they re all nickel and dime issues as you probably know, as you also know, it swill need a timing and aux belt, but unlike the 2 litre, no balance belt.
Solid machine if you keep on top of it.
Yes, that will need doing as I have no history. I have emailed the Alfa garage on the newish looking number plates, in the vein hope they know it and will tell me that they did the belt and pump recently.......one can hope!Solid machine if you keep on top of it.
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