Alfa 145 Cloverleaf
Discussion
After looking at various cars for my next daily driver I keep coming back to the 145 Cloverleaf. I have to be honest, I like them (a lot) in concept, but I don't know much about the reality. Anyone who's had one car to enlighten me?
For example ... what do I need to look out for if I do look at buying one (in particular, what needs to be refreshed to keep it handling and performing well - IIRC they're quite fond of wishbone bushes or something)? What sort of mpg can I expect in mixed use? Am I right in thinking the rear seats fold?
If anyone in the Herts/North London sort of area has one they wouldn't mind me taking a look at to get an idea of what to expect I'd be extremely grateful.
Similarly, if anyone knows of a good Cloverleaf for sale (preferably yellow or red with leather!) please feel free to drop me a PM.
For example ... what do I need to look out for if I do look at buying one (in particular, what needs to be refreshed to keep it handling and performing well - IIRC they're quite fond of wishbone bushes or something)? What sort of mpg can I expect in mixed use? Am I right in thinking the rear seats fold?
If anyone in the Herts/North London sort of area has one they wouldn't mind me taking a look at to get an idea of what to expect I'd be extremely grateful.
Similarly, if anyone knows of a good Cloverleaf for sale (preferably yellow or red with leather!) please feel free to drop me a PM.
I've had mine for a few months now and have done a fair amount to prepare it as a track car. They really are great fun to drive! 
I have stolen this good buyers guide from the 145 forum:
Get on your hands and knees (aye aye) You are looking underneath the car at the floor pan. You need to be checking where the floor pan meets the sills corrosion, this is a problem area. Other problem areas are the drainage holes where the rear passengers feet go, dont be scared to give it a jab with a key... if it goes through, the chances are that most of the floor pan will require welding...expect to pay around £300+ at a garage. Also look at the drainage bung in the boot, just below where the spare wheel sits, this area is also known to corrode.
Start the car, listen for any diesel noises, if you hear any, the chances are that the Variator needs changing, the belts will also have to be done at the same time. For a full job, expect to pay around £450 + at a garage. If it is ok, check the service history for when the belts were last done, if there is no record, expect to get them changed. They need to be done every 3 years or every 32k, which ever comes first.
Once the car has been on for a while, listen for any erratic idle, this can sometimes point out a dodgy Idle control valve. Also, don't be afraid, but rev the car to around 6k briefly, check for any hesitation on the way up, this can sometimes point of a dodgy MAF. This normally becomes very apparent when actually driving the car. For a new MAF expect to pay around £80+ for a genuine piece. Always stick with a genuine piece as the pirate parts to no last long at all.
Check the oil level once the engine has been switched off for a while. If the oil level is low, this may indicate a lazy owner. These twin spark engines are known to burn oil and sometimes the owners neglect to regularly check the level. On the 2.0 litre engines they are known to eat big end bearings once the oil level runs low.
Check the tyre wear on the front wheels. If the tyres are worn on the inner edge, this may indicate worn wishbone bushes, the 145's again are known to go through these slightly quicker than a normal ford etc.
In the engine bay, check the chassis legs for corrosion, if you look carefully, you should be able to see the lower part of the bumper in the corners. There should be a leg either side that connects the bumper to the chassis, these are very very prone for corrosion. Another bargining point to have.
Again, in the engine bay, behind where the hinges are for the bonnet are some black foam pads, give these a put out and check for leaves etc. It has been known for these areas to block up on the drainage holes and fill with water, this then leaks in to the cab and can cause electrical problems. Also the water can seep underneath the carpet, thus promoting corrosion to the floor further.
Electric Windows. The drivers side windows are sometimes known to give owners problems, they get lazy over time and can pop out of the runners. It only takes a £8 can of silicone spray to lube it up and you can fix it.
Check the drivers side inner arch for corrosion, if can easily fail an MOT there because a brake line attaches to it.
The Exhausts on these ares can suffer from corrosion around the joins to the boxs pritty bad, make sure you have a good look as replacing the system can be £150 +.
Dashboard lights - All the dashboard lights should illuminate when the key is first turned, many should then extinguish. If the Airbag light remains on, expect to pay around ~£40 to get the fault cleared. It is normally a dodgy sensor underneath the drivers seat. Ensure that it is connected properly and put a cable tie around it to prevent it ever from coming loose.
Thats all i can think of right now, if i can think of anything more i shall return!
More great info on the forum and some well looked after cars going for cheap: forum.alfa145.com
I have stolen this good buyers guide from the 145 forum:
Get on your hands and knees (aye aye) You are looking underneath the car at the floor pan. You need to be checking where the floor pan meets the sills corrosion, this is a problem area. Other problem areas are the drainage holes where the rear passengers feet go, dont be scared to give it a jab with a key... if it goes through, the chances are that most of the floor pan will require welding...expect to pay around £300+ at a garage. Also look at the drainage bung in the boot, just below where the spare wheel sits, this area is also known to corrode.
Start the car, listen for any diesel noises, if you hear any, the chances are that the Variator needs changing, the belts will also have to be done at the same time. For a full job, expect to pay around £450 + at a garage. If it is ok, check the service history for when the belts were last done, if there is no record, expect to get them changed. They need to be done every 3 years or every 32k, which ever comes first.
Once the car has been on for a while, listen for any erratic idle, this can sometimes point out a dodgy Idle control valve. Also, don't be afraid, but rev the car to around 6k briefly, check for any hesitation on the way up, this can sometimes point of a dodgy MAF. This normally becomes very apparent when actually driving the car. For a new MAF expect to pay around £80+ for a genuine piece. Always stick with a genuine piece as the pirate parts to no last long at all.
Check the oil level once the engine has been switched off for a while. If the oil level is low, this may indicate a lazy owner. These twin spark engines are known to burn oil and sometimes the owners neglect to regularly check the level. On the 2.0 litre engines they are known to eat big end bearings once the oil level runs low.
Check the tyre wear on the front wheels. If the tyres are worn on the inner edge, this may indicate worn wishbone bushes, the 145's again are known to go through these slightly quicker than a normal ford etc.
In the engine bay, check the chassis legs for corrosion, if you look carefully, you should be able to see the lower part of the bumper in the corners. There should be a leg either side that connects the bumper to the chassis, these are very very prone for corrosion. Another bargining point to have.
Again, in the engine bay, behind where the hinges are for the bonnet are some black foam pads, give these a put out and check for leaves etc. It has been known for these areas to block up on the drainage holes and fill with water, this then leaks in to the cab and can cause electrical problems. Also the water can seep underneath the carpet, thus promoting corrosion to the floor further.
Electric Windows. The drivers side windows are sometimes known to give owners problems, they get lazy over time and can pop out of the runners. It only takes a £8 can of silicone spray to lube it up and you can fix it.
Check the drivers side inner arch for corrosion, if can easily fail an MOT there because a brake line attaches to it.
The Exhausts on these ares can suffer from corrosion around the joins to the boxs pritty bad, make sure you have a good look as replacing the system can be £150 +.
Dashboard lights - All the dashboard lights should illuminate when the key is first turned, many should then extinguish. If the Airbag light remains on, expect to pay around ~£40 to get the fault cleared. It is normally a dodgy sensor underneath the drivers seat. Ensure that it is connected properly and put a cable tie around it to prevent it ever from coming loose.
Thats all i can think of right now, if i can think of anything more i shall return!
More great info on the forum and some well looked after cars going for cheap: forum.alfa145.com
Chris - I can't add too much to the above really, that's a pretty comprehensive summary. Also alfa145.com is a wealth of information and very friendly.
I've only recently bought mine after having one a few years ago. It's just as much fun as I remember it back then. To your specific points you should average around 30 to the gallon and yes the seats do go down.
I've just had mine checked over today by AlfaAid and it was fascinating to see underneath the car - thankfully mine is OK, but there is just a small amount of surface rust on the floorpan under the rear seats so it will be cleaned up and undersealed ASAP. Both wishbones on mine are OK, but have a bit of play so I'm going to get them replaced as I plan to keep the car a good while.
In my experience the engines are strong (though some like a drink of oil) provided they are regularly serviced (belts every 36,000 miles/3 years) as is most of the car. It's actually a pretty simple machine so nothing too complex with them.
I viewed several cars before buying the mine - some were quite frankly bloody awful - tired, rusty and overpriced etc. Good cars are getting more and more difficult to find but worth taking your time.
I'm in Marlow, Buckinghamshire - not quite herts/north london but not a million miles away either. Happy to let you look around if you like - just drop me a PM.
Bets of luck with your search.
I've only recently bought mine after having one a few years ago. It's just as much fun as I remember it back then. To your specific points you should average around 30 to the gallon and yes the seats do go down.
I've just had mine checked over today by AlfaAid and it was fascinating to see underneath the car - thankfully mine is OK, but there is just a small amount of surface rust on the floorpan under the rear seats so it will be cleaned up and undersealed ASAP. Both wishbones on mine are OK, but have a bit of play so I'm going to get them replaced as I plan to keep the car a good while.
In my experience the engines are strong (though some like a drink of oil) provided they are regularly serviced (belts every 36,000 miles/3 years) as is most of the car. It's actually a pretty simple machine so nothing too complex with them.
I viewed several cars before buying the mine - some were quite frankly bloody awful - tired, rusty and overpriced etc. Good cars are getting more and more difficult to find but worth taking your time.
I'm in Marlow, Buckinghamshire - not quite herts/north london but not a million miles away either. Happy to let you look around if you like - just drop me a PM.
Bets of luck with your search.
Hey Chris - I've had my 145 for 2 years and love it. Needs a bit of work doing on it now though, im planning to get it done later in the year.
Im based in Surrey near woking so your welcome to have a mooch around my 145.
The cars been pretty reliable, only real major problem ive had was with the air con compressor - it seized up on me.
The 145 cloverleaf is great fun to drive, mine has a cone filter and a cold air intake, it sounds fantastic - ive also done a little mod to the intake manifold so it really roars when you open it up.
The 145s are getting quite old now, so the suspension will be way past best if it hasnt been refreshed.
Expect about 35ish mpg on a steady motorway run (70MPH). I drove mine to spain in 2010 and averaged 29MPG, that was cruising for long periods of time around 100-110mph (Private road :0)with the air con on max. I think they are pretty decent on fuel bearing in mind you need to work the engine pretty hard to get the power from the engine.
Im based in Surrey near woking so your welcome to have a mooch around my 145.
The cars been pretty reliable, only real major problem ive had was with the air con compressor - it seized up on me.
The 145 cloverleaf is great fun to drive, mine has a cone filter and a cold air intake, it sounds fantastic - ive also done a little mod to the intake manifold so it really roars when you open it up.
The 145s are getting quite old now, so the suspension will be way past best if it hasnt been refreshed.
Expect about 35ish mpg on a steady motorway run (70MPH). I drove mine to spain in 2010 and averaged 29MPG, that was cruising for long periods of time around 100-110mph (Private road :0)with the air con on max. I think they are pretty decent on fuel bearing in mind you need to work the engine pretty hard to get the power from the engine.
Kept my eyes peeled and still not seen a standard-looking car that really shouts at me. There was a nice modified example for sale recently, but it had a stripped out interior and so on which didn't really didn't really fit my daily driver requirements.
Still on the lookout. I did start wondering about a 156, though. I presume the 156 V6s are going to be significantly more expensive to run than something like a 145 QV?
Still on the lookout. I did start wondering about a 156, though. I presume the 156 V6s are going to be significantly more expensive to run than something like a 145 QV?
I too am keeping an eye out for one.
I have been tempted by a few but the mileage was just too high.
I have found a 1.8 for sale with 25,000 miles on a W plate.
I am tempted as several write ups say that this engine is great in the car, cheaper to run than the 2.0.
At the moment I have the 1.6. More power is what I'm after!
Not so many of these cars left now so maybe the 147 with the 3.2 is the way to go?
I have been tempted by a few but the mileage was just too high.
I have found a 1.8 for sale with 25,000 miles on a W plate.
I am tempted as several write ups say that this engine is great in the car, cheaper to run than the 2.0.
At the moment I have the 1.6. More power is what I'm after!
Not so many of these cars left now so maybe the 147 with the 3.2 is the way to go?
Hi Harpo,
How do you find the 1.6?
Basically I'm looking for something that's a bit different to my current daily driver. Performance would be an advantage, but mostly I'm after something that just feels a bit more special than the usual affordable runaround so I've started thinking about broadening the search to a 146 Ti or one of the smaller engined 145s.
As I understand it the 1.8 TS is actually the raciest engine of the range? A lot of people seem to say it's a bit hyperactive (in a good way).
The 1.6 seems to be well regarded too - obviously not as powerful but still revvy and playful?
The only thing is I understand the Cloverleaf (and the Ti in 146 form) got a close ratio gearbox, bigger brakes and different suspension, so there are benefits other than the engine. Plus, it seems even the 2-litres aren't too bad on fuel and insurance.
How do you find the 1.6?
Basically I'm looking for something that's a bit different to my current daily driver. Performance would be an advantage, but mostly I'm after something that just feels a bit more special than the usual affordable runaround so I've started thinking about broadening the search to a 146 Ti or one of the smaller engined 145s.
As I understand it the 1.8 TS is actually the raciest engine of the range? A lot of people seem to say it's a bit hyperactive (in a good way).
The 1.6 seems to be well regarded too - obviously not as powerful but still revvy and playful?
The only thing is I understand the Cloverleaf (and the Ti in 146 form) got a close ratio gearbox, bigger brakes and different suspension, so there are benefits other than the engine. Plus, it seems even the 2-litres aren't too bad on fuel and insurance.
HebdenHedgehog said:
Regarding the last post, you should also consider the Junior versions of the 145 / 146 - these were basically small engined versions of the Ti / Cloverleaf (AFAIK) so you can have most of the fun for slightly lower running costs. Not many decent ones about though...
I have heard something about this before. How similar are they? Are we talking the same size brakes and so on?Had stuck me that a standard-ish four cylinder would make quite an amusing little noise-test compliant track car for when the TVR is too noisy. Which is most of the time.
Got three possible viewings lined up over the weekend - a nice but very high mileage 146 Ti, a very smart looking 145 1.6 TS and a 145 QV that's rather optimistically priced.
I see you asked the same question on the 145 forum so I suspect that rather than me regurgitate some rubbish it may be better to see what answer/s you get from there!
BUT as far as I know, the Juniors had the same suspension / brakes / steering rack / body plastics as the Cloverleaf /Ti - and had unique interior cloth trim. But it seems the larger engined cars had rear disc brakes whereas the 1.6 had drums at the back, so I guess that may be a clue when you look at one. I am pretty sure the normal 1.6 cars are quite a bit different to the Junior versions.
They may well have used the same mechanical set up as the other cars (1.8, 2.0) to make construction easier towards the end of the cars life (they were a run-out model I think).
Let's see what the 145/6-ers say?!
Yes, I am also thinking of a 145/6 too ;-)
BUT as far as I know, the Juniors had the same suspension / brakes / steering rack / body plastics as the Cloverleaf /Ti - and had unique interior cloth trim. But it seems the larger engined cars had rear disc brakes whereas the 1.6 had drums at the back, so I guess that may be a clue when you look at one. I am pretty sure the normal 1.6 cars are quite a bit different to the Junior versions.
They may well have used the same mechanical set up as the other cars (1.8, 2.0) to make construction easier towards the end of the cars life (they were a run-out model I think).
Let's see what the 145/6-ers say?!
Yes, I am also thinking of a 145/6 too ;-)
Edited by HebdenHedgehog on Friday 19th August 14:20
Sorry for the delay Chris.
I have only ever driven the 1.6 so I can't compare it to the bigger engines.
I don't go far in it, just local stuff with the odd trip of 90 minutes.
It gives about 34 mpg with ok performance. It does need to be in the upper rev range to get it 'on song' and it's nice to drive.
It is a sweet engine, I just want the best of the 145 range.
Big wide doors so easy to enter and exit, great rear space with the back seats down, attractive shape with an Alfa badge!
Has anyone seen the price of the 147 now? Some cars now cheaper than the 145 so this may affect the 145 max price. Having said that, there aren't a huge amount of 145's left.
I wonder if the 147 GTA engine would fit in a 145? Now that would be fun!
I think that as long as you pay a fair price for a 145 you could sell it again for the same amount if you didn't get on with it.
Lots of help from the 145 forum so go on, get one!
I have only ever driven the 1.6 so I can't compare it to the bigger engines.
I don't go far in it, just local stuff with the odd trip of 90 minutes.
It gives about 34 mpg with ok performance. It does need to be in the upper rev range to get it 'on song' and it's nice to drive.
It is a sweet engine, I just want the best of the 145 range.
Big wide doors so easy to enter and exit, great rear space with the back seats down, attractive shape with an Alfa badge!
Has anyone seen the price of the 147 now? Some cars now cheaper than the 145 so this may affect the 145 max price. Having said that, there aren't a huge amount of 145's left.
I wonder if the 147 GTA engine would fit in a 145? Now that would be fun!
I think that as long as you pay a fair price for a 145 you could sell it again for the same amount if you didn't get on with it.
Lots of help from the 145 forum so go on, get one!
Harpo said:
Has anyone seen the price of the 147 now? Some cars now cheaper than the 145 so this may affect the 145 max price. Having said that, there aren't a huge amount of 145's left.
I reckon a really good 145 is now worth more than the equivalent Twin Spark GTV, specifically because there are so few of them remaining in decent nick.I think it's fair to say we've already got to the stage where you'd only buy one if you specificially wanted a 145. Someone who's just after a runaround would go for the newer 147 or any one of the multitude of mid-size hatches from other manufacturers.
If it fits in the front it'll go in the back. 
There was a twin engined 164 V6+V6 in PPC about eighteen months ago.
My idea for the 145/155 was fitting a Fiat Coupe 16V Turbo engine in place of the Twin Spark, but if the pistons and other bits fit a Twin Park Turbo would be sublime (a DIY Q4?). The 145 has plenty of room in the back so a Fiat 20V Turbo in there would do nicely.
As a daily drive the 145 Cloverleaf will be excellent and sat next to all the grey/silver coat hangers on wheels at the office car park would just look the part.
There was a twin engined 164 V6+V6 in PPC about eighteen months ago.
My idea for the 145/155 was fitting a Fiat Coupe 16V Turbo engine in place of the Twin Spark, but if the pistons and other bits fit a Twin Park Turbo would be sublime (a DIY Q4?). The 145 has plenty of room in the back so a Fiat 20V Turbo in there would do nicely.
As a daily drive the 145 Cloverleaf will be excellent and sat next to all the grey/silver coat hangers on wheels at the office car park would just look the part.
Yes, the 145 GTA is a rather special creation! There was also a rather nice 3.0 V6 built by one of the guys on 145.com. The Fiat Coupe engine route sounds much easier - either 16VT or 20VT, both have been documented on 145.com
I ran two 145 QV's, one for 8 years, the other for two. I absolutely loved them, so much fun and relativly quick. they could also handle the day to day no problem, only the short ratio fifth gear making motorway cruising a little noisy (mine had a rather fruity exhaust) as a minor drawback.
I've got a 156 now and its a really great car - esp now I've a family, but it feels a bit more grown up, a bit more refined and a little less special IMO
I ran two 145 QV's, one for 8 years, the other for two. I absolutely loved them, so much fun and relativly quick. they could also handle the day to day no problem, only the short ratio fifth gear making motorway cruising a little noisy (mine had a rather fruity exhaust) as a minor drawback.
I've got a 156 now and its a really great car - esp now I've a family, but it feels a bit more grown up, a bit more refined and a little less special IMO
Impressive creation. But personally I think I'd be happy with the standard 147 GTA (if I had the money).
The normal 147 doesn't really do it for me - certainly not in the same way as the Zagatoesque 145 - but throw in a V6 and the beefed up styling of the GTA and I'd be happy to leave it as standard.
Twiddling my thumbs (in Alfa buying terms) here at the moment. A couple more have come on to the market, but none that really jump out at me yet. I can just tell when a really good one does come up it's going to be at the other end of the country.
The normal 147 doesn't really do it for me - certainly not in the same way as the Zagatoesque 145 - but throw in a V6 and the beefed up styling of the GTA and I'd be happy to leave it as standard.
Twiddling my thumbs (in Alfa buying terms) here at the moment. A couple more have come on to the market, but none that really jump out at me yet. I can just tell when a really good one does come up it's going to be at the other end of the country.
Liquid Knight said:
Miles away. Not mad on silver and not 100% convinced by the recovered seats.Liquid Knight said:
Have to be honest I hadn't seen this one (although I do have an eBay alert out). Like the colour, but I'm really looking for one with leather. I do quite a lot of miles and I also think it looks a lot better than the cloth trim.Liquid Knight said:
Did ponder this one. Sounds promising mechanically, but I'd prefer leather - preferably tan leather, but that seems very rare - and working A/C.Yes, I know I'm being picky. I figure going for an Alfa over the usual sensible default choices is about making an emotive purchase, though.
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