Alfa GT Coupe, thoughts?
Discussion
So, currently i'm looking at a new car to purchase the mid-part of next year, the current ride is a 1.6 Scenic, car before that was a 1.5DCI Scenic that blew up (money back under warranty after 2 weeks of owning).
First car was a Punto that was crap!
I want something that i'm actually going to enjoy driving / looking at, theres so many cars that i want but this is the only one that gives me a semi looks wise that i can realistically afford.
It's also the same to insure with 2 years NCB as i'm paying for the Scenic now!
My question is, how good, or bad is the Alfa GT? It maybe sacrilege but i'd be looking at the 1.9 diesel... looking at a 2005 year model, thoughts?
ETA other cars i was looking at were a 320D & a Mazda 6.
First car was a Punto that was crap!
I want something that i'm actually going to enjoy driving / looking at, theres so many cars that i want but this is the only one that gives me a semi looks wise that i can realistically afford.
It's also the same to insure with 2 years NCB as i'm paying for the Scenic now!
My question is, how good, or bad is the Alfa GT? It maybe sacrilege but i'd be looking at the 1.9 diesel... looking at a 2005 year model, thoughts?
ETA other cars i was looking at were a 320D & a Mazda 6.
Lots of GT threads already 
Here's the most recent - from this weekend: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Here's the most recent - from this weekend: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
lawrence567 said:
So, currently i'm looking at a new car to purchase the mid-part of next year, the current ride is a 1.6 Scenic, car before that was a 1.5DCI Scenic that blew up (money back under warranty after 2 weeks of owning).
First car was a Punto that was crap!
I want something that i'm actually going to enjoy driving / looking at, theres so many cars that i want but this is the only one that gives me a semi looks wise that i can realistically afford.
It's also the same to insure with 2 years NCB as i'm paying for the Scenic now!
My question is, how good, or bad is the Alfa GT? It maybe sacrilege but i'd be looking at the 1.9 diesel... looking at a 2005 year model, thoughts?
I seriously don't believe its the only other car you can afford, there must, quite literally be hundreds to chose from.First car was a Punto that was crap!
I want something that i'm actually going to enjoy driving / looking at, theres so many cars that i want but this is the only one that gives me a semi looks wise that i can realistically afford.
It's also the same to insure with 2 years NCB as i'm paying for the Scenic now!
My question is, how good, or bad is the Alfa GT? It maybe sacrilege but i'd be looking at the 1.9 diesel... looking at a 2005 year model, thoughts?
As for the GT, it seems to be a car that people who think they want something different, yet really want something 100% ordinary chose.
I'm sure for what it is, its an ok car. But I for one can't see the great looks. Truth be told it looks a bit plane Jane and a bit minging to my eye.
It's also 100% not a drivers car. It's just a fwd hatchback in the guise of a coupe.
I'm not saying don't go for it, but I reckon there are better cars out there.
What sort of budget are you looking at?
300bhp/ton said:
I seriously don't believe its the only other car you can afford, there must, quite literally be hundreds to chose from.
As for the GT, it seems to be a car that people who think they want something different, yet really want something 100% ordinary chose.
I'm sure for what it is, its an ok car. But I for one can't see the great looks. Truth be told it looks a bit plane Jane and a bit minging to my eye.
It's also 100% not a drivers car. It's just a fwd hatchback in the guise of a coupe.
I'm not saying don't go for it, but I reckon there are better cars out there.
What sort of budget are you looking at?
LOL! Gotta laugh at someone who works in IT and has owned a TR7 making comments on a car's styling! '100% not a drivers car' what a load of bAs for the GT, it seems to be a car that people who think they want something different, yet really want something 100% ordinary chose.
I'm sure for what it is, its an ok car. But I for one can't see the great looks. Truth be told it looks a bit plane Jane and a bit minging to my eye.
It's also 100% not a drivers car. It's just a fwd hatchback in the guise of a coupe.
I'm not saying don't go for it, but I reckon there are better cars out there.
What sort of budget are you looking at?
ks! Have you ever driven one and what qualifies you to make such a crass sweeping statement?crostonian said:
LOL! Gotta laugh at someone who works in IT and has owned a TR7 making comments on a car's styling! '100% not a drivers car' what a load of bks! Have you ever driven one and what qualifies you to make such a crass sweeping statement?
Personal opinion.ks! Have you ever driven one and what qualifies you to make such a crass sweeping statement?And how is it a drivers car?
lawrence567 said:
Oh it's not what i can afford i just like the look of it, the interior dash looks a bit toss.
Between £5-6K, it does need to seat 5 though.
It's also going to replace my current car & bike so it needs to have a desirability and fun factor so i don't get bored too easily.
ok, £5-6k gives you quite a broad market to look at.Between £5-6K, it does need to seat 5 though.
It's also going to replace my current car & bike so it needs to have a desirability and fun factor so i don't get bored too easily.
When you say seat 5? Do you really NEED this, or just a nice to have? And when you say seat 5, how often, for how long and what sort of size people are we talking?
And while on this, is the GT actually a 5 seater? I'd have though it would only have 4 seat belts, therefore making it a 4 seater.
You say you want desirability - what does this mean to you? e.g.
Is it image?
Looks?
Performance?
Heritage?
Tunability?
Prestige?
Age?
Reg number?
Badge?
Interior styling?
Spec?
And when you say fun factor. How do you mean? Is it about performance, handling, sense of occasion etc etc?
And how likely are you to get bored? What do you think you'd find boring in other cars?
Also where are you going to use it? As in what types of roads and journeys? And what's your driving style, do you prefer something gun-ho or something nimble and precise? And do you have any frame of reference of having driven other cars that you liked or enjoyed?
Lastly, practical considerations:
-Is insurance a likely issue?
-Do you mind working on a car yourself?
-Do you have a monthly fuel budget or minimum mpg you'd look at?
_________________________
It might be the GT is indeed your ideal car, but I think it's worth the effort of actually asking yourself and figuring out what you really want and what you really need and then look at what options are available for your budget.
300bhp/ton said:
ok, £5-6k gives you quite a broad market to look at.
When you say seat 5? Do you really NEED this, or just a nice to have? And when you say seat 5, how often, for how long and what sort of size people are we talking?
The gf & i have a little'un, her 2 other kids go to their dads 3 x weekends a month, so on the other weekend we have them, hence the 5 seats, (1 year old, 6 & 8 year old).
And while on this, is the GT actually a 5 seater? I'd have though it would only have 4 seat belts, therefore making it a 4 seater.
Yeah it has 5 belts according to photo's on AT.
You say you want desirability - what does this mean to you? e.g.
Is it image? Yes
Looks? Yes
Performance? PArtially
Heritage? No
Tunability? No
Prestige? No
Age? Yes - It'll be my only vehicle so would like something relatively modern 2003 onwards.
Reg number? I have a private plate so it does'nt matter
Badge? Not really phased
Interior styling? Yes
Spec? Would like AC & ideally cruise control if poss!
And when you say fun factor. How do you mean? Is it about performance, handling, sense of occasion etc etc? I've owned a Scenic diesel & a scenic petrol & a 1.2 clio, so anything is going to feel pokey!
And how likely are you to get bored? What do you think you'd find boring in other cars? I just like the look of the GT, how likely am i to get bored? Well i think i could put up with a car for 18-24months.
Also where are you going to use it? As in what types of roads and journeys? And what's your driving style, do you prefer something gun-ho or something nimble and precise? And do you have any frame of reference of having driven other cars that you liked or enjoyed?
My daily commute is 5-6 miles of A roads, a couple of miles of dual carriageway & a couple miles of 30 limits, occasional weekend drives across the moores etc & the odd blat up the M/Way.
Lastly, practical considerations:
-Is insurance a likely issue? I've done speculative quotes on 320D's & GT coupes & they come in @ around a £750-£1000.
I'm currently paying £1150 for the Scenic so don't want to go any higher than that.
-Do you mind working on a car yourself? I would'nt mind but it'd need to be relatively simple.
-Do you have a monthly fuel budget or minimum mpg you'd look at? Currently returning about 32 daily on the Scenic & i'm putting circa £20-£40 a week in it so don't want to go any higher than this.
_________________________
It might be the GT is indeed your ideal car, but I think it's worth the effort of actually asking yourself and figuring out what you really want and what you really need and then look at what options are available for your budget.
When you say seat 5? Do you really NEED this, or just a nice to have? And when you say seat 5, how often, for how long and what sort of size people are we talking?
The gf & i have a little'un, her 2 other kids go to their dads 3 x weekends a month, so on the other weekend we have them, hence the 5 seats, (1 year old, 6 & 8 year old).
And while on this, is the GT actually a 5 seater? I'd have though it would only have 4 seat belts, therefore making it a 4 seater.
Yeah it has 5 belts according to photo's on AT.
You say you want desirability - what does this mean to you? e.g.
Is it image? Yes
Looks? Yes
Performance? PArtially
Heritage? No
Tunability? No
Prestige? No
Age? Yes - It'll be my only vehicle so would like something relatively modern 2003 onwards.
Reg number? I have a private plate so it does'nt matter
Badge? Not really phased
Interior styling? Yes
Spec? Would like AC & ideally cruise control if poss!
And when you say fun factor. How do you mean? Is it about performance, handling, sense of occasion etc etc? I've owned a Scenic diesel & a scenic petrol & a 1.2 clio, so anything is going to feel pokey!
And how likely are you to get bored? What do you think you'd find boring in other cars? I just like the look of the GT, how likely am i to get bored? Well i think i could put up with a car for 18-24months.
Also where are you going to use it? As in what types of roads and journeys? And what's your driving style, do you prefer something gun-ho or something nimble and precise? And do you have any frame of reference of having driven other cars that you liked or enjoyed?
My daily commute is 5-6 miles of A roads, a couple of miles of dual carriageway & a couple miles of 30 limits, occasional weekend drives across the moores etc & the odd blat up the M/Way.
Lastly, practical considerations:
-Is insurance a likely issue? I've done speculative quotes on 320D's & GT coupes & they come in @ around a £750-£1000.
I'm currently paying £1150 for the Scenic so don't want to go any higher than that.
-Do you mind working on a car yourself? I would'nt mind but it'd need to be relatively simple.
-Do you have a monthly fuel budget or minimum mpg you'd look at? Currently returning about 32 daily on the Scenic & i'm putting circa £20-£40 a week in it so don't want to go any higher than this.
_________________________
It might be the GT is indeed your ideal car, but I think it's worth the effort of actually asking yourself and figuring out what you really want and what you really need and then look at what options are available for your budget.
Not sure I can offer much more. If the GT is what you like the look of, then why the hell not!
I think if I was going Alfa I'd want to look at a 156 GTA though, but I'm guessing fuel and insurance might not be so good.
The Mondeo ST220 (previous shape) is also worth a punt. I know they aren't coupes, but probably more practical to get 5 in, even more so if any of them need child seats.
I would want to double check on the GT having 5 seats though. Good if it does, but a costly mistake if not.
For £6k I think I'd also personally consider:
-Honda Accord Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
-BMW e46 (coupe or saloon) in 323, 325, 328 or 330 guise
-BMW 120d with a remap
-Audi TT (would need to check if a 5 seater though)
I think if I was going Alfa I'd want to look at a 156 GTA though, but I'm guessing fuel and insurance might not be so good.
The Mondeo ST220 (previous shape) is also worth a punt. I know they aren't coupes, but probably more practical to get 5 in, even more so if any of them need child seats.
I would want to double check on the GT having 5 seats though. Good if it does, but a costly mistake if not.
For £6k I think I'd also personally consider:
-Honda Accord Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
-BMW e46 (coupe or saloon) in 323, 325, 328 or 330 guise
-BMW 120d with a remap
-Audi TT (would need to check if a 5 seater though)
300bhp/ton said:
Not sure I can offer much more. If the GT is what you like the look of, then why the hell not!
I think if I was going Alfa I'd want to look at a 156 GTA though, but I'm guessing fuel and insurance might not be so good.
The Mondeo ST220 (previous shape) is also worth a punt. I know they aren't coupes, but probably more practical to get 5 in, even more so if any of them need child seats.
I would want to double check on the GT having 5 seats though. Good if it does, but a costly mistake if not.
For £6k I think I'd also personally consider:
-Honda Accord Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
-BMW e46 (coupe or saloon) in 323, 325, 328 or 330 guise
-BMW 120d with a remap
-Audi TT (would need to check if a 5 seater though)
Funnily enough all of those i've looked at, i can't stand the 120D, my mum has one & i was allowed to use i after passing my test, i would of swapped it for a Punto anyday!I think if I was going Alfa I'd want to look at a 156 GTA though, but I'm guessing fuel and insurance might not be so good.
The Mondeo ST220 (previous shape) is also worth a punt. I know they aren't coupes, but probably more practical to get 5 in, even more so if any of them need child seats.
I would want to double check on the GT having 5 seats though. Good if it does, but a costly mistake if not.
For £6k I think I'd also personally consider:
-Honda Accord Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
-BMW e46 (coupe or saloon) in 323, 325, 328 or 330 guise
-BMW 120d with a remap
-Audi TT (would need to check if a 5 seater though)
I think the 3.0 V6 Jag would be a bit too thirsty.
Accord & ST220 are serious contenders though! I like the TT but don't like the stigma attached to them, everyone round my way who ownes one is either a chav or, a chav!
300bhp/ton said:
.......
For £6k I think I'd also personally consider:
-Honda Accord Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
-BMW e46 (coupe or saloon) in 323, 325, 328 or 330 guise
-BMW 120d with a remap
-Audi TT (would need to check if a 5 seater though)
All seriously dull looking cars IMO. Why suggest such numb looking cars when the OP states they are looking at a GT? I think you are alone with your dislike of the car's styling too.For £6k I think I'd also personally consider:
-Honda Accord Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
-BMW e46 (coupe or saloon) in 323, 325, 328 or 330 guise
-BMW 120d with a remap
-Audi TT (would need to check if a 5 seater though)
OP - an Alfa GT is a really nice car to drive, speaking from experience with a JTS. They are definitely a good looking car, which will get you noticed for the right reasons, and a very nice car to sit in. I reckon they'll be highly sought after when they reach classic status. The reason why chavs in your area like TT's is because VAG cars are the default choice for the hard of thinking who listen to hype and journalistic bluster (Hammond etc) and have no idea of how average they really are.
300bhp/ton said:
-Honda Accord Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
-BMW e46 (coupe or saloon) in 323, 325, 328 or 330 guise
-BMW 120d with a remap
-Audi TT (would need to check if a 5 seater though)
The Accord Type R will be a minimum of 8 years old, and will undoubtedly have huge miles on it and they are terribly bland looking cars, inside and out. It has a great engine and Honda build quality for sure, but I honestly can't see how this is a sensible suggestion for the OP's requirements.-Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
-BMW e46 (coupe or saloon) in 323, 325, 328 or 330 guise
-BMW 120d with a remap
-Audi TT (would need to check if a 5 seater though)
The E46 may be a worthy car, but is very common and is now two generations old and looks it. The Alfa is still fresh and great looking IMO.
3.0 V6 Jag when he's after a 1.9 diesel? Slight discrepancy in running costs perhaps?
The TT has a four seats but the rear head and leg room is virtually non-existent, so it's more of a 2+2 really. It's not much of a drivers car either, typical numb VAG Golf based car.
The 120D is the only half sensible suggestion I can see, though the OP wants a nice looking car and the 1 series struggles to meet that criteria. The OP might like them of course, but it simply doesn't compare to the looks of the GT.
Mr2Mike said:
The Accord Type R will be a minimum of 8 years old, and will undoubtedly have huge miles on it and they are terribly bland looking cars, inside and out. It has a great engine and Honda build quality for sure, but I honestly can't see how this is a sensible suggestion for the OP's requirements.
The E46 may be a worthy car, but is very common and is now two generations old and looks it. The Alfa is still fresh and great looking IMO.
3.0 V6 Jag when he's after a 1.9 diesel? Slight discrepancy in running costs perhaps?
The TT has a four seats but the rear head and leg room is virtually non-existent, so it's more of a 2+2 really. It's not much of a drivers car either, typical numb VAG Golf based car.
The 120D is the only half sensible suggestion I can see, though the OP wants a nice looking car and the 1 series struggles to meet that criteria. The OP might like them of course, but it simply doesn't compare to the looks of the GT.
I despise the 1 serious with a monumental passion, my mother has one, of all the cars she could of chose she chose a 1 series, shes on her 3rd now.The E46 may be a worthy car, but is very common and is now two generations old and looks it. The Alfa is still fresh and great looking IMO.
3.0 V6 Jag when he's after a 1.9 diesel? Slight discrepancy in running costs perhaps?
The TT has a four seats but the rear head and leg room is virtually non-existent, so it's more of a 2+2 really. It's not much of a drivers car either, typical numb VAG Golf based car.
The 120D is the only half sensible suggestion I can see, though the OP wants a nice looking car and the 1 series struggles to meet that criteria. The OP might like them of course, but it simply doesn't compare to the looks of the GT.
Madness.
GT does have 5 seats and it does have three proper belts in the back. Can't say I've had three in the back for any great distance but there were no complaints from the rear (oo er) on shorter trips. On other occasions I've had one or two passengers in the back for 250 miles+ and everyone could walk afterwards.
Fun car? Well I came from a Mk1 MX5 and it's not in that league. But for my regular cross-country trip (120 miles, mostly A-roads) it still has me smiling after 3 years.
Fun car? Well I came from a Mk1 MX5 and it's not in that league. But for my regular cross-country trip (120 miles, mostly A-roads) it still has me smiling after 3 years.
1878 said:
GT does have 5 seats and it does have three proper belts in the back. Can't say I've had three in the back for any great distance but there were no complaints from the rear (oo er) on shorter trips. On other occasions I've had one or two passengers in the back for 250 miles+ and everyone could walk afterwards.
Fun car? Well I came from a Mk1 MX5 and it's not in that league. But for my regular cross-country trip (120 miles, mostly A-roads) it still has me smiling after 3 years.
All what he says ^^^^ Fun car? Well I came from a Mk1 MX5 and it's not in that league. But for my regular cross-country trip (120 miles, mostly A-roads) it still has me smiling after 3 years.
I've had 5 in mine on long journeys, and no-ones ever complained (not just being polite)
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