156 GTA Sportwagon
Discussion
I'm looking at buying a 2004 model 3.2l but have no prior experience with Alfa; this due to the perception that Alfa are somewhat less reliable than alternatives? I feel it is about time I tried one for myself. I would really appreciate some guidance on what price I should pay, if the difference in price between the GTA 3.2l and the 2.5l V6 is worth paying. The one I am considering also has an LPG conversion; would this conversion cause any potential problems? Are they really so unreliable and expensive to run? Any help much appreciated.
If you're not sure whether you want a 2.5 or a GTA, and you're considering an LPG conversion, then I would say steer WELL CLEAR.
A GTA costs money to keep on the road - it just does. It's not unreliable per se - mine has only had 2 unscheduled visits to the Garage in 10 years. But when it does go in for a service there are generally lots of "consumable" parts that need replacing - suspension components mainly, but also radiators and other quite expensive parts.
Don't buy one if you're on a budget, or more importantly, don't buy one unless you HAVE TO have one.
I would never be without mine, but I was never considering getting a 2.5 instead.
A GTA costs money to keep on the road - it just does. It's not unreliable per se - mine has only had 2 unscheduled visits to the Garage in 10 years. But when it does go in for a service there are generally lots of "consumable" parts that need replacing - suspension components mainly, but also radiators and other quite expensive parts.
Don't buy one if you're on a budget, or more importantly, don't buy one unless you HAVE TO have one.
I would never be without mine, but I was never considering getting a 2.5 instead.
We moved from a 2.5 to a GTA 18 months back: since then, we've spent a considerable sum keeping it at it's best, whereas the 2.5 was pretty much service & drive for 6 years. I wouldn't consider LPG on a GTA, too much aggro & ours is more fuel efficient than the 2.5 was, anyway. There are some 25 LPGs about, though. The GTA is a great car, but as above, very risky to run on a basic budget, there's too much to go wrong. Go in eyes open, contingency budget in place, you'll love it: but buy a dog with no back up, & you'll hate it.
Perhaps think in terms of pets: the difference between keeping a tabby cat, say & a tiger...
Perhaps think in terms of pets: the difference between keeping a tabby cat, say & a tiger...
Many thanks for the response guys; maybe I wasn't clear initially. I currently run a 911 from Mar-Nov and an old Micra in the winter. I want to drive something a little more exciting in the winter hence considering the swap of the Micra for the GTA. Also the LPG conversion has already been done on the one I am considering buying, so there is no hassle from my part. I was more concerned about the £5-6K difference in price between the GTA and 2.5; is this justified?
Having completely stripped down and re-built many cars, twirling a few spanners here and there isn't really a concern. A few example of a full renovation project I recently finished:
Having completely stripped down and re-built many cars, twirling a few spanners here and there isn't really a concern. A few example of a full renovation project I recently finished:
Ah, now I get it 
! I guess it's a yes, worth the difference from me, then. It's not uncommon for people to prefer the 2.5 to the GTA, (my wife, for example...) - how much do you know about the one you're interested in? There are some worthwhile additions to a GTA, which the 2.5 doesn't really need, things like an LSD (Q2 or Quaiffe), exhaust mods to reduce under bonnet heat, water pump & goes without saying, lots of service data (Cambelt etc)is really a must, but, from a reputable indie, or a good dealer. Your photos look like a Calibra maybe? (edit: on a PC can see it isn't, but following still applies) If you can spanner to that degree, I expect you'll be fine. Some of the GTA stuff is a real pain unless you have the proper kit to do it with, I believe (I don't get that involved with ours) & it's really tight under the bonnet with both. The bit that might worry me about the GTA is the LPG bit? That smacks a bit of penny pinching, which is a big mistake with GTAs, they'll just bite you later. As for the Micra to Alfa bit: if it's a reliable swap you're after, you may well be fine, many of both are daily drivers...others are garage queen pitas though, there is an element of luck. If you go for it, that'll be a great pairing. Here's a good place to look for more info http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-gta/
! I guess it's a yes, worth the difference from me, then. It's not uncommon for people to prefer the 2.5 to the GTA, (my wife, for example...) - how much do you know about the one you're interested in? There are some worthwhile additions to a GTA, which the 2.5 doesn't really need, things like an LSD (Q2 or Quaiffe), exhaust mods to reduce under bonnet heat, water pump & goes without saying, lots of service data (Cambelt etc)is really a must, but, from a reputable indie, or a good dealer. Your photos look like a Calibra maybe? (edit: on a PC can see it isn't, but following still applies) If you can spanner to that degree, I expect you'll be fine. Some of the GTA stuff is a real pain unless you have the proper kit to do it with, I believe (I don't get that involved with ours) & it's really tight under the bonnet with both. The bit that might worry me about the GTA is the LPG bit? That smacks a bit of penny pinching, which is a big mistake with GTAs, they'll just bite you later. As for the Micra to Alfa bit: if it's a reliable swap you're after, you may well be fine, many of both are daily drivers...others are garage queen pitas though, there is an element of luck. If you go for it, that'll be a great pairing. Here's a good place to look for more info http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-gta/Edited by MarkwG on Tuesday 25th December 23:43
Not sure on your budget but I posted this previously (no link whatsoever to seller) and thought it looked like a great example of the 2.5 with looks that IMO have aged better than the more aggressive GTA.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150914479762?ssPageName=...
Some have said it is over-priced (though it has come down a little and they seem open to offers)and they are probably right but great provenance usually comes at a price.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150914479762?ssPageName=...
Some have said it is over-priced (though it has come down a little and they seem open to offers)and they are probably right but great provenance usually comes at a price.
Naldrett said:
Not sure on your budget but I posted this previously (no link whatsoever to seller) and thought it looked like a great example of the 2.5 with looks that IMO have aged better than the more aggressive GTA.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150914479762?ssPageName=...
Some have said it is over-priced (though it has come down a little and they seem open to offers)and they are probably right but great provenance usually comes at a price.
That looks lovely, but is far too expensive, by about £1500 I reckon.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150914479762?ssPageName=...
Some have said it is over-priced (though it has come down a little and they seem open to offers)and they are probably right but great provenance usually comes at a price.
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