Alfa Brera 2.2 (standard), 2.2 S, V6 Q4 or V6 FWD (Standard)
Discussion
Good Morning All,
So for someone who has come from little Japanese hot hatches I am keen on deciding what I want next. With a budget of about £4000-£5000 I have naturally considered an EP3 Type R. HOWEVER, whilst from purely a driving point a view the EP3 is epic I am interested in getting something that has a bit more style and that is more of a GT type car, that has the ability to get my pulse going when I find myself on a twisty B road.
Additionally, I'm not too keen on the "boy racer" type image that the Type R has and want something with a little more class. I know that the Brera might not be as dynamically capable as an EP3 Type R, however I am happy to compromise a little handling/performance for style.
With that all in mind I am thinking of looking at a petrol Brera. Upon initial impressions the 2.2 (whilst the cheapest) is the slowest so naturally you would think to go for the V6 version. From what I have found so far the V6 Q4 is within budget. However I do love the way the 2.2 S from prodrive looks on the big rims and lower ride height (I am aware that the 2.2s is several thousand above my budget). Would it be worth getting a standard 2.2 or V6 Q4 and then doing some tasteful modifications to it so I get the 'S' looks for a lot less? All I would probably do would be wheels, decent tyres, slightly lower springs and an exhaust (thinking of wizard exhaust for the V6 as it sounds amazing!)
Any thoughts on people's own experience with the petrol Brera's would be great. Like I have said.....I am wanting a more classier car than a EP3 type R that can still get my pulse going when I go for an occasional blast.
Many Thanks
T
So for someone who has come from little Japanese hot hatches I am keen on deciding what I want next. With a budget of about £4000-£5000 I have naturally considered an EP3 Type R. HOWEVER, whilst from purely a driving point a view the EP3 is epic I am interested in getting something that has a bit more style and that is more of a GT type car, that has the ability to get my pulse going when I find myself on a twisty B road.
Additionally, I'm not too keen on the "boy racer" type image that the Type R has and want something with a little more class. I know that the Brera might not be as dynamically capable as an EP3 Type R, however I am happy to compromise a little handling/performance for style.
With that all in mind I am thinking of looking at a petrol Brera. Upon initial impressions the 2.2 (whilst the cheapest) is the slowest so naturally you would think to go for the V6 version. From what I have found so far the V6 Q4 is within budget. However I do love the way the 2.2 S from prodrive looks on the big rims and lower ride height (I am aware that the 2.2s is several thousand above my budget). Would it be worth getting a standard 2.2 or V6 Q4 and then doing some tasteful modifications to it so I get the 'S' looks for a lot less? All I would probably do would be wheels, decent tyres, slightly lower springs and an exhaust (thinking of wizard exhaust for the V6 as it sounds amazing!)
Any thoughts on people's own experience with the petrol Brera's would be great. Like I have said.....I am wanting a more classier car than a EP3 type R that can still get my pulse going when I go for an occasional blast.
Many Thanks
T
Hi, I have just bought a 3.2 Brera - it's a great car, but it will never be a cheap car to run so it is important to bear the future running costs in mind. It will probably return low 20's MPG in general use, but the main issue is likely to be future maintenance and bork factor.
The engines are known to stretch their cam chains if not serviced significantly more frequently than the official schedule (18,000 / 2 years). Cam chain replacement on the 3.2 is up to £3K at a specialist (possible to DIY if you are VERY handy with the spanners).
3.2 (non Pro-drives) have Four Wheel Drive, including a Torsen diff. While I don't think failures on these are particularly widespread, it's another high cost item if it does go.
2.2 do not have the 4WD, and while they also have cam chain issues, its MUCH cheaper to rectify.
Subframes are known to go rusty on all versions, and the damage tends to be hidden by the undertray , so that's a big "buyer beware". Suspension is also subject to wear and tear, due to the car's weight (wishbones, rear control arms , rear springs and all bushes)
All in all, the V6 is a nice car, but if you buy at the bottom-end of the market, it will have a lot of potential to throw a big bill at you .
Here's my new acquisition, parked next to my 156....it is smaller than I expected, which is reflected in the lack of rear legroom!
The engines are known to stretch their cam chains if not serviced significantly more frequently than the official schedule (18,000 / 2 years). Cam chain replacement on the 3.2 is up to £3K at a specialist (possible to DIY if you are VERY handy with the spanners).
3.2 (non Pro-drives) have Four Wheel Drive, including a Torsen diff. While I don't think failures on these are particularly widespread, it's another high cost item if it does go.
2.2 do not have the 4WD, and while they also have cam chain issues, its MUCH cheaper to rectify.
Subframes are known to go rusty on all versions, and the damage tends to be hidden by the undertray , so that's a big "buyer beware". Suspension is also subject to wear and tear, due to the car's weight (wishbones, rear control arms , rear springs and all bushes)
All in all, the V6 is a nice car, but if you buy at the bottom-end of the market, it will have a lot of potential to throw a big bill at you .
Here's my new acquisition, parked next to my 156....it is smaller than I expected, which is reflected in the lack of rear legroom!
Edited by ian996 on Thursday 24th January 11:45
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