Buying a used 2017 giulia quadrifoglio.. am I mad?
Discussion
Hi all, I know someone is going to come along and say there is already a thread about this but trust me I have spent the past month searching and i cant really find any topics on my particular question
So, I have currently got my heart set on a quadrifoglio! I have absolutely fell in love with this machine.. unfortunately buying a brand new one is out of my league but I could certainly afford a used one. I would be in the market for a 2017 sub 40k example with around 30k Miles. I know there have been a few electrical and software problems, but what I want to know is how are all these cars doing now? Am I mad considering buying one that will probably be put of warranty?
I really appreciate any advice
So, I have currently got my heart set on a quadrifoglio! I have absolutely fell in love with this machine.. unfortunately buying a brand new one is out of my league but I could certainly afford a used one. I would be in the market for a 2017 sub 40k example with around 30k Miles. I know there have been a few electrical and software problems, but what I want to know is how are all these cars doing now? Am I mad considering buying one that will probably be put of warranty?
I really appreciate any advice
In a word, no! Anyone I know with one loves it!
I'm coming up on two years of ownership and still loving it - It literally had me giggling like a school child on a run today.
I've been back to the garage once with a small electrical issue, but fixed first time and no issues since then. It would pop out of Race mode under heavy lateral loads due to a pipe pulling every so slightly on a connector. My garage is a small main dealer and great to deal with, unlike some of the horror stories I've read on here.
In terms of a pre-owned car, I'd be looking for signs it has been maintained to a high standard e.g. tyres - budget tyres would likely mean budget care else where. I'd be checking the inside of the rear wheel arches too - any evidence of heavy track use (lining can tear under high load due to wheel rubbing) or excessive burns outs. The car is built for this type of use, but still nice to acquire one where the first owner hasn't trashed it!
Service history is obviously key - be aware every 4th service is a big one, so at those miles one will be coming up. If you are buying from a main dealer, I'd be trying to secure as part of the sale.
I procrastinated for a year before I finally took the plunge and my only regret is the lost year of ownership
I'm coming up on two years of ownership and still loving it - It literally had me giggling like a school child on a run today.
I've been back to the garage once with a small electrical issue, but fixed first time and no issues since then. It would pop out of Race mode under heavy lateral loads due to a pipe pulling every so slightly on a connector. My garage is a small main dealer and great to deal with, unlike some of the horror stories I've read on here.
In terms of a pre-owned car, I'd be looking for signs it has been maintained to a high standard e.g. tyres - budget tyres would likely mean budget care else where. I'd be checking the inside of the rear wheel arches too - any evidence of heavy track use (lining can tear under high load due to wheel rubbing) or excessive burns outs. The car is built for this type of use, but still nice to acquire one where the first owner hasn't trashed it!
Service history is obviously key - be aware every 4th service is a big one, so at those miles one will be coming up. If you are buying from a main dealer, I'd be trying to secure as part of the sale.
I procrastinated for a year before I finally took the plunge and my only regret is the lost year of ownership
IrishTusc said:
In a word, no! Anyone I know with one loves it!
I'm coming up on two years of ownership and still loving it - It literally had me giggling like a school child on a run today.
I've been back to the garage once with a small electrical issue, but fixed first time and no issues since then. It would pop out of Race mode under heavy lateral loads due to a pipe pulling every so slightly on a connector. My garage is a small main dealer and great to deal with, unlike some of the horror stories I've read on here.
In terms of a pre-owned car, I'd be looking for signs it has been maintained to a high standard e.g. tyres - budget tyres would likely mean budget care else where. I'd be checking the inside of the rear wheel arches too - any evidence of heavy track use (lining can tear under high load due to wheel rubbing) or excessive burns outs. The car is built for this type of use, but still nice to acquire one where the first owner hasn't trashed it!
Service history is obviously key - be aware every 4th service is a big one, so at those miles one will be coming up. If you are buying from a main dealer, I'd be trying to secure as part of the sale.
I procrastinated for a year before I finally took the plunge and my only regret is the lost year of ownership
Thank you for the reply! Some of your pointers are truly appreciated, what sort of miles are on your car?I'm coming up on two years of ownership and still loving it - It literally had me giggling like a school child on a run today.
I've been back to the garage once with a small electrical issue, but fixed first time and no issues since then. It would pop out of Race mode under heavy lateral loads due to a pipe pulling every so slightly on a connector. My garage is a small main dealer and great to deal with, unlike some of the horror stories I've read on here.
In terms of a pre-owned car, I'd be looking for signs it has been maintained to a high standard e.g. tyres - budget tyres would likely mean budget care else where. I'd be checking the inside of the rear wheel arches too - any evidence of heavy track use (lining can tear under high load due to wheel rubbing) or excessive burns outs. The car is built for this type of use, but still nice to acquire one where the first owner hasn't trashed it!
Service history is obviously key - be aware every 4th service is a big one, so at those miles one will be coming up. If you are buying from a main dealer, I'd be trying to secure as part of the sale.
I procrastinated for a year before I finally took the plunge and my only regret is the lost year of ownership
I would be daily driving mine so obviously reliability has to Come into question, although when we're on that topic I had an e92 m3 a few years back and it give me nothing but heartache. I sold it and bought an xfr jag (against all mates opinions) as they said it would give me nothing but bother also.. and in my 2 years of ownership I never had one problem (accept the petrol hand) 😂.. it truly was a fantastic car also.
The giulia has everything going for it in my opinion looks, power and rarity
I'm about 2 months in to ownership of a 2017 Quad (bought at the end of August). Absolutely love the car - having come from various hot hatches, a B7 RS4 and a most recently a V60 Polestar, the Quad is probably the best car I've owned (well, so far). I've done over 3000 miles in it since purchase. The only issue I've had is the Stop Start stopped working (in itself not an issue, but when that stops the rear screen demist also stops working). Car went back in last week for a service and for that to be looked at. Other than that, there have been no issues at all.
I find the infotainment system works absolutely fine (despite all the criticism from reviewers) and is actually better than the Volvo system (ie Spotify connects automatically, whereas in the Volvo it was hit and miss). The seats aren't quite as comfy as the Volvo, but they are more than supportive enough! My only gripe (which I knew all about before I bought) is the rear seats not folding down for increased boot space - that's something that I do miss, but other aspects of the car more than make up for it.
As for things to look at - make sure the recall has been done on the ECU (I think they were originally positioned for LHD cars, which meant that in the UK they got wet due to their position and caused issues - the recall moved them a bit I think, meaning they didn't get wet - I am happy to be corrected on this though). Tyres as well - be aware that the Quad has odd sized wheels so finding tyres can be a bit of a mission (Michelin PSS or Goodyear Eagle F1's are done in the correct sizes, as well as the Pirelli's they come with from factory). One thing I am keeping an eye on are the lower rads behind the ducts in the front bumper - the RS4 had a similar set up and the rads were known to corrode due to getting caked in wet, decaying road crap (leaves etc). I don't think the Quads are old enough for this to be an issue yet, but I can see it being one in the future. As the above poster mentioned - servicing - the service intervals are 9000 miles and brake fluid has to be changed every 2 years regardless of mileage. There are 3 types of service - small (approx. £250), medium (includes brake fluid change - approx. £500) and the big one (belt change as well - approx. £1000) - although these prices will likely vary depending who you use.
The other issue appears to be around extending the warranty - Alfa appear to only allow certain dealers to supply / sell Alfa extended warranties, so you may have to do some research in regards to that aspect.
I find the infotainment system works absolutely fine (despite all the criticism from reviewers) and is actually better than the Volvo system (ie Spotify connects automatically, whereas in the Volvo it was hit and miss). The seats aren't quite as comfy as the Volvo, but they are more than supportive enough! My only gripe (which I knew all about before I bought) is the rear seats not folding down for increased boot space - that's something that I do miss, but other aspects of the car more than make up for it.
As for things to look at - make sure the recall has been done on the ECU (I think they were originally positioned for LHD cars, which meant that in the UK they got wet due to their position and caused issues - the recall moved them a bit I think, meaning they didn't get wet - I am happy to be corrected on this though). Tyres as well - be aware that the Quad has odd sized wheels so finding tyres can be a bit of a mission (Michelin PSS or Goodyear Eagle F1's are done in the correct sizes, as well as the Pirelli's they come with from factory). One thing I am keeping an eye on are the lower rads behind the ducts in the front bumper - the RS4 had a similar set up and the rads were known to corrode due to getting caked in wet, decaying road crap (leaves etc). I don't think the Quads are old enough for this to be an issue yet, but I can see it being one in the future. As the above poster mentioned - servicing - the service intervals are 9000 miles and brake fluid has to be changed every 2 years regardless of mileage. There are 3 types of service - small (approx. £250), medium (includes brake fluid change - approx. £500) and the big one (belt change as well - approx. £1000) - although these prices will likely vary depending who you use.
The other issue appears to be around extending the warranty - Alfa appear to only allow certain dealers to supply / sell Alfa extended warranties, so you may have to do some research in regards to that aspect.
John_g11t1 said:
Thank you for the reply! Some of your pointers are truly appreciated, what sort of miles are on your car?
I would be daily driving mine so obviously reliability has to Come into question
Mine is my daily driver, but as I spend a fair amount of time overseas each month, it only has 9,200 miles on it. I'm doing less than 6000 miles per year.I would be daily driving mine so obviously reliability has to Come into question
My daily commute is a mixture of A and B roads, quick motorway trip and city traffic. It's a 44 mile round trip each day, and I struggle to get the 5 day commute out of a full tank - city traffic and the slow crawl kills consumption. I did put it in advanced economy mode once for a full tank to see what it would do, and driving it very steadily, I got an extra day and a half from the tank, but decided life is too short to ever try it again!!!
IrishTusc said:
John_g11t1 said:
Thank you for the reply! Some of your pointers are truly appreciated, what sort of miles are on your car?
I would be daily driving mine so obviously reliability has to Come into question
Mine is my daily driver, but as I spend a fair amount of time overseas each month, it only has 9,200 miles on it. I'm doing less than 6000 miles per year.I would be daily driving mine so obviously reliability has to Come into question
My daily commute is a mixture of A and B roads, quick motorway trip and city traffic. It's a 44 mile round trip each day, and I struggle to get the 5 day commute out of a full tank - city traffic and the slow crawl kills consumption. I did put it in advanced economy mode once for a full tank to see what it would do, and driving it very steadily, I got an extra day and a half from the tank, but decided life is too short to ever try it again!!!
TL;DR: Do it.
31 months and 28,000 miles into ownership of a 2017 Quadrifoglio and it is absolutely superb.
I had the battery and IBS replaced (software update at same time) in January this year to solve the stop/start and heated rear screen not working. Been absolutely fine since.
Love this car so much. Will keep it as long as I can.
I had the battery and IBS replaced (software update at same time) in January this year to solve the stop/start and heated rear screen not working. Been absolutely fine since.
Love this car so much. Will keep it as long as I can.
mustdash said:
I'm about 2 months in to ownership of a 2017 Quad (bought at the end of August). Absolutely love the car - having come from various hot hatches, a B7 RS4 and a most recently a V60 Polestar, the Quad is probably the best car I've owned (well, so far). I've done over 3000 miles in it since purchase. The only issue I've had is the Stop Start stopped working (in itself not an issue, but when that stops the rear screen demist also stops working). Car went back in last week for a service and for that to be looked at. Other than that, there have been no issues at all.
I find the infotainment system works absolutely fine (despite all the criticism from reviewers) and is actually better than the Volvo system (ie Spotify connects automatically, whereas in the Volvo it was hit and miss). The seats aren't quite as comfy as the Volvo, but they are more than supportive enough! My only gripe (which I knew all about before I bought) is the rear seats not folding down for increased boot space - that's something that I do miss, but other aspects of the car more than make up for it.
As for things to look at - make sure the recall has been done on the ECU (I think they were originally positioned for LHD cars, which meant that in the UK they got wet due to their position and caused issues - the recall moved them a bit I think, meaning they didn't get wet - I am happy to be corrected on this though). Tyres as well - be aware that the Quad has odd sized wheels so finding tyres can be a bit of a mission (Michelin PSS or Goodyear Eagle F1's are done in the correct sizes, as well as the Pirelli's they come with from factory). One thing I am keeping an eye on are the lower rads behind the ducts in the front bumper - the RS4 had a similar set up and the rads were known to corrode due to getting caked in wet, decaying road crap (leaves etc). I don't think the Quads are old enough for this to be an issue yet, but I can see it being one in the future. As the above poster mentioned - servicing - the service intervals are 9000 miles and brake fluid has to be changed every 2 years regardless of mileage. There are 3 types of service - small (approx. £250), medium (includes brake fluid change - approx. £500) and the big one (belt change as well - approx. £1000) - although these prices will likely vary depending who you use.
The other issue appears to be around extending the warranty - Alfa appear to only allow certain dealers to supply / sell Alfa extended warranties, so you may have to do some research in regards to that aspect.
Thank you, that's exactly the kind of information I'm after. When I am viewing my potential purchase I will be reading threw these comments vigorously😂 I do recall reading something about the ECU getting wet but I wasnt sure if they removed it or just covered it. How many miles are on your vehicle just out of curiosity? I find the infotainment system works absolutely fine (despite all the criticism from reviewers) and is actually better than the Volvo system (ie Spotify connects automatically, whereas in the Volvo it was hit and miss). The seats aren't quite as comfy as the Volvo, but they are more than supportive enough! My only gripe (which I knew all about before I bought) is the rear seats not folding down for increased boot space - that's something that I do miss, but other aspects of the car more than make up for it.
As for things to look at - make sure the recall has been done on the ECU (I think they were originally positioned for LHD cars, which meant that in the UK they got wet due to their position and caused issues - the recall moved them a bit I think, meaning they didn't get wet - I am happy to be corrected on this though). Tyres as well - be aware that the Quad has odd sized wheels so finding tyres can be a bit of a mission (Michelin PSS or Goodyear Eagle F1's are done in the correct sizes, as well as the Pirelli's they come with from factory). One thing I am keeping an eye on are the lower rads behind the ducts in the front bumper - the RS4 had a similar set up and the rads were known to corrode due to getting caked in wet, decaying road crap (leaves etc). I don't think the Quads are old enough for this to be an issue yet, but I can see it being one in the future. As the above poster mentioned - servicing - the service intervals are 9000 miles and brake fluid has to be changed every 2 years regardless of mileage. There are 3 types of service - small (approx. £250), medium (includes brake fluid change - approx. £500) and the big one (belt change as well - approx. £1000) - although these prices will likely vary depending who you use.
The other issue appears to be around extending the warranty - Alfa appear to only allow certain dealers to supply / sell Alfa extended warranties, so you may have to do some research in regards to that aspect.
As servicing goes if that is kind of what I expected from this sort of high Bhp car. But by the comments from some people it lead me to believe it was twice the price, so I'm more than happy to hear that..did you get the extended warranty on your vehicle? I'm not sure If I would opt for it or not
John_g11t1 said:
Thank you, that's exactly the kind of information I'm after. When I am viewing my potential purchase I will be reading threw these comments vigorously?? I do recall reading something about the ECU getting wet but I wasnt sure if they removed it or just covered it. How many miles are on your vehicle just out of curiosity?
As servicing goes if that is kind of what I expected from this sort of high Bhp car. But by the comments from some people it lead me to believe it was twice the price, so I'm more than happy to hear that..did you get the extended warranty on your vehicle? I'm not sure If I would opt for it or not
I picked up quite a high miler (51k when I collected it) - the only reason I went for my car over others with lower miles is mine is in the Montecarlo Blue - it is the only one I've seen in that colour (haven't seen another one for sale since I bought mine), and once I'd seen it, I didn't want any other colour, so was happy to take it with those miles (mostly motorway I think). As servicing goes if that is kind of what I expected from this sort of high Bhp car. But by the comments from some people it lead me to believe it was twice the price, so I'm more than happy to hear that..did you get the extended warranty on your vehicle? I'm not sure If I would opt for it or not
From what I can gather the Alfa dealer experience can be poles apart in how good they are, with some being absolutely abysmal and others being not too bad, and with Alfa Customer Service being particularly 'Italian' in their way of doing things, I think it can make things quite slow going in rectifying issues. The prices of services I put above were taken from the website of NJS in Pershore (Alfa Specialist). I've just had the 54k service at Research Garage in Nuneaton (Alfa, Fiat and Jeep dealer) (NJS quote £510) using the service plan I've set up, and the cost from the service plan was £249 (that was oil, filter and brake fluid change). Mine is still under warranty until March, but I will definitely be going for an extended warranty when that expiures - partly because I still have the old 'Alfa unreliability' niggle in the back of my mind, but also because if something does go wrong in these cars, it's likely to be very costly to fix. I guess it depends on how deep your pockets are and if you can stump up £2k for a new front splitter, or excess of £5k for a new prop shaft (a couple have started to fail on other peoples cars / been replaced under warranty).
lurking here for the same reason. test drove one a few weeks back and have been doing the daily autotrader search ever since..... not many with sparco's, and not tried them yet. any thoughts? or what do you guys think are the most important options?
there was a black with carbon wheel and carbon seats plus HK on AT this week but has been sold. 45k and 5k miles on a 17 plate.
there was a black with carbon wheel and carbon seats plus HK on AT this week but has been sold. 45k and 5k miles on a 17 plate.
Standard seats are brilliant so I'd suggest sitting in both standard and Sparcos to see which you prefer as it's just down to personal taste. Unless of course you want electric seats in which case you'll want the standard seats with the electric upgrade pack (you get heated seats and steering wheel then too).
The upgrade alcantara/carbon fibre wheel I think is pretty much the only must have as it makes it more special. Everything else you need is standard anyway (front & rear parking sensors, reversing camera etc?.
Bear in mind a 2017 car will be a 4 seater with non-folding rear seats as these changes didn't come until later.
The upgrade alcantara/carbon fibre wheel I think is pretty much the only must have as it makes it more special. Everything else you need is standard anyway (front & rear parking sensors, reversing camera etc?.
Bear in mind a 2017 car will be a 4 seater with non-folding rear seats as these changes didn't come until later.
I bought my 2017 QF in April and love it, sensational to drive coming from 2012 C63 coupe and AMV8. Others have covered the relatively few issues well on here, keep under warranty and don’t worry - I would do the same for any performance car from Merc, BMW, Audi, etc. I have the Sparcos and love them, although I think the standard seats look better in the “metal” than on pictures. Best thing you can do is get the Corsas off unless you live somewhere it’s dry and warm all the time. Living in the North West I decided wet performance of MPS4S was biggest factor rather than getting winters.
In all honesty the carbon fibre seats dont bother me too much.. although if one came up with them I would quickly snap it up! 😂 someone mentioned about the prop shafts having failed.. that's the one thing I truly am afraid of! When I found out they where made from carbon fibre I thought it was great! Then I thought about replacing one and I knew it was going to be megabucks.. do we know if it's a common occurrence?
mikeh501 said:
So does the 18MY have folding back seats then? any other changes?
Ive tried the normal seats already, and they are excellent tbh. Very comfortable and supportive. Just want to try the sparcos in the flesh before I commit. They look mega cool, especially on a black car imho.
Was only from later in 2018, not cars made in first few months. Came at the same time as Apple CarPlay Ive tried the normal seats already, and they are excellent tbh. Very comfortable and supportive. Just want to try the sparcos in the flesh before I commit. They look mega cool, especially on a black car imho.
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