Alfa Brera; has its time come?
Discussion
Had to take the wife to hospital this morning for a blood test (nothing CV19 related thankfully)… I remained in the car while she went inside, had a quick scan of the car park and found myself transfixed by a gorgeous Brera facing me.
It was an 08 plate (12 years old!!) and looked like it was clearly someone's pride and joy. Finished in Alfa Red, gleaming in the sun with contrasting glass roof panel. It really stood out in the car park and made me think it's time to revisit the Brera.
I remember being at the Goodwood FoS when it was launched (2005?) and the disappointment I felt that the production version was so compromised in its design compared to the concept; wheelbase too short, overhangs too long etc. Then there was the fact that it didn't really seem to know what it was; too lardy for a sports car but not really a proper GT either. Also the engines, none of which seemed to be ideal; not at launch anyway.
But as modern cars get ever bigger, uglier and more complex, maybe it's time to give it another chance. It can now be seen for what it is and doesn't need to be pigeon holed in any particular market segment, and based on the one I saw this morning time has definitely been kind to the styling.
Interested to hear others' thoughts. Does anyone on here have any ownership experiences of these cars?
It was an 08 plate (12 years old!!) and looked like it was clearly someone's pride and joy. Finished in Alfa Red, gleaming in the sun with contrasting glass roof panel. It really stood out in the car park and made me think it's time to revisit the Brera.
I remember being at the Goodwood FoS when it was launched (2005?) and the disappointment I felt that the production version was so compromised in its design compared to the concept; wheelbase too short, overhangs too long etc. Then there was the fact that it didn't really seem to know what it was; too lardy for a sports car but not really a proper GT either. Also the engines, none of which seemed to be ideal; not at launch anyway.
But as modern cars get ever bigger, uglier and more complex, maybe it's time to give it another chance. It can now be seen for what it is and doesn't need to be pigeon holed in any particular market segment, and based on the one I saw this morning time has definitely been kind to the styling.
Interested to hear others' thoughts. Does anyone on here have any ownership experiences of these cars?
Yeah I remember the 2.2 engine used to get a bad press about fuel economy, and also revving hesitancy at low speeds. I seem to recall the latter could be sorted but it wasn't just a simple matter of a remap due to engine management electronics or something that I don't understand.
There were a couple of diesels offered but they just never seemed 'right' to me in such a car, and the bigger 3.2 V6 was I believe a lot heavier (affecting handling) and even thirstier than the 2.2.
Have to say though that most of what I 'know' about the Brera is very much second hand knowledge.
There were a couple of diesels offered but they just never seemed 'right' to me in such a car, and the bigger 3.2 V6 was I believe a lot heavier (affecting handling) and even thirstier than the 2.2.
Have to say though that most of what I 'know' about the Brera is very much second hand knowledge.
I bought a 3.2 JTS eighteen months ago as a winter/ "couldn't give a **** if it gets dinged in a car-park" car (specifically for the 4WD which, sadly, ruled out a Prodrive "S").
As a relaxed cruiser, I absolutely love it - it has comedy fuel consumption (I get about 20mpg average , which is approximately 30% worse than I get in a 156 GTA for similar driving). You definitely know you are driving something heavy, but with all the appropriate poly bushes in place, it actually drives very nicely for a tank. The JTS V6 is very smooth but a lot less exciting than the Busso. It makes a nice noise as it accelerates to the top of the rev-range, but in that mode, the fuel consumption suggests that the direct injection injects fuel straight into the exhaust , rather than straight into the combustion chamber. I can't comment on the 2.2 JTS or the 1.7 TB as I haven't driven either (The less said about diesels in Alfa's the better as far as I'm concerned).
The face-lift interiors look a hell of a lot nicer (particularly the seats), but the concensus seems to be that the generation 1 front seats are actually more comfortable (mine's a first generation car, and I find the seats super comfortable).
Main issues are the almost inevitable need to replace the cam chains at some point (if this has recently been done properly, its a big plus when buying), rusty front subframes and rapid wear on front wishbones. Space in the rear is also suprisingly tight (similar to the late nineties / early noughties GTV, where I expected a bit more space, as the Brera seems to be a physically bigger car).
Get a good one and they are great cars, but a bad one will have a substantial ability to throw out big bills.
As a relaxed cruiser, I absolutely love it - it has comedy fuel consumption (I get about 20mpg average , which is approximately 30% worse than I get in a 156 GTA for similar driving). You definitely know you are driving something heavy, but with all the appropriate poly bushes in place, it actually drives very nicely for a tank. The JTS V6 is very smooth but a lot less exciting than the Busso. It makes a nice noise as it accelerates to the top of the rev-range, but in that mode, the fuel consumption suggests that the direct injection injects fuel straight into the exhaust , rather than straight into the combustion chamber. I can't comment on the 2.2 JTS or the 1.7 TB as I haven't driven either (The less said about diesels in Alfa's the better as far as I'm concerned).
The face-lift interiors look a hell of a lot nicer (particularly the seats), but the concensus seems to be that the generation 1 front seats are actually more comfortable (mine's a first generation car, and I find the seats super comfortable).
Main issues are the almost inevitable need to replace the cam chains at some point (if this has recently been done properly, its a big plus when buying), rusty front subframes and rapid wear on front wishbones. Space in the rear is also suprisingly tight (similar to the late nineties / early noughties GTV, where I expected a bit more space, as the Brera seems to be a physically bigger car).
Get a good one and they are great cars, but a bad one will have a substantial ability to throw out big bills.
ian996 said:
The JTS V6 is very smooth but a lot less exciting than the Busso. It makes a nice noise as it accelerates to the top of the rev-range, but in that mode, the fuel consumption suggests that the direct injection injects fuel straight into the exhaust , rather than straight into the combustion chamber. I can't comment on the 2.2 JTS or the 1.7 TB as I haven't driven either (The less said about diesels in Alfa's the better as far as I'm concerned).
Interesting you mention about the Busso... as I sat there looking at that lovely red Brera facing me, I could just imagine opening the bonnet and seeing those six polished intake pipes lined up and glinting in the sun! Such a shame they canned that engine and that it never made it into the Brera; would have really completed the car in my opinion.I think what you say about it making a great cruiser makes sense; that is probably the Brera's niche... and in that case a sorted V6 sounds the best option. They can certainly be made to sound good, I know that for a fact: was at Donnington years ago for some superbike racing and the two safety cars were Alfa 159s with the 3.2 V6 and presumably some sort of sports exhausts fitted which sounded absolutely glorious! Maybe not as characterful as the Busson but still a great sound.
Sadly I don’t think so.
I had an immaculate... black Prodrive S, 3.2.
I could happily have it in my front room.
I enjoyed nothing more than a cold beer on a hot sunny staring at it after I’d washed and wax’d it.
Which was just as well
Because despite the Prodrive changes, it was dull as ditch water to drive. Comfy... yep... but the noise was average, the mpg dreadful, and the handling/performance nothing to get excited about.
The other good thing I did was cut out the solid headlining to let the light through the glass roof.
Who the hell at Prodrive thought it a good idea to leave a heavy slab of glass up there AND THEN cover it up?!
Wanted to love this car more.... and I miss not having it on the drive to look at....but I certainly don’t regret selling it for something more engaging.
I had an immaculate... black Prodrive S, 3.2.
I could happily have it in my front room.
I enjoyed nothing more than a cold beer on a hot sunny staring at it after I’d washed and wax’d it.
Which was just as well
Because despite the Prodrive changes, it was dull as ditch water to drive. Comfy... yep... but the noise was average, the mpg dreadful, and the handling/performance nothing to get excited about.
The other good thing I did was cut out the solid headlining to let the light through the glass roof.
Who the hell at Prodrive thought it a good idea to leave a heavy slab of glass up there AND THEN cover it up?!
Wanted to love this car more.... and I miss not having it on the drive to look at....but I certainly don’t regret selling it for something more engaging.
I've owned my Brera TBI for 12 months.
I took the plunge and picked up a high-mileage car last year. When I collected the car it had 126,500 miles and I've so far added another 6,500.
I was fortunate enough to be at the original Brera launch and I've driven various examples since. I've always like the car because it was quite unique. It's not a sports car and not quite a GT.
It's draws lots of admiring glances and it's a comfortable cruiser and I like this. I'm very lucky mine is one of only 64 UK registered 1750's. It suits the car very well and it's brisk without being super quick.
The used market for some models; 3.2 S, Independente and any model fitted with the 1750 can mean prices are at a premium. With this in mind I managed to pick mine up for just £4500.
I've spent a further £1,600 in maintenance over that the course of 12 months and probably £450 on accessories to suit my taste.
It's due a service when this lockdown ends and needs the power steering reservoir replaced. After this the bodywork will need some attention as it's showing it's 133,000 miles a little.
As an Alfa enthusiast I love it because it's different, it's a rare specification and I can't see me parting with it. I would only potentially change it for a GT 3.2 but I'm certain that would be even more costly to look after.
I took the plunge and picked up a high-mileage car last year. When I collected the car it had 126,500 miles and I've so far added another 6,500.
I was fortunate enough to be at the original Brera launch and I've driven various examples since. I've always like the car because it was quite unique. It's not a sports car and not quite a GT.
It's draws lots of admiring glances and it's a comfortable cruiser and I like this. I'm very lucky mine is one of only 64 UK registered 1750's. It suits the car very well and it's brisk without being super quick.
The used market for some models; 3.2 S, Independente and any model fitted with the 1750 can mean prices are at a premium. With this in mind I managed to pick mine up for just £4500.
I've spent a further £1,600 in maintenance over that the course of 12 months and probably £450 on accessories to suit my taste.
It's due a service when this lockdown ends and needs the power steering reservoir replaced. After this the bodywork will need some attention as it's showing it's 133,000 miles a little.
As an Alfa enthusiast I love it because it's different, it's a rare specification and I can't see me parting with it. I would only potentially change it for a GT 3.2 but I'm certain that would be even more costly to look after.
The diesel five cylinder goes well but is very front heavy, I have not driven a V6 but if the handling is anything like the big diesel then I am not sorry.
Subframes rust from the inside and front bushes take a hammering too but the most irritating foible are the Brembo calipers which use steel pins in an alloy body, these seize epically at the first sign of salt or wheel cleaner and take hours of sweat to sort out.
Subframes rust from the inside and front bushes take a hammering too but the most irritating foible are the Brembo calipers which use steel pins in an alloy body, these seize epically at the first sign of salt or wheel cleaner and take hours of sweat to sort out.
The main problem of the Brera is that it is compared to 156 and previous GT, busso and JTS engines. Fair enough, as you except the brand to improve, but we all know Alfa's story, and sadly they had to use the platform and engine they were given... You have to take the car as it is, not as what you want it to be...
Taking it as it is, it a good car. It looks amazing, and as OP said, still new after 12 years ! The kind of car you are proud to have on your driveway, and look back at it...
I had one some years ago, a 2.2. The engine was nice, and made a nice sound after 4 000rpm. Hesistation at low speed are due to the flywheel: i changed mine during a gearbox rebuild, and it changes everything ! On the other side, the gearbox has two real downside: the 6th speed is a joke (about 200rpm less than the 5th IIRC) and the bearings can fail making whinning noise...
Also had to change the alternator during the 2 years ownership...
Except from that, it is a nice car, I did enjoy it. Don't know what I would have buy instead, and I would buy a 1750 tomorrow I my annual mileage was low enough...
It is definitely a different car, and a beautiful car. Try one and see if you like it. Don't except a Lotus, a TT, a GTV or a GTA. It is a Brera.
Taking it as it is, it a good car. It looks amazing, and as OP said, still new after 12 years ! The kind of car you are proud to have on your driveway, and look back at it...
I had one some years ago, a 2.2. The engine was nice, and made a nice sound after 4 000rpm. Hesistation at low speed are due to the flywheel: i changed mine during a gearbox rebuild, and it changes everything ! On the other side, the gearbox has two real downside: the 6th speed is a joke (about 200rpm less than the 5th IIRC) and the bearings can fail making whinning noise...
Also had to change the alternator during the 2 years ownership...
Except from that, it is a nice car, I did enjoy it. Don't know what I would have buy instead, and I would buy a 1750 tomorrow I my annual mileage was low enough...
It is definitely a different car, and a beautiful car. Try one and see if you like it. Don't except a Lotus, a TT, a GTV or a GTA. It is a Brera.
I had a 2.2JTS for a couple of years (until last summer) and was very happy with it.
It was a pretty reliable car - only had to fix a couple of minor problems - and everything worked. Wasn't particularly fast - but then I didn't buy it thinking i was buying a fast car. Lovely to drive about with the roof down, and got a surprising number of positive comments.
I only sold (p-ex'd) it because I needed to make up the difference when changing a different car.
It was a pretty reliable car - only had to fix a couple of minor problems - and everything worked. Wasn't particularly fast - but then I didn't buy it thinking i was buying a fast car. Lovely to drive about with the roof down, and got a surprising number of positive comments.
I only sold (p-ex'd) it because I needed to make up the difference when changing a different car.
I had a 3.2 Prodrive Version, it looked lovely, the interior was lovely - unfortunately that's where the loveliness ended, it wasn't particularly fast, it didn't really make a nice noise, it was heavy, didn't handle very well, and had so many annoying little niggles, I got rid of it as soon as possible I was so disappointed with it.
chrispmartha said:
I had a 3.2 Prodrive Version, it looked lovely, the interior was lovely - unfortunately that's where the loveliness ended, it wasn't particularly fast, it didn't really make a nice noise, it was heavy, didn't handle very well, and had so many annoying little niggles, I got rid of it as soon as possible I was so disappointed with it.
Wow, doesn't say much for the non-Prodrive version which is heavier and with none of the suspension tweaks. I've never driven either, so can't comment, I never liked the rear end of the Brera, preferring the look of the Spider version. But looks are subjective as they should be, beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that. 
xyyman said:
chrispmartha said:
I had a 3.2 Prodrive Version, it looked lovely, the interior was lovely - unfortunately that's where the loveliness ended, it wasn't particularly fast, it didn't really make a nice noise, it was heavy, didn't handle very well, and had so many annoying little niggles, I got rid of it as soon as possible I was so disappointed with it.
Wow, doesn't say much for the non-Prodrive version which is heavier and with none of the suspension tweaks. I've never driven either, so can't comment, I never liked the rear end of the Brera, preferring the look of the Spider version. But looks are subjective as they should be, beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that. Little over a year ago I got a Brera V6 S (the prodrive one, in red of course)
Reader's car thread here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I have a GTV V6 and a Monaro so I'm used to Alfas and fuel consumption as a bit of context, have used both to commute.
Pros:
Absolutely gorgeous
Felt very, very solid, a refined cruiser although 6th is pointlessly short
Handling was interesting enough, it wasn't just an understeery mess or anything like that
Cons:
Not powerful enough to merit low 20s mpg
Engine didn't sound special enough to merit the low 20s either, spoiled by the Busso I guess
Seat always felt too high
My god it was a good looking thing though, it was an event just walking up to it
In the end, someone was looking to sell a Ute, they were happy to just straight swap for the Brera, and for me it's just better in every way (except it's a poxy auto, but I try to convince myself it makes traffic easier)
If you're after an analogy, it's like dating a gorgeous girl who is unfortunately a moron and not that great in bed.
Reader's car thread here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I have a GTV V6 and a Monaro so I'm used to Alfas and fuel consumption as a bit of context, have used both to commute.
Pros:
Absolutely gorgeous
Felt very, very solid, a refined cruiser although 6th is pointlessly short
Handling was interesting enough, it wasn't just an understeery mess or anything like that
Cons:
Not powerful enough to merit low 20s mpg
Engine didn't sound special enough to merit the low 20s either, spoiled by the Busso I guess
Seat always felt too high
My god it was a good looking thing though, it was an event just walking up to it
In the end, someone was looking to sell a Ute, they were happy to just straight swap for the Brera, and for me it's just better in every way (except it's a poxy auto, but I try to convince myself it makes traffic easier)
If you're after an analogy, it's like dating a gorgeous girl who is unfortunately a moron and not that great in bed.
I have got a 2007 159 2.4 jtdm diesel that I have covered 60,000km in in the last 4 years and it has been great - heaps of power, relatively economical, reliable and stunning to look at and very pleasant to be in. Like any slightly unusual car, you do need to either be a fairly good mechanic or know a good indie garage locally. The only issues I really had was uneven front tyre wear which was solved by a poly bush mod and alignment mod and the lower front control arms needed replacing (fairly run of the mill), but those can be sourced at a reasonable price. Basically they are extremely well made cars and incredibly good value. The diesel ones like mine are best on the open road - too much town driving clogs the DPF etc so if in town and shorter trips then the petrols are a better bet. Have a look at the alfaowner website if for more info.
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