Can anyone lend me the money for a Brera S?
Discussion
I stopped at a petrol station over the weekend while on the way to look at a car for sale and something caught my eye. On the edge of the forecourt was a bright red Brera S.
After paying, I moved the car to the side and decided to have a nose. It had taken me this long to realise that there was in fact an Alfa dealership on the other side of the fence. I had a quick nose at the Brera - surely the most desirable car you can get (new) for the money in its 'S' trim - and then I wandered into the showroom.
Sadly my budget doesn't currently stretch to a brand new anything, let alone a top of the range Brera. However I'd been seriously looking into buying a 147 or a 156 second hand. They had a gorgeous looking, very well specced 1.6TS 147 within my budget, so I asked if we could go for a test drive. I was sent indoors to fill in some paperwork whilst the guy brought the car round to the front.
After about five minutes he returned looking rather sheepish to explain that his two year old, low mileage 147 wouldn't start. I stifled a bit of a snigger at that moment - I know the stereotypes are a little unfortunate, but I also suspect he spends a lot of his time trying to explain this to people and it seemed to be a little too ironic.
Earlier in the week I'd gone to see a facelifted 156 2.4 JTD Sportwagon. It was a stunning looking car and, unlike the 147, seemed mechanically perfect. It was quiet and comfortable and more than spacious enough for my requirements. Unfortunately an annoying voice in the back of my head kept reminding me that I couldn't really justify a hih mileage Alfa as a workhorse, when there are perfectly adequate A-to-B cars for half as much.
With a 'fun car' in the garage already consuming a fair proportion of my income I reluctantly conceded that I couldn't afford to spice up my commute with an Alfa. However, if somebody can lend me the money for a Brera S, I think I might just be powerless to resist.
After paying, I moved the car to the side and decided to have a nose. It had taken me this long to realise that there was in fact an Alfa dealership on the other side of the fence. I had a quick nose at the Brera - surely the most desirable car you can get (new) for the money in its 'S' trim - and then I wandered into the showroom.
Sadly my budget doesn't currently stretch to a brand new anything, let alone a top of the range Brera. However I'd been seriously looking into buying a 147 or a 156 second hand. They had a gorgeous looking, very well specced 1.6TS 147 within my budget, so I asked if we could go for a test drive. I was sent indoors to fill in some paperwork whilst the guy brought the car round to the front.
After about five minutes he returned looking rather sheepish to explain that his two year old, low mileage 147 wouldn't start. I stifled a bit of a snigger at that moment - I know the stereotypes are a little unfortunate, but I also suspect he spends a lot of his time trying to explain this to people and it seemed to be a little too ironic.
Earlier in the week I'd gone to see a facelifted 156 2.4 JTD Sportwagon. It was a stunning looking car and, unlike the 147, seemed mechanically perfect. It was quiet and comfortable and more than spacious enough for my requirements. Unfortunately an annoying voice in the back of my head kept reminding me that I couldn't really justify a hih mileage Alfa as a workhorse, when there are perfectly adequate A-to-B cars for half as much.
With a 'fun car' in the garage already consuming a fair proportion of my income I reluctantly conceded that I couldn't afford to spice up my commute with an Alfa. However, if somebody can lend me the money for a Brera S, I think I might just be powerless to resist.
Have to say the 3.2 with the leather dash looked the T*TS.
The special metallic red version that was at Goodwood Festival of Speed looked so lovely but they are not going to make that as the nice italian lady said they were painted off the production line and the price was prohibitive.
I even tried to justify it as a suitable family car but unless you have limbless relatives then don't go there.
Bought a CLS instead. Pretty but practical.
The special metallic red version that was at Goodwood Festival of Speed looked so lovely but they are not going to make that as the nice italian lady said they were painted off the production line and the price was prohibitive.
I even tried to justify it as a suitable family car but unless you have limbless relatives then don't go there.
Bought a CLS instead. Pretty but practical.
- it's got a pretty high sill into the boot.
Biggriff said:
Have to say the 3.2 with the leather dash looked the T*TS.
The special metallic red version that was at Goodwood Festival of Speed looked so lovely but they are not going to make that as the nice italian lady said they were painted off the production line and the price was prohibitive.
I even tried to justify it as a suitable family car but unless you have limbless relatives then don't go there.
Bought a CLS instead. Pretty but practical.
You can have 8c red if you wish..The special metallic red version that was at Goodwood Festival of Speed looked so lovely but they are not going to make that as the nice italian lady said they were painted off the production line and the price was prohibitive.
I even tried to justify it as a suitable family car but unless you have limbless relatives then don't go there.
Bought a CLS instead. Pretty but practical.
..and you have 8k to spare
Whilst waiting at some traffic lights other day, a brera coming the opposite way through the green light, pulled up on the side of the road, i just stared in utter admiriation for the car. anyways, i looked forward and the lights had just gone orange and back to red. i sat through a full change of lights looking at this brera...then noticed there was a car behind me....who hadnt beeped there horn, glanced around, he to was also gawping at the Brera
As someone who has actually driven a Brera S, it is a great improvement over the original.
The aesthetics are obviously improved, but the biggest change is the way it feels on the road, the car does shake off the feeling of weight (that the old one made more obvious), is feels tighter and more direct. (evo gave the car 4 out of 5, so not just my opinion)
However I personally still prefer the Alfa GT/156 chassis, as it feels even pointier and more agile, the Brera S feels more like a german car.
So if you want a gorgeous looking car, with excellent build quality, an italian sound from the engine (tho not quite the same as the older Alfa's) and with imo german like handling...then this is the car to go for.
The aesthetics are obviously improved, but the biggest change is the way it feels on the road, the car does shake off the feeling of weight (that the old one made more obvious), is feels tighter and more direct. (evo gave the car 4 out of 5, so not just my opinion)
However I personally still prefer the Alfa GT/156 chassis, as it feels even pointier and more agile, the Brera S feels more like a german car.
So if you want a gorgeous looking car, with excellent build quality, an italian sound from the engine (tho not quite the same as the older Alfa's) and with imo german like handling...then this is the car to go for.
Edited by V6Alfisti on Wednesday 13th August 20:21
pits said:
Whilst waiting at some traffic lights other day, a brera coming the opposite way through the green light, pulled up on the side of the road, i just stared in utter admiriation for the car. anyways, i looked forward and the lights had just gone orange and back to red. i sat through a full change of lights looking at this brera...then noticed there was a car behind me....who hadnt beeped there horn, glanced around, he to was also gawping at the Brera
I think that's fantastic!
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