alfra 145 cloverleaf

[205chavs]

hi just thought id ask if there any problems i should know about on the 145 cloverleafs not hade much dealings with them before just got it as a project cause i have neally finished me 205 its just done 56,000on a p reg not the best lookin car in the would but i didnt get it for that i was told they were pretty quick

[RicksAlfas]

Listen out for knocks from the front suspension - usually bottoms arms or ARB mounts. Erratic running/idling is usually air flow meter, water temp sender or lambda - or some combination of all three! Start by unplugging the air flow meter and see if that improves things. Have a good poke about for corrosion in the chassis. Cambelts and tensioners MUST be done every 3 years or 36,000 miles so don't chance it. At 56,000 (low mileage!) yours is coming up for a set of plugs - all eight. Try www.shop4parts.co.uk for good mail order prices. Enjoy it and I'm sure the distinctive and handsome looks will grow on you!

[BussoV6]

Rotten floors are the biggest thing to watch out for on the 145's these days. Have a good poke around underneath. Engines use oil, so check its full. Check wishbone bushes. If it sounds like a diesel the variator is shot. Check the condition of the radiator as they don't last all that long - neither do the O/E rear shocks so give those a check too.
Brilliant cars though, very underrated and underestimated. A rare sight these days too.
If you've a few quid spare a Squadra chip and a strut brace are excellent mods.

[alfa daley]

I love my little 145 cloverleaf. It certainly one of the most fun cars i have driven. Mine has a supersprint exhaust and straight through centre section which sadly robs it of that twin spark rasp but does give a satisfying roar when overtaking and sounds suitably different from the usual chavy trash. I did have a squadra chip designed to run super unleaded but in my view it was a complete waste of cash and just meant i had to go hunting for super at the pumps. The best thing about the 145 QV is the stealth factor, only true enthusiasts know what they are and you can surprise many a tdi driver from the lights. Performance wise they are on par with 106 gtis, audi a3 1.8t (150bhp), audi 2.0tdi for rolling acceleration. I wouldn't rate the handling nor the electrics as my drivers side window has been very erm testing.

So definitely check all the electrics work inc windows all the way up and down, as mentioned alreay cambelt and all ancilaries e.g. variator and i can't remember the names of the other bits. They do appear to be a bargain at the moment.

oh and cambelts every 36,000 not 72 plus check oil level every week.

Edited by alfa daley on Sunday 25th January 22:03