Alfa 147.... the 1.6..... would you?
Discussion
I've found a beautiful 147 Lusso TI, fantastic to look at and sit in.... the problem's the engine.
Not just the fact that it's pretty weedy but the low economy and high emmissions that shouldn't normally be associated with an engine of this size. It's similarly priced to a Fiat Bravo I've also found which is newer, cheaper to run, bigger and faster.
Do you own one? Have you owned one? Tell me about it please!
Not just the fact that it's pretty weedy but the low economy and high emmissions that shouldn't normally be associated with an engine of this size. It's similarly priced to a Fiat Bravo I've also found which is newer, cheaper to run, bigger and faster.
Do you own one? Have you owned one? Tell me about it please!
Slightly conflicting post there - the Lusso and the TI are two different models, or at least the TI was a limited run based on the Lusso with some extra bits and bobs.
We had a 1.6 TI for three years and the only thing that went wrong with it was a check-strap for the driver's door, replaced under warranty.
The 1.6 is fast enough (but only just) and you really need to keep it revving to get the best from it - although you could argue that's half the fun. You need to keep on top of the oil, some use far more than others, and the cambelt needs changed at 36k miles.
We were planning on getting a MiTo to replace it, but when we had a proper look at one back in November we weren't sold on the interior, so got another 147 instead.
We had a 1.6 TI for three years and the only thing that went wrong with it was a check-strap for the driver's door, replaced under warranty.
The 1.6 is fast enough (but only just) and you really need to keep it revving to get the best from it - although you could argue that's half the fun. You need to keep on top of the oil, some use far more than others, and the cambelt needs changed at 36k miles.
We were planning on getting a MiTo to replace it, but when we had a proper look at one back in November we weren't sold on the interior, so got another 147 instead.
jamieboy said:
Slightly conflicting post there - the Lusso and the TI are two different models, or at least the TI was a limited run based on the Lusso with some extra bits and bobs.
We had a 1.6 TI for three years and the only thing that went wrong with it was a check-strap for the driver's door, replaced under warranty.
The 1.6 is fast enough (but only just) and you really need to keep it revving to get the best from it - although you could argue that's half the fun. You need to keep on top of the oil, some use far more than others, and the cambelt needs changed at 36k miles.
We were planning on getting a MiTo to replace it, but when we had a proper look at one back in November we weren't sold on the interior, so got another 147 instead.
Pretty much same hereWe had a 1.6 TI for three years and the only thing that went wrong with it was a check-strap for the driver's door, replaced under warranty.
The 1.6 is fast enough (but only just) and you really need to keep it revving to get the best from it - although you could argue that's half the fun. You need to keep on top of the oil, some use far more than others, and the cambelt needs changed at 36k miles.
We were planning on getting a MiTo to replace it, but when we had a proper look at one back in November we weren't sold on the interior, so got another 147 instead.
Still love it though
The 1.6 is good fun - when you're in the mood. It has to be driven like an old school Italian - two gears lower and 3000rpm higher than everything else!
It's a sweet engine though and seems to relish being zipped about. However I must admit we went for a 1.9JTD in preference - similar BHP, but more relaxing to drive with oddles of lagfree torque, and a more sturdy reputation. I'd had enough of Twin Spark servicing costs on what is really the wife's shopping car - she was running a 145 Twin Spark previously.
If you go for the 147 1.6 I think you'll enjoy it. Just remember to rev the socks off it - it will go to 7,000 after all!
It's a sweet engine though and seems to relish being zipped about. However I must admit we went for a 1.9JTD in preference - similar BHP, but more relaxing to drive with oddles of lagfree torque, and a more sturdy reputation. I'd had enough of Twin Spark servicing costs on what is really the wife's shopping car - she was running a 145 Twin Spark previously.
If you go for the 147 1.6 I think you'll enjoy it. Just remember to rev the socks off it - it will go to 7,000 after all!
JR said:
Ecurie Ecosse said:
Come on, get the GTA. That's faster than the Fiat Bravo 
Yes, it depends upon whether you need five doors. I had a 2l lusso twinspark which was fine. I still wonder about a 147 GTA for performance but prefer the clean lines of my GTV.If you need 5 doors, how about a 156 GTA SW - very nice.
Ecurie Ecosse said:
Come on, get the GTA. That's faster than the Fiat Bravo
Five-door GTAs appear to be really hard to get hold of, there aren't any on ebay, autotrader or pistonheads right now... </smartarse>
Really though, if I could persuade the missus that the GTA was the way to go, I'd have one in the blink of an eye. Alas, it's rising costs and changing needs that are forcing the sale of the current machine and the GTA is neither more practical nor cheaper to run.
Papa_Hotel said:
Ecurie Ecosse said:
Come on, get the GTA. That's faster than the Fiat Bravo
Five-door GTAs appear to be really hard to get hold of, there aren't any on ebay, autotrader or pistonheads right now... </smartarse>
Really though, if I could persuade the missus that the GTA was the way to go, I'd have one in the blink of an eye. Alas, it's rising costs and changing needs that are forcing the sale of the current machine and the GTA is neither more practical nor cheaper to run.
I had a 1.6 147, the engine just wasn't quite powerful enough for the car, for my liking. But it drove very well. I thought that the MPG was reasonable. I once managed to get from Dundee to Portsmouth on one tank of fuel. Granted I was in convoy with a couple of 1960's VW camper vans though so not really normal driving conditions!
I had a test drive of the 2.0 litre 147 and thought that it was awesome. That is the one I would go for if I wasnt going to get a 147GTA.
HTH
I had a test drive of the 2.0 litre 147 and thought that it was awesome. That is the one I would go for if I wasnt going to get a 147GTA.
HTH
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