147 questions...
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Discussion

jason61c

Original Poster:

5,978 posts

196 months

Friday 13th November 2009
quotequote all
I'm going to buy a 147, manual lusso spec.

looking at a 2002ish car, what should I look for? what sort of ave mpg do you get from the 1.6/2.0?

I can get this one for 2k... seem decent?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...


Cheers!

robsco

7,875 posts

198 months

Saturday 14th November 2009
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Hi Jason.

I would class myself as a little of a 147 novice, however there are a few things in my limited time of ownership that I have learnt. In the words of Ricksalfas who will probably post some advice on here for you, the cambelts need changing "sooner than ASAP!" if it has gone past its 36000 mile cambelt interval. The one you are looking at is all sorted on that basis so that should be the big bill out of the way really. Any 147 Twin Spark that has gone past this 36k/3 year cambelt interval is a real risk.

Secondly, oil levels need to be checked at least once a week, the Twin Spark engine drinks a lot of oil in most cases. A litre every 1000 miles seems to be the norm, this was what I was advised by Piccadilly Alfa Romeo also. If you check the oil level and its low or the owner doesn't seem to bother then I'd walk away immediately.

Also, check that all the electrics work, both myself and a friend who owns a 147 have had a few electrical glitches, nothing major but the extra few minutes checking and double checking that all is well electrically could save you a lot of money in the long run smile

Mine is averaging around 33mpg, it is the 120bhp 1.6. Not particularly frugal but boy what a wonderful engine biggrin do plenty of research, make sure you find the right vehicle for you and it will be the best buy you'll ever make!

Good luck
Rob

RicksAlfas

14,270 posts

266 months

Sunday 15th November 2009
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Think Rob's answered it all!
thumbup
Reckon the seller is been optimistic with the mpg on the Ebay ad.
Suggest 30 is a more typical average unless you live somewhere very flat with no traffic...