Looking at buying an Alfa 147
Discussion
I could do with something with 5 dors to replace my 330ci as a general family runabout, not too big as Mrs T struggles parking etc, cheap to run yet interesting, and think a 147 fits the bill. Always wanted an Alfa!
After browsing through previous topics it seems the 147 isn't too unreliable, but a new cambelt every 3yrs seems excessive, as mileage will be about 5k/year, so the reportedly reliable JTD 8v looks like a goodun.
I saw this on eBay, not too far from me, what do you think?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-ALFA-ROMEO-147-JTD-LUSS...
Obviously the seller is an enthusiast, which is good, full alfa SH also good, but what about the popped CV and 130k miles? Are these cars OK at high mileages or do they fall apart pretty rapidly? Any other advice appreciated!
After browsing through previous topics it seems the 147 isn't too unreliable, but a new cambelt every 3yrs seems excessive, as mileage will be about 5k/year, so the reportedly reliable JTD 8v looks like a goodun.
I saw this on eBay, not too far from me, what do you think?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-ALFA-ROMEO-147-JTD-LUSS...
Obviously the seller is an enthusiast, which is good, full alfa SH also good, but what about the popped CV and 130k miles? Are these cars OK at high mileages or do they fall apart pretty rapidly? Any other advice appreciated!
Major T said:
5 dors/general family runabout/not too big as Mrs struggles parking etc/cheap to run yet interesting/the reportedly reliable JTD 8v looks like a goodun.
That was exactly why we got a 147 5 door Lusso 8 valve JTD!!The Ebay one looks good - check for rear legroom as the optional sports seats on that one (very desirable and expensive!) steal some rear leg room and these cars are not enormous. The mileage is not necessarily a problem and is certainly offset by the TLC an enthusiastic owner will have given it. Certainly better than a neglected 60,000 mile on. However you would really want to lose those springs as the standard suspension is pretty harsh on bumpy roads so the 60mm drop and 17" wheels on that car will be a pretty grim ride I suspect.
Not trying to put a downer on anything for you here Major T, but one consideration to you should be that the 147 does have an excessively large turning circle, which means they're not always the easiest vehicles to park. Its only a very minor point but I think its worth making considering your criteria. Otherwise, they are beautiful cars, and the JTD engine is a peach (can't comment on reliability though).
RicksAlfas said:
Major T said:
5 dors/general family runabout/not too big as Mrs struggles parking etc/cheap to run yet interesting/the reportedly reliable JTD 8v looks like a goodun.
That was exactly why we got a 147 5 door Lusso 8 valve JTD!!The Ebay one looks good - check for rear legroom as the optional sports seats on that one (very desirable and expensive!) steal some rear leg room and these cars are not enormous. The mileage is not necessarily a problem and is certainly offset by the TLC an enthusiastic owner will have given it. Certainly better than a neglected 60,000 mile on. However you would really want to lose those springs as the standard suspension is pretty harsh on bumpy roads so the 60mm drop and 17" wheels on that car will be a pretty grim ride I suspect.
Thanks for the tip on rear room, the child seat would need to fit, that's about it.
Very desirable and expensive seats sound good.
I should go and have a looky. Someone will be getting a bargain 330ci when it goes on sale!RicksAlfas said:
robsco said:
147 does have an excessively large turning circle
It's not "too" bad. Certainly the missus hasn't complained. Her previous 145 was bad and my 156 SW was horrendous...
although I don't have sufficient experience in other Alfa Romeos to gauge it comparatively.Major T said:
...but what about the popped CV and 130k miles? Are these cars OK at high mileages or do they fall apart pretty rapidly? Any other advice appreciated!
It's the "CV boot"...a simple rubber boot that is almost a service item on cars. Hopefully it was repaired before all the grease was flung out.As for the mileage, there are plenty of 147s about and I'd be tempted to look for one with <100k. One thing that's unusual about this one...belts every 72k but this one was either done very late or very early???
Check the underside for corrosion...
wrinx
I own a 03 1.9 JTD.
And I must agree with most of the above.
Though I can't say I think the turning circle is bad or any worse than any other cars I have driven. Can’t say I have ever found it a problem.
Only other thing I would suggest to check is the wipers. I can't quite tell if there the old style or the new Blade wipers. If they are the old style. The plastic linkage for them is prone to breaking and i had to have all of the system replaced, not even the blades where reusable lol, though once replaced you shouldn't have that problem.
Other than that if it’s been looked after you can't go far wrong with 147 JTD
And I must agree with most of the above.
Though I can't say I think the turning circle is bad or any worse than any other cars I have driven. Can’t say I have ever found it a problem.
Only other thing I would suggest to check is the wipers. I can't quite tell if there the old style or the new Blade wipers. If they are the old style. The plastic linkage for them is prone to breaking and i had to have all of the system replaced, not even the blades where reusable lol, though once replaced you shouldn't have that problem.
Other than that if it’s been looked after you can't go far wrong with 147 JTD
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