Is an Alfa GTV going to cost me a lot to maintain?

[danuneek]

As the title says...

I'm after a car for around £3000 and fancy the Alfa GTV 2.0 16v (insurance costs too).

I've done some research on it and I'm getting conflicting messages with some saying its reliable and others saying they have a number of potential issues and could be costly to maintain.

Opinions please...

[jains15]

OK. I have an alfa (156, 2.0)

It will cost you to maintain. Service it, look after it and it'll look after you. If you have the wedge, do it at a specialist.

GTV have specifiv problems, I think the worst is domething to do with the rear suspension top mounts which require body shop work if they start to rust the body. The suspension is weak and with the roads as there are you will always be doing stuff under the car, I currently have suspension parts in the boot ready to fit! Simple things like starter motors are cheap to buy but expensive to fit. Front anti roll bar in my car is £46 but >4 hours to fit! Engine WILL pop if you don't keep on top of oil level and changes.

However, if you get a good one, they are brilliant! Go in with your eyes open, do your research (as it sounds like you have done). Don't listen to the harbingers of doom, my car has been more reliable than the saab I had but i have had to spend money. It work it as the car is lovely inside out and great to drive and the 2.0 sounds better than it has any right to for a 4 banger.

Are you single? Chicks dig Alfa's trust me

Main piece of advice is go in with your eyes open and be pragmatic about it. Look after it, it's worth it

[alfa pint]

Go on to alfaowner.com and have a look at the spider / GTV buyers guide - covers absolutely everything.

£3k will buy you a very very good GTV.

My spider costs me £400 a year in servicing and odds and sods and a pair of tyres at £105 a corner. Next year it will need a pair of rear discs and pads.

The rear suspension bushes were swapped for poly ones a few years back, so there's no excess wear at the back.

Provided that the cambelt, tensioners etc have been done properly it will cost you no more than any VAG / GM / Fiat / Ford car to maintain per year.

[waynedear]

Because i bought the right ones, my GTV's have been very reliable, i bought them because they had tons of history and bills.

You do as suggested need to get over onto Alfaowner.com, they have a dedicated GTV section.

[V6Alfisti]

waynedear said:

Because i bought the right ones, my GTV's have been very reliable, i bought them because they had tons of history and bills.

You do as suggested need to get over onto Alfaowner.com, they have a dedicated GTV section.

As waynedear says, buy one with a ton of history. The GTV's need a little more love and care than say the 156/147, but they are by no means unreliable.

Engine - Ensure cambelt/variator have been done, every 36k or 3 years (whichever comes first)
Rear bushes - These wear and if left for too long, can rub against the pan arms. Just duck under the car and make sure they are sitting happily in the middle
Radiators - Know for perishing after around 6-7 years, I had one that was 8 years old and was about ready to go.
Front lower wishbones - Sometimes the bushes go, but you will probably hear knocking from the car if this is the case.
Electrics - Honestly never had a problem on any Alfa I have owned (touch wood)
Rust - Never spotted rust on any of my 90's Alfa's, apart from the front lower bumper mounts on the 156.

The GTV is a very special car and is worth every single penny.

Lots of history, the more history there is, the less you pay. Simple

I wouldn't be put off by the above list, many cars of this age are the same, but the more risks you can mitigate/eradicate the better.

PS: If you are looking in Bristol, would happily offer a 2nd eye over the car.

Edited by V6Alfisti on Saturday 4th December 14:38