The Alfa Itch - Who Has Scratched It ?

[anonymous-user]

I've owned a 1999 V6 GTV since Feb. Normally I change my cars every six months but this one has really got under my skin. Yes, it's cost me a few bob to run (needed a top end rebuild due to slipped belt) but I can't bring myself to sell it. I've had a few TVRs, etc but this little car is without doubt my favourite yet Check my profile for a pic....

[robsco]

St John Smythe said:

I've owned a 1999 V6 GTV since Feb. Normally I change my cars every six months but this one has really got under my skin. Yes, it's cost me a few bob to run (needed a top end rebuild due to slipped belt) but I can't bring myself to sell it. I've had a few TVRs, etc but this little car is without doubt my favourite yet Check my profile for a pic....

Sorry to go off topic, but what is the Ragazzon exhaust like SJS? Mine's blowing on the 156, had it welded already but it hasn't lasted. I fancy a sports exhaust, but fairly subtle and not wanting to lose that sublime Alfa tone.

[k-ink]

I've had four - Cloverleaf 145's, 147 GTA, GTV. All were fine without issues. Infinitely better than my VAG experience!

[anonymous-user]

robsco said:

St John Smythe said:

I've owned a 1999 V6 GTV since Feb. Normally I change my cars every six months but this one has really got under my skin. Yes, it's cost me a few bob to run (needed a top end rebuild due to slipped belt) but I can't bring myself to sell it. I've had a few TVRs, etc but this little car is without doubt my favourite yet Check my profile for a pic....

Sorry to go off topic, but what is the Ragazzon exhaust like SJS? Mine's blowing on the 156, had it welded already but it hasn't lasted. I fancy a sports exhaust, but fairly subtle and not wanting to lose that sublime Alfa tone.

Ah, well mine has the unsilenced rear section (quads). The rest of the exhaust system is standard. It has a lovely burble without being boy racer loud about town but press the loud pedal through a tunnel and it sounds awesome Highly recommended!

[exgtt]

Sorry just to add I had a cybox catback system fitted to mine, got a discount through the aoc forums. Good quality and only hightened the Alfa noise. It's decatting that effects the sound. I was silly and fitted an unsilenced decat and it sounded awful. Took it off after a month or so. If your going decat get the silenced one.

[robsco]

Thanks for the advice, the only thing holding me back was the possibility of losing the tone.

[BussoV6]

I had my first Alfa - a 145 Cloverleaf for eight years, I loved it so much when my Wifes Astra got written off I bought her a 145 Cloverleaf too. I then replaced that with a 156 2.0 Veloce, which we still have. 2 Years ago I sold my 145 and bought a late model 147 GTA - which I still have.
I love the Twin Spark engines, they just love to be thrashed and strung right to the redline, keep an eye on the oil and change the belts every 36k and they are fine, they also sound great
The V6 is just stunning though, from pootling in 6th at 30 to full bore wringing its neck, its just a pleasure everyday to drive.
Maintanance is the key for me. I use an excellent specialist and no expence is spared in their upkeep. The airflow meters seem to be a consumable - as were the wishbones on the 145's, but the 156 has been bulletproof, and apart from its appetite for petrol and tyres the GTA too has required litte in the way TLC.
Buy the best you can find, and get a good specialist - I'm sure you'll love Alfa ownership.

[Backtobasics]

Bought a 159 jts lusso 3.2 q4 last month. Nice car, feels very solid. Only a couple of minor issues so far!!

[dugsud]

I've had a 159 JtDm Sportwagon for nearly three years and 50k from new (it's a company lease which will go back in Feb at 3 years old) and although its great to drive It will be replaced by something German.

It has spent more time at the dealer than every new car I've had in the last 20 years put together!! Everything from a new ECU x 2, new gearbox, new turbo, full wiper mech/motors, rear door locking motor, full front suspension top and bottom arms etc etc....

It's currently got several problems that it's been in for a few times at different Alfa dealers (just incase!!) that are still happening but I really don't have the time anymore to take it in.

The most annoying of these is where I park it up, lock it and return to the car all four windows have decided to drop themselves to a random point 2-6" down!!! There are other electrical gremlins too but I've given up really.

It's just not like a modern car and although I love the driving it just can't be trusted as an everyday driver.

Edited by dugsud on Sunday 2nd January 23:17

[bint]

Had my X reg V6 Veloce SW for just over 4 years now, only thing I'd be tempted to replace her with is a GTA

[kiteless]

MattyB_ said:

I miss my GTA That 3.7 was epic. A familiar view to most...

Memories.

I had a 147 Sport Q2 for a while in 2008. The steering and handling were delicious. The build quality less so.

Also, I'd have been taking the Much Wenlock turn between 2001 and 2003 Had a place on Sheinton Street about 200yds from Holy Trinity church. I do love Wenlock with a passion. Lovely place.

[T350 Al]

MondeoMan1981 said:

Starting to look at getting a new car...

How reliable are they ?

I know from on here they are sensitive to oil levels and a full history with belts being done is a must.

Chap in work had a 2001 or 2002 2.0 and he ran it for 3 years with little issue other than consumables...

My Bella, bless her, is nearing 90-odd thousand miles (we've had her since 2005) and has barely missed a beat! Barring a worn cam (before which, I thought we were going to have to scrap her and nearly cried!) she's been fantastic! Thanks to Alan at Benalfa, she's been revived. Brilliant car and would only replace her with another Alfa.

Buy an Alfa and take the peaks and troughs that come with it; truly brilliant cars!

[V6Alfisti]

Looked at a BMW E46 3 series, ended up buying an Alfa 156 2.4 JTD instead....and the Alfa virus infected me



Then bought a lovely 2005 156 2.0 JTS Veloce in Chiaia di luna blue with the special edition wheels and black leather



Then a 3.0 V6 GTV Lusso with aero kit in black.



Then a 1.9 JTD GT in gunmetal grey and the nice 17" wheels



Then hankered after another 156 and bought a 156 2.0 JTS again but in Gabbiano Blue



Then felt I couldn't buy yet another GT/147/156 generation car and bought a gorgeous red Alfa Brera 2.2 JTS SV.



Currently 25 and can't wait to own considerably more Alfa's

PS: Reliability concerns are very much a nonsense, you will get the odd niggle, but this affects all brands.

Edited by V6Alfisti on Monday 3rd January 00:33

[Liquid Knight]

robsco said:

Liquid Knight said:

Love Alfa's.

So much so I bought this 33 Giardinetta 4x4 project.



One of only two left in the UK. I will get round to it.

Bought from a PH'er...? Robert someone?

Still me, changed my profile name so it's the same as the other forums.

Out of the 1,000 right hand drive cars made, 376 were sold in the UK. At the end of 2009 there were 11 left. Since then one has been shipped abroad for restoration, a one owner from new taxed and M.O.T'd example handed in on the "Scrappage Scheme" for a Corsa Diesel (Grrrrrrr!!!!! ) six have been declared as disposed of, one is now in Australia (and Taxed until the end of January), my one and another that is declared SORN near Shefield.

There are a few series II cars out there.

[5678]

I have a severe lusting for a 159 Sportwagon Ti at the moment. It's such a beautiful car. Might go look at one today actually.

[Si 330]

I'm on my 3rd Alfa now my first 145 cloverleaf was great I really liked that car.
My next was a 2.0 twinspark 156 sportwagon again another car that I enjoyed driving. My current Alfa is a 166 3.0 V6 this really is good every morning as your first see it it makes you smile I love the looks then the cabin is a nice place to be. I never had a problem with either of my first two Alfas, the same with the 166 but the build quality does seem up a level on the 166 a very solid car. The great thing about the 166 is the value for money they don't fetch much. To get a similar age and spec 5 series you will have to pay a lot more. I have seen E classes of a similar age with rusty arches.

[marcosgt]

References to the 33 reminded me I drove one of those once - It was new and a main dealer.

The salesman, when asked if it had ABS hesitated and then said "It has a form of manual ABS"...

Intrigued, I pressed him and he explained it had rear disks...

It was a dreary car being sold by a half wit - Needless to say I bought something else...

M.

Edited by marcosgt on Monday 3rd January 09:13

[jamieboy]

5678 said:

I have a severe lusting for a 159 Sportwagon Ti at the moment.

A good choice.

Mine (a 1.9d) has been pretty much faultless for the 30 months I've had it - in fact, I've had Alfas (alongside other makes) for the last seventeen-ish years, seven Alfas in total, and have only had one breakdown. It was caused by a broken auxiliary belt, which in turn was caused by poor maintenance.

[r11co]

marcosgt said:

The salesman, when asked if it had ABS hesitated and then said "It has a form of manual ABS"...

Salesmen - gotta love 'em.

[5678]

jamieboy said:

5678 said:

I have a severe lusting for a 159 Sportwagon Ti at the moment.

A good choice.

Mine (a 1.9d) has been pretty much faultless for the 30 months I've had it - in fact, I've had Alfas (alongside other makes) for the last seventeen-ish years, seven Alfas in total, and have only had one breakdown. It was caused by a broken auxiliary belt, which in turn was caused by poor maintenance.

Reading alfaowners.com they seem a bit hit and miss in terms of reliability! The engines available seem to have changed a lot over the years too.
We don't do the miles to warrant a diesel so the petrol ti at around 6-12 months old would be what I was after. I love the 8C red too but it's a £2k option!