Alfa GT 3.2 V6
Discussion
Cheers Pete.
I've got a test drive booked at the local dealer (although I have to wait a week or so until they get the 3.2 version).
Been looking for a 4 seater and currently the GT is top of the list. I do have concerns about Alfa's perceived lack of reliabilty etc. etc. but this is only derrived from things like the Top Gear surveys etc.
What's the reality of Alfa ownership (newer models)?
>> Edited by neil.b on Thursday 7th October 12:22
I've got a test drive booked at the local dealer (although I have to wait a week or so until they get the 3.2 version).
Been looking for a 4 seater and currently the GT is top of the list. I do have concerns about Alfa's perceived lack of reliabilty etc. etc. but this is only derrived from things like the Top Gear surveys etc.
What's the reality of Alfa ownership (newer models)?
>> Edited by neil.b on Thursday 7th October 12:22
neil.b said:
What's the reality of Alfa ownership (newer models)?
Much the same as any other (non-Japanese) marque, really.
Gone are the days of the 70's Alfa leaving a trail of rust behind it
Depreciaton is still a problem, mainly due to the old image being hard to erase.
Poor showings in surveys such as JD Power are usually (IMO) due to the extremely poor service that seems to be provided by 99% of Fiat/Alfa dealerships in the UK.
I've had my Alfa for 3.5 years and 34000 miles, used as an in-town daily driver, motorway cruiser, cross-continent GT and B-road blaster. Its performed admirably well in all of these roles and has never once let me down; have a look at the history via my profile.
Now its even occasionally pressed into service as a baby transporter, as our little one's car seat will fit in the back and her buggy will (just) fit in the boot.
Dealers huh? Isn't it always the case 
Any recommendations for the East Midlands area? I don't mind a bit of travelling to get the right kind of service ...
Near me is a dealer in Nottingham and SunWin Motors in Derby. Anyone experienced these two?
What about imports (SmartAlfa?) - any issues there?
Any recommendations for the East Midlands area? I don't mind a bit of travelling to get the right kind of service ...
Near me is a dealer in Nottingham and SunWin Motors in Derby. Anyone experienced these two?
What about imports (SmartAlfa?) - any issues there?
neil.b said:
What about imports ... any issues there?
I'm sure pwig will jump in at any moment and tell you its "Bad" to have an import.
Couldn't tell you whether SmartAlfa are any good, as I have no experience of them either way. If you go down this route, make sure you know the UK spec inside out and ensure that what you order matches 100%
neil.b said:
Thinking of buying one for a more practical car.
Any experiences/thoughts?
I've had my 3.2 since June, done 7k miles & thoroughly pleased with it.
It's the family hack, so we go down to Cornwall for a week with kids & kit, it manages that fine.
I'm averaging 21mpg which is disappointing, but i cant help giving it some, it's sounding better with every 1k miles & i have to say i just love the noise & feel of the car.
Took it round Donington a while back, once your used to the FWD, it did rather well
I would strongly advise avoiding smartalfa... If i were you I would stick to a UK main dealer you will get much better service and if you push them hard you will get a deal that is not far off, you'll get much more for your existing p/x which makes a UK deal much better and also a full 3 year UK warranty not a 2 year EU one!
IF you want to beat the smart alfa price, get all the main dealer perks and reduce the depreciation hit, do what I did.
I bought a 6 month old car from a dealer. It was a dealer principles company car, Dec 31st was rapidly approaching and he had to change his car for a new one - company rules I think. Anyway, I got a £25k spec GT for £19,995 with most of it's warranty remaining, and only 7,500 miles on the clock.
The car was in perfect condition when I picked it up, the dealer had the front left wheel refurbs to fix the small kerbing marks, and the small scratches that were on the car when I test drove it were all gone when I collected it.
For my money I got a JTD, leather, metallic paint, 17" wheels, PCD, Bose, 10-cd changer, Xenons and heated seats. Oh, and I didn't have to wait 3 months for it to be built - just 1 week for my reg to be transferred.
It's something to consider if you really want a GT.
DC
I bought a 6 month old car from a dealer. It was a dealer principles company car, Dec 31st was rapidly approaching and he had to change his car for a new one - company rules I think. Anyway, I got a £25k spec GT for £19,995 with most of it's warranty remaining, and only 7,500 miles on the clock.
The car was in perfect condition when I picked it up, the dealer had the front left wheel refurbs to fix the small kerbing marks, and the small scratches that were on the car when I test drove it were all gone when I collected it.
For my money I got a JTD, leather, metallic paint, 17" wheels, PCD, Bose, 10-cd changer, Xenons and heated seats. Oh, and I didn't have to wait 3 months for it to be built - just 1 week for my reg to be transferred.
It's something to consider if you really want a GT.
DC
From experience (working in an Alfa dealer ship) the V6 and JTD diesel engines are the most reliable. But to be honest the JTD doesnt really suite the character of the car.
Smart Alfa are probably best avoided we delt with them briefly, cannot go into specifics just tread carefully !
Personal imports from Ireland etc may be worth considering to save a few quid.
And remember not all main dealers are the same, we are all private franchises some better than others !
Smart Alfa are probably best avoided we delt with them briefly, cannot go into specifics just tread carefully !
Personal imports from Ireland etc may be worth considering to save a few quid.
And remember not all main dealers are the same, we are all private franchises some better than others !
Current alfa Fleet consists of an eleven year old 164 with 133,000 on the clock, nine year old GTV with 122,000. Car before was a 164 which I bought with 99,000 on the clock and put another 55,000 on. They have only required service items other than things I have broken due to my own stupidity. The Alfa unreliability reputation is not wholly deserved!
If you do want to import (and the savings can be considerable) I can recommend Melbury Motors in Dorset. Genuine garage (ex Fiat franchise) who will be fair - I`ve bought several cars from them and the deal I got for a 147 (incl` p/exch) was several grand better than any dealer..
Plenty of GT`s there when I last went.
Plenty of GT`s there when I last went.
If you want to save a packet, buy your next Alfa at an Alfa Special Sale auction. Most of the Alfas on offer are bread-and-butter models like 147 1.6s and 156 2.0s, however at the sale on 3rd March at Derby BCA, there is an 03 reg. 156 GTA Sportwagon with 5,700 miles on the clock. Typically it will go for around £3k less than dealer forecourt price. You still get the balance of the 3 year Alfa warranty so you can't go wrong.
Boys, just to keep you in the picture, just had my 12k service, everything fine with my GT, service cost £190 inc. VAT, only item to report was that my front pads were 80% worn,( must drive a bit harder!).
Car running superbly, a real treat everyday & no faults to report at all.
Just wanted to tell you
Car running superbly, a real treat everyday & no faults to report at all.
Just wanted to tell you
My car had it's first 12 month/ 12,000 m service done by the dealer prior to me collecting the car, but the on board computer service counter hasn't been reset 
I'm now approaching 12,000 miles and it's telling me that I need the service in xxxx miles. Still, it's only a minor frustration. The creaking dash however....grrrr!
At least I've found the trick to reset the electric windows when they start playing up, especially useful on these icy mornings when the windows are frozen shut. Just wind them all the way down and keep holding the button down for a few seconds, hey presto - one-touch feature works again.
The car still gets lots of admiring looks. A 166 owner approached me at the petrol station the other day to ask aobut the car and show his appreciation. The kid behind the counter at the same petrol station also commented on how much he liked the GT. I have started to see some others on the road though, at long last.
DC
I'm now approaching 12,000 miles and it's telling me that I need the service in xxxx miles. Still, it's only a minor frustration. The creaking dash however....grrrr!
At least I've found the trick to reset the electric windows when they start playing up, especially useful on these icy mornings when the windows are frozen shut. Just wind them all the way down and keep holding the button down for a few seconds, hey presto - one-touch feature works again.
The car still gets lots of admiring looks. A 166 owner approached me at the petrol station the other day to ask aobut the car and show his appreciation. The kid behind the counter at the same petrol station also commented on how much he liked the GT. I have started to see some others on the road though, at long last.
DC
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