Ordering a Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio - best dealers & options

[mondie]

I am considering the QF for my next fun car amongst an odd mix of others - Nissan GTR, AMG GTC, or a BMW M5C. The Alfa is a gorgeous car that seems to hold its value reasonably well but nice used well-optioned examples that are not red seem scarce. Which led me to think about buying new and getting exactly what I want and keeping it for 4-5 years. With options, the car comes in around £80k so I am keen to know which dealers are prepared to do a deal on these? I know the AR network is best described as patchy and I haven't read any good recommendations for one over another.

Has anybody optioned the Akra exhaust and does it enhance the car?

I've read a few early reviews that slate the HK audio, is this worth having?

Thanks for any help

[Dezbo]

I’ve not dealt with him personally but I only hear good things about Saber Ali & Research Alfa.

Options wise, if I were in your position I would be speccing the exhaust and the Sparcos. After that it’s a matter of taste on interior and exterior styling. Also worth being aware that for the new models you have to spec the carbon roof whereas it used to be standard. Assume you have to spec in bare carbon which I guess most would if you were paying to spec it. Should add that I have a MY17 car (with the Sparcos but no HK) and love it, bought privately so I can’t recommend a dealer beyond what I’ve said. The car is brilliant, AHM exhaust flap mod is essential, although I can’t remember if the new models come with a factory switch or if the Akrapovic does

Edited by Dezbo on Sunday 31st January 07:42

[Jaroon]

Avoid Beechdale at all costs imo. I have heard their sales department is not the the issue but having experienced both preposterous warranty and service issues I would encourage you to spend your money elsewhere on principle alone.

[BlackPorker]

Jaroon said:

Avoid Beechdale at all costs imo. I have heard their sales department is not the the issue but having experienced both preposterous warranty and service issues I would encourage you to spend your money elsewhere on principle alone.

I had a good buying experience from Beechdale. They were *very* competitive on price and pulled strings to get the car I wanted from the showroom of another dealer.

The only wrinkle was the car didn't have a full tank of petrol as promised when I picked up. I didn't realise until I'd left and travelled 50 miles back up to Yorkshire when the LOW FUEL warning pinged on. A quick email the next day and they refunded me the cost of filling up so all good!

Edited by BlackPorker on Sunday 31st January 14:34

[BlackPorker]

mondie said:

Has anybody optioned the Akra exhaust and does it enhance the car?

Akrapovic exhaust only started as an option for MY20 so very rare. The standard exhaust note is very good so I can't see the Akrapovic offering much improvement in sound. It certainly looks better with the carbon tips.

mondie said:

I've read a few early reviews that slate the HK audio, is this worth having?

Yes, most people who have it say it's not great so not worth it.

Edited by BlackPorker on Sunday 31st January 14:36

[RonnieHotdogs]

Dezbo said:

I’ve not dealt with him personally but I only hear good things about Saber Ali & Research Alfa.

+1 for Saber Ali. Genuine brand enthusiast and will do all he can to put a decent deal together.

Bought mine from him back in Sept, but unfortunately decided to sell in December due to financial issues stemming from the pandemic.

I'd buy from him again, and might look to again at the end of the year all being well.

[mondie]

Thanks for the comments and tip-off to contact Saber Ali, I will be getting in touch as soon as the MY21 goes live on the configurator. Hopefully, he knows more about the Akra exhaust, the website offers no details at all for your £3,250 and if most owners don't rate it then I may have to save some ££. I was also considering the ceramics but there is little positive feedback on them so I will skip them too, its a shame they aren't better for road use as not having to worry about the brakes during long-term ownership is quite appealing.

Sorry to hear about your situation Ronnie, I am sure you will be back in the game soon.

[ads_4116]

I've spoken to quite a few Alfa dealers (6 in total). All were totally shockingly rubbish apart from Research Alfa. Those guys are spot on and definitely know what they're talking about. Incredible knowledge and proper Alfa enthusiasts there. Was very close to closing a deal on a new one. Sadly I didn't end up buying as the very very specific new Giulia I wanted ended up being sold a few hours after my initial call. Was originally looking at a new Giulia 280 in a specific colour and spec combo. Would not hesitate to go back to Research Alfa again. Still deciding what car to go for, and will probably hold fire till the 2021 MY is out and will be calling them again to sort out a deal.

[matrignano]

Please order a green one!

[MarkJS]

I used Beechdale at Derby for my Giulia Veloce. The car wasn't very good but they were a pleasure to deal with (guy called Stuart).

Servicing was done by Piccadilly in Knaresborough & Ripon, North Yorkshire. No problems with them either.

[mondie]

Thanks for the dealer info, it looks like there is really only one choice. I would have expected AR to have done more by now to sort their delaers out.

matrignano said:

Please order a green one!

I am quite keen to, just waiting for the MY21 configurator to go live. It will be green or blue but certainly not red or grey

[chopper602]

mondie said:

It will be green or blue but certainly not red or grey

Misano Blue like on my Veloce is a great colour

Have you tried Alexanders on Teesside? One of the last truly independent dealers around. Sales & service are both excellent.

[mondie]

I do like Misano but want to have the green/white stitching, white lower dash & door cards, and green seatbelts. I am not sure that will work with Misano, to look cohesive but less interesting I think red belts & stitching with white lower dash may be best with Misano.

I've not spoken with any dealers yet but Alexanders sound like they are worth a call thanks.

Cheers

[CArmo123]

The only dealership that replied to me when purchasing my racing edition was Chesterfield. They are ok.
letsi in Cheshire - the forum prohibits the language I would use to describe this group.

From my personal experience: Alfa Italy are good to deal with, the UK arm of Alfa is Ok, the dealerships - bearing in mind you are parting with £60k+ are shockingly absent minded at best - negligent at worst.
Im 1 year into ownership of my car, If i dont see an improvement in customer service over the next 2, it will sadly be last Alfa I part with money for.

The sad sad fact is that the cars are great, brilliant even, but the UK dealership network is hapless.

[BlackPorker]

mondie said:

I am quite keen to, just waiting for the MY21 configurator to go live. It will be green or blue but certainly not red or grey

I heard the MY21 configurator would go live 1st Feb but still looks like the old one to me?

[RonnieHotdogs]

CArmo123 said:

The sad sad fact is that the cars are great, brilliant even, but the UK dealership network is hapless.

100%. Had great sales service from Research but didn't need to use their after sales service so can't comment on that ... From previous experience owning Alfas, the general service isn't just poor for a "premium" brand, it's unacceptable full stop.

Fingers crossed the merger with PSA will be fruitful, with a wholesale review of the brand, dealer network etc, but that's potentially years before consumers see any benefit.

By that time the competition will have released new cars left right and centre, and Alfa will still just have the Giulia and Stelvio. They will still be based on 2016 platforms as Alfa don't seem to understand the concept of updating models. Just look at the MiTo and Giulietta.

[mondie]

BlackPorker said:

I heard the MY21 configurator would go live 1st Feb but still looks like the old one to me?

Yes, I had read that too but I was told by a dealer it is delayed while AR finalise a few details. I think he said around the 3rd week of Feb it will go live, and include Montreal Green !!

[Fixer03]

mondie said:

I am considering the QF for my next fun car amongst an odd mix of others - Nissan GTR, AMG GTC, or a BMW M5C. The Alfa is a gorgeous car that seems to hold its value reasonably well but nice used well-optioned examples that are not red seem scarce. Which led me to think about buying new and getting exactly what I want and keeping it for 4-5 years. With options, the car comes in around £80k so I am keen to know which dealers are prepared to do a deal on these? I know the AR network is best described as patchy and I haven't read any good recommendations for one over another.

Has anybody optioned the Akra exhaust and does it enhance the car?

I've read a few early reviews that slate the HK audio, is this worth having?

Thanks for any help

I got one in December with exhaust, really pleased with looks and sound.

I also put 20's on and the carbon mirror caps off the GTA.

[Fixer03]

[Fixer03]

Fixer03 said: