Discussion
I'm looking for an Alfa spider 96-99 model, the prices seem all over the place!!, is there any spec change during those years??,does the cam belt need changing on time and or mileage?? {cost}??, ideally i'd like a blue, black or silver with leather under 70000 miles for under £5k,any info about any for sale or any thing i should look for please let me know.
sjw ferrari said:
I'm looking for an Alfa spider 96-99 model, the prices seem all over the place!!, is there any spec change during those years??,does the cam belt need changing on time and or mileage?? {cost}??, ideally i'd like a blue, black or silver with leather under 70000 miles for under £5k,any info about any for sale or any thing i should look for please let me know.
please see www.sportsalfa.com
HTH
Matt
TwinSpark (2-litre) engines need more frequent timing belt changes than Alfa's recommended 72,000 miles - the consensus seems to be 36,000. It is essential that the tensioners are changed with the belts, as these are the cause of many belt failures.
Listen for a 'diesel' sound on startup - it's caused by wear in the variator. Not a serious problem if it only lasts a couple of seconds, but it will need replacing eventually.
For a full belt, tensioner & variator replacement budget around £350 at a specialist.
Other points to check, based on experience with a 145 which has a lot in common:
Look for wear in the inner bushes on the lower wishbones - they don't last long. About £150 to have both sides replaced.
Airbag warning light may come on - usually caused by connectors under the seats. Easily fixed, but if the light's on it won't reset itself - a reset cost me about £20.
Listen for a 'diesel' sound on startup - it's caused by wear in the variator. Not a serious problem if it only lasts a couple of seconds, but it will need replacing eventually.
For a full belt, tensioner & variator replacement budget around £350 at a specialist.
Other points to check, based on experience with a 145 which has a lot in common:
Look for wear in the inner bushes on the lower wishbones - they don't last long. About £150 to have both sides replaced.
Airbag warning light may come on - usually caused by connectors under the seats. Easily fixed, but if the light's on it won't reset itself - a reset cost me about £20.
SCOOTERMAN said:
Look for wear in the inner bushes on the lower wishbones - they don't last long. About £150 to have both sides replaced.
I thought the rear bushes were of more concern on the 2.0-engine'd GTVs?
I would be very suprised if the parts were any different between the Spider & GTV.
The 3.0V6 versions have more rose joints, so are longer lasting.
Dave Brand said:
TwinSpark (2-litre) engines need more frequent timing belt changes than Alfa's recommended 72,000 miles - the consensus seems to be 36,000. It is essential that the tensioners are changed with the belts, as these are the cause of many belt failures.
Listen for a 'diesel' sound on startup - it's caused by wear in the variator. Not a serious problem if it only lasts a couple of seconds, but it will need replacing eventually.
For a full belt, tensioner & variator replacement budget around £350 at a specialist.
Other points to check, based on experience with a 145 which has a lot in common:
Look for wear in the inner bushes on the lower wishbones - they don't last long. About £150 to have both sides replaced.
Airbag warning light may come on - usually caused by connectors under the seats. Easily fixed, but if the light's on it won't reset itself - a reset cost me about £20.
Thaks for all your replys, i just need to find 1 now, if anyone knows of 1 please let me know, thanks
>> Edited by sjw ferrari on Wednesday 10th May 18:10
sjw ferrari said:
Thaks for all your replys, i just need to find 1 now, if anyone knows of 1 please let me know, thanks
www.pistonheads.com/sales/76868.htm
www.sportsalfa.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11140
www.sportsalfa.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11082
etc.
had one for 50k miles from new a couple of years back
only a couple of problems but painful nonetheless -
1. a bracket broke in the electric roof mechanism and it needed an entire new roof (under warranty) - so check it goes up and down properly
2. many front headlight failures - source was never identified but I needed about 5 new bulbs in 2.5 yrs so check all lights are working
otherwise, absolutely wonderful motoring and a real bargain at the age you're looking at - just find a good independent and you should be ok
only a couple of problems but painful nonetheless -
1. a bracket broke in the electric roof mechanism and it needed an entire new roof (under warranty) - so check it goes up and down properly
2. many front headlight failures - source was never identified but I needed about 5 new bulbs in 2.5 yrs so check all lights are working
otherwise, absolutely wonderful motoring and a real bargain at the age you're looking at - just find a good independent and you should be ok
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