2.0 TS or 3.0 V6 spider

[kieranbennett]

Always wanted to get a spider and new circumstances mean that it is now possible

Looking at 98-00 cars with a budget of around £4k. I've driven a 2.0 TS GTV and loved it, but my heart really wants a 3.0V6 Spider.

Car will mainly be used as a weekend car as I'll be cycling to work, but on the weekends I do tend to get away quite a lot so will be doing a few miles. Just wondering what the real world fuel consumption is of the V6 on a long run (mix of motorway and dc)? I've read its in the mid 20's

[JACK6284]

I have the GTV V6 and on a long run it can manage >28mpg. I have found i can improve the mpg by using "Super unleaded" and the cost is less than 10% more per litre. Twin spark will be better but you wont do much better than 35 unless you drive at a constant 55mph.

A good choice, go for it!

[alfa pint]

I only got a twinspark because a) couldn't find a V6 in a colour I liked and b) was doing 70 miles a day on mixed A / B roads, when the economy really would make a difference.

If you're out there to play with it, then a V6 makes more sense.

However, a twinspark with a ragazzon on it does sound the mutt's nuts and there's not a massive massive difference in performance. If anything, the lighter front end makes the twinspark more responsive in terms of cornering.

I got just shy of 36mpg on my last motorway run - the volume of traffic meant a bit of stop start and not being able to get any sort of serious speed on. The first 75 miles were A road and B road stuff.

I average 30 mpg where I drive the car at normal motorway speeds and rev it longer once the oil's warm.

[robsco]

I'm not sure you'll get into a nice 3.0 V6 Spider for £4k, they're fetching far stronger money than the equivalent GTV. £4k will get you a lovely GTV V6. The Twin Spark is a great engine, but the V6 isn't that much worse on fuel and is probably the more solid unit. I adored mine, go for it!

[kieranbennett]

robsco said:

I'm not sure you'll get into a nice 3.0 V6 Spider for £4k

Should have mentioned that I could stretch the budget if really necessary.

Anything else to look for with the V6's? I've had a look at the buying guide on Alfa Owner but it mainly covers the TS

This one in particular has grabbed my attention, its in the right colour as well;

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2977215.htm

[robsco]

kieranbennett said:

Anything else to look for with the V6's?

Give the car beans right to the redline. It should pull as smooth as silk all the way through the rev range. If it stutters at any point or you sense hesitation, then the MAF sensor is on its way out. Easy to change but the part isn't especially cheap. Check the running temperature, thermostats commonly stick open. If it doesn't get any hotter than 70 degrees on the temperature gauge then you'll need this replacing too. Listen out for suspension clonking, the bushes are notoriously weak. If you can find one that has been Powerflexed then that's even better. Check all the electrics like you would normally; I wouldn't worry too much if there's an airbag light on, that's generally just a loose connection under the driver's seat.

Other than that, they are a very solid car. Build quality is pretty good and the V6 engine is truly sublime. One other thing; check down the doors for parking dings as most suffer really badly from them due to the lack of rubbing strips. Could be a decent haggling point.

[alfa pint]

Some random things to look for:

- plastic inserts to either side of the front foglights (they go missing often)
- rubber door seal at lock end (tend to fall off)
- that the doors shut properly with the windows fully up. They often don't and it's a pain in the arse to sort out.
- electric aerial, electric boot release, foglights all working.
- clunks from rear suspension - V6 is more robust, but still wears.
- Uneven tyre wear. They're notoriously susceptible to potholes and the tracking will easily be knocked out. Good quality tyres should be present, as these make a massive difference to such a grippy car. Ideally, goodyear eagles, falken 452s, vredestein, possibly toyo proxes. Definitely not pirelli p6000s! or budget tyres.