Im thinking of buying this
Discussion
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
mainly for the cool number plate and the fact it has a radio cassette which I shall be able to play my old tapes of TOTP pirated back in the 80's
any advice on what to look out for would be appreciated
mainly for the cool number plate and the fact it has a radio cassette which I shall be able to play my old tapes of TOTP pirated back in the 80's
any advice on what to look out for would be appreciated
Well, it is a Twinspark, which have one rather fatal weakness, namely that they are very sensitive to low oil levels. If it has run with oil below the low-marker, the crankshaft bearings will start eating themselves up and die, which obviously warrants some major engine work.
Also, keep an eye on the cambelt, they NEED to be changed on the specced intervals, dont take a chance on that, or you'll end up with scrap metal under the bonnet.
Other then that, like other alfa's from those years it tends to wear out suspension arms/rubbers quicker then normal, which is another costly repair (less then the engine mind you)
So when inspecting it, first check the oil level, if it sits low, walk away knowing you dodged a bullet.
Otherwise, they are supposed to be great fun, 155 horsepower should make it quick enough, and it should handle better then the v6 variants, being less nose-heavy.
Also, keep an eye on the cambelt, they NEED to be changed on the specced intervals, dont take a chance on that, or you'll end up with scrap metal under the bonnet.
Other then that, like other alfa's from those years it tends to wear out suspension arms/rubbers quicker then normal, which is another costly repair (less then the engine mind you)
So when inspecting it, first check the oil level, if it sits low, walk away knowing you dodged a bullet.
Otherwise, they are supposed to be great fun, 155 horsepower should make it quick enough, and it should handle better then the v6 variants, being less nose-heavy.
Vitorio said:
Also, keep an eye on the cambelt, they NEED to be changed on the specced intervals, dont take a chance on that, or you'll end up with scrap metal under the bonnet.
The originally specified interval, as per the handbook, will be 60k miles.This was modified to 36k miles, but not everyone knows that, even now.
HeatonNorris said:
The originally specified interval, as per the handbook, will be 60k miles.
This was modified to 36k miles, but not everyone knows that, even now.
Ah yes, good addition, i think 60k km or 2/3 years over here. Didnt know the manual said otherwise.This was modified to 36k miles, but not everyone knows that, even now.
If you keep them oiled/maintained well, those twinsparks are good engines though, and as for the GTV, that is one of my dream cars, i still beat myself up daily for not getting one when i had the opportunity a few years back
BL - take a look on http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/
I have had two 2.0 twinsparks (156's) - dont believe all the horror stories. Alfas aren't built with any of that vorsprung durch s
te but cobled together by short arsed long armed spaghetti munchers who know a bit more about how a car should drive than about making it maintenance free.
If the cambelts are changed every 5yr/30k with water pump and variator then they should be OK.
Some use oil, some dont - neither of mine did - both of mine were 100% reliable.
This says its had the belt done so ask about the water pump and variator and also ask why the plugs were changed out of sync with the oil. Plugs are normally every 60k on these and they take 8 obviously.
They are interference engines and if the belt goes it normally takes lunch on the valves. this normally writes the car off but some do a cheap fix and fix the valves and sell on knowing that the bottom end has been stressed and will go next. When they run right - the engine is a jewel though.
GTV's are rock bottom at the moment and heading for clasic status and prices will lift.
To me this could easily be a great buy - if you do your research and be careful you will enjoy!
If the engine is ok main things to watch are electrics and suspension.
Let us know how you get on.
I have had two 2.0 twinsparks (156's) - dont believe all the horror stories. Alfas aren't built with any of that vorsprung durch s
te but cobled together by short arsed long armed spaghetti munchers who know a bit more about how a car should drive than about making it maintenance free.If the cambelts are changed every 5yr/30k with water pump and variator then they should be OK.
Some use oil, some dont - neither of mine did - both of mine were 100% reliable.
This says its had the belt done so ask about the water pump and variator and also ask why the plugs were changed out of sync with the oil. Plugs are normally every 60k on these and they take 8 obviously.
They are interference engines and if the belt goes it normally takes lunch on the valves. this normally writes the car off but some do a cheap fix and fix the valves and sell on knowing that the bottom end has been stressed and will go next. When they run right - the engine is a jewel though.
GTV's are rock bottom at the moment and heading for clasic status and prices will lift.
To me this could easily be a great buy - if you do your research and be careful you will enjoy!
If the engine is ok main things to watch are electrics and suspension.
Let us know how you get on.
I accidentally Ebay purchased one like that earlier this year and its been great so far,loads of History,everything works and even when left for a few weeks it starts first time.
Im no expert but the cambelt has to be the important bit,mines not been done for 6 years it appears so it needs doing asap.
I think that one could be a great buy at the price and if it goes pop is it the end of the world at that sort of price?
As stated Im not and Alfisti but I thought Lusso's all came with leather as mine has and this is the first I've seen without it,suppose you could orsder one without though?
Im no expert but the cambelt has to be the important bit,mines not been done for 6 years it appears so it needs doing asap.
I think that one could be a great buy at the price and if it goes pop is it the end of the world at that sort of price?
As stated Im not and Alfisti but I thought Lusso's all came with leather as mine has and this is the first I've seen without it,suppose you could orsder one without though?
nagsheadwarrior said:
Im no expert but the cambelt has to be the important bit,mines not been done for 6 years it appears so it needs doing asap.
With a 6 year old belt i wouldnt even have done a testdrive, let alone drive a few months while mulling over wether to change the belt.I suggest you get that done before you drive another yard, the risk of ruining that car you are currently enjoying so much...
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff