GTV V6....how much we looking at here?
Discussion
Just after a bit of advice really. I'm finding myself browsing the classifieds again looking at the GTVs...
Just after an idea of running costs (taking petrol and insurance out of it as these are variable). Tyres, servicing etc - how much it takes to keep it on the road each year so I can decide if it'll kill me financially.
I've narrowed it down to this and an mx5. Different I know, and I'm not even sure I'd fit in an mx5. I've driven a gtv v6 and I instantly fell in love. Not had a spin in an mx5 yet.
So yeah - all advice is welcome!
Just after an idea of running costs (taking petrol and insurance out of it as these are variable). Tyres, servicing etc - how much it takes to keep it on the road each year so I can decide if it'll kill me financially.
I've narrowed it down to this and an mx5. Different I know, and I'm not even sure I'd fit in an mx5. I've driven a gtv v6 and I instantly fell in love. Not had a spin in an mx5 yet.
So yeah - all advice is welcome!
Do what I do - run both!
I bought a GTV V6 recently with a view to replacing my MX5, which wasn't getting as much use. But while the GTV was instant love, the MX5 has been a bit of a slow burner. But every time I thought about selling it, the sun would come out, the roof would be down and i'd get out of it at the end of a journey with a massive smile on my face.
Ive decided to keep the V6 as a daily as I don't do silly miles every year, and my previous daily was an RX8 so im used to a thirsty daily - that said though the V6 is better on fuel than I imagined. The MX5 is now for fun and games.
Will this be an only car? I ask because if it is, and it was me, the GTV would be the winner. My MX5 is a Mk1 1.8, and as a daily would just be a little too basic and buzzy for me (circa 4000 rpm on the motorway). It also wasn't as economical as I thought it would be, although still around 30mpg. Handling wise the MX5 wins hands down, the GTV isn't a slouch but the MX5 is in a different league altogether.
I can only compare the GTV servicing with the MK1 i have, but the MX5 is a bit cheaper, I do most basic servicing at home, for most servicing the GTV is a little more expensive, but is with the more involved jobs that it seems to stack up with the GTV, for example, cambelt change is £400ish for the GTV versus £130 for the MX5. One thing is the MX5 is simply bulletproof. The GTV certainly isn't as bad as its previous namesake but there's definitely an air of "What was that? Should it be making that noise? Why is that gauge reading that?" Etc! The GTV has a little weak point with its suspension - it tends to wear periodically, and parts can be expensive if you want OEM (for instance, the springpan arms are £300-400 each, although you can now buy replacement bushes if the pans themselves are solid).
As for fitting in, i'm over 6' and nearly 17 stone, but i still fit quite comfortably in the '5, which has a much better driving position than the GTV incidentally.
Id definitely test drive a MX5 though!
Hope that's been of some help!
I bought a GTV V6 recently with a view to replacing my MX5, which wasn't getting as much use. But while the GTV was instant love, the MX5 has been a bit of a slow burner. But every time I thought about selling it, the sun would come out, the roof would be down and i'd get out of it at the end of a journey with a massive smile on my face.
Ive decided to keep the V6 as a daily as I don't do silly miles every year, and my previous daily was an RX8 so im used to a thirsty daily - that said though the V6 is better on fuel than I imagined. The MX5 is now for fun and games.
Will this be an only car? I ask because if it is, and it was me, the GTV would be the winner. My MX5 is a Mk1 1.8, and as a daily would just be a little too basic and buzzy for me (circa 4000 rpm on the motorway). It also wasn't as economical as I thought it would be, although still around 30mpg. Handling wise the MX5 wins hands down, the GTV isn't a slouch but the MX5 is in a different league altogether.
I can only compare the GTV servicing with the MK1 i have, but the MX5 is a bit cheaper, I do most basic servicing at home, for most servicing the GTV is a little more expensive, but is with the more involved jobs that it seems to stack up with the GTV, for example, cambelt change is £400ish for the GTV versus £130 for the MX5. One thing is the MX5 is simply bulletproof. The GTV certainly isn't as bad as its previous namesake but there's definitely an air of "What was that? Should it be making that noise? Why is that gauge reading that?" Etc! The GTV has a little weak point with its suspension - it tends to wear periodically, and parts can be expensive if you want OEM (for instance, the springpan arms are £300-400 each, although you can now buy replacement bushes if the pans themselves are solid).
As for fitting in, i'm over 6' and nearly 17 stone, but i still fit quite comfortably in the '5, which has a much better driving position than the GTV incidentally.
Id definitely test drive a MX5 though!
Hope that's been of some help!
That is a huge help, thanks.
I do need to try out an mx5. I'm looking probably at a mk2. I had also noticed the mpg being not too great in them, which is pushing me further towards the alfa - you get the noise and the shove in the back!
Anyone got experiences of CG motors down near Hove? They seem to have a few GTVs in stock, some of which have been there quite a while (which is a slight worry). I might have to make the long trip to have a look and encorporate it in to a "weekend in Brighton". for the GF. If anyone has any opinions or experiences of them, pm me before I potentially spaff precious car funds on a weekend away!
I do need to try out an mx5. I'm looking probably at a mk2. I had also noticed the mpg being not too great in them, which is pushing me further towards the alfa - you get the noise and the shove in the back!
Anyone got experiences of CG motors down near Hove? They seem to have a few GTVs in stock, some of which have been there quite a while (which is a slight worry). I might have to make the long trip to have a look and encorporate it in to a "weekend in Brighton". for the GF. If anyone has any opinions or experiences of them, pm me before I potentially spaff precious car funds on a weekend away!
Brian Fantana said:
Anyone got experiences of CG motors down near Hove? They seem to have a few GTVs in stock, some of which have been there quite a while (which is a slight worry).
They are all well sorted, decent cars, but at the *very* top end of the price band. Private sellers are having a real problem selling GTVs at the moment for anything like the same prices, so look around. Clive posts on Alfaowner as http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/members/cgtvs.html and previously as http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/members/cg+trading....
Brian Fantana said:
Just after a bit of advice really. I'm finding myself browsing the classifieds again looking at the GTVs...
Just after an idea of running costs (taking petrol and insurance out of it as these are variable). Tyres, servicing etc - how much it takes to keep it on the road each year so I can decide if it'll kill me financially.
I've narrowed it down to this and an mx5. Different I know, and I'm not even sure I'd fit in an mx5. I've driven a gtv v6 and I instantly fell in love. Not had a spin in an mx5 yet.
So yeah - all advice is welcome!
Hi Brian - I bought a GTV V6 about 6 months ago for 3k knowing I'd need to spend some cash on it(in fact same again!) to get it to where I wanted it to be. I figure £6k spent overall was pretty good to end up with a well sorted GTV when the equivalent TT, 350Z, Z4 etc etc would cost min. £6k just to buy. Isn't it great how you justify things to yourself!Just after an idea of running costs (taking petrol and insurance out of it as these are variable). Tyres, servicing etc - how much it takes to keep it on the road each year so I can decide if it'll kill me financially.
I've narrowed it down to this and an mx5. Different I know, and I'm not even sure I'd fit in an mx5. I've driven a gtv v6 and I instantly fell in love. Not had a spin in an mx5 yet.
So yeah - all advice is welcome!
If you have a good indie then servicing isn't bad at all, I paid £150 for an annual 6k service, cambelt is around £400
Other stuff I've done that was a must:
new front wishbones and powerflex rear suspension - £500 all in. New spring pans are around £550 a pair from what I've seen, luckliy I didn't need these.
Front & rear pads & discs - £300 fitted. Went for standard pagid discs with Ferrodo DS2500 pads on front which has made a big difference.
new front tyres - £90 each for Falkens
Booked in for clutch, GTA flywheel, quaiffe diff - around £1300 ...hey its my birthday soon
Powerflow exhaust to replace the a horrible boomy thing - £300
I never went to CG in the end, true alot of whats on their site has been there well over a year. His cars are top dollar but most have have been well sorted to justify the premium he charges - I guess thats how he sees it. Search CG on alfaowner before you go down there, will give you a feel for him and whether you want to hand over your hard-earned to him or play the longer game and wait for something good to turn up privately. If I was buying now I'dd go for this which has had some big money spent on it and its half the price of what CG might charge.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3970201.htm
Good luck! They're great cars and just need looking after. I've had a few Alfas in the past including a 147GTA but the GTV has a really special feel to it
Hi - interesting thread.
Like Millenium, I own an MX-5 and a GTV.
Basically, the MX-5 is a 'high days' type car; great fun on B-roads, less so on my 50 mile commute.
The GTV is better on sweeping A roads or the motorway - I have an LPG conversion so it makes sense as a commuting car.
I would say the MX-5 is a better handler, a proper sports car whilst the GTV is a beautiful object with a world-class engine.
However, the MX-5 is definitely cheaper to service and is mostly unbreakable. The Alfa counters by being more 'special' to sit-in and by far the better engine.
Like Millenium, I own an MX-5 and a GTV.
Basically, the MX-5 is a 'high days' type car; great fun on B-roads, less so on my 50 mile commute.
The GTV is better on sweeping A roads or the motorway - I have an LPG conversion so it makes sense as a commuting car.
I would say the MX-5 is a better handler, a proper sports car whilst the GTV is a beautiful object with a world-class engine.
However, the MX-5 is definitely cheaper to service and is mostly unbreakable. The Alfa counters by being more 'special' to sit-in and by far the better engine.
george123 said:
Hi Brian - I bought a GTV V6 about 6 months ago for 3k knowing I'd need to spend some cash on it(in fact same again!) to get it to where I wanted it to be. I figure £6k spent overall was pretty good to end up with a well sorted GTV when the equivalent TT, 350Z, Z4 etc etc would cost min. £6k just to buy. Isn't it great how you justify things to yourself!
If you have a good indie then servicing isn't bad at all, I paid £150 for an annual 6k service, cambelt is around £400
Other stuff I've done that was a must:
new front wishbones and powerflex rear suspension - £500 all in. New spring pans are around £550 a pair from what I've seen, luckliy I didn't need these.
Front & rear pads & discs - £300 fitted. Went for standard pagid discs with Ferrodo DS2500 pads on front which has made a big difference.
new front tyres - £90 each for Falkens
Booked in for clutch, GTA flywheel, quaiffe diff - around £1300 ...hey its my birthday soon
Powerflow exhaust to replace the a horrible boomy thing - £300
I never went to CG in the end, true alot of whats on their site has been there well over a year. His cars are top dollar but most have have been well sorted to justify the premium he charges - I guess thats how he sees it. Search CG on alfaowner before you go down there, will give you a feel for him and whether you want to hand over your hard-earned to him or play the longer game and wait for something good to turn up privately. If I was buying now I'dd go for this which has had some big money spent on it and its half the price of what CG might charge.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3970201.htm
Good luck! They're great cars and just need looking after. I've had a few Alfas in the past including a 147GTA but the GTV has a really special feel to it
That is a really well written appraisal of the situation, I have nothing much to add other than I own a V6 GTV and absolutely love it.If you have a good indie then servicing isn't bad at all, I paid £150 for an annual 6k service, cambelt is around £400
Other stuff I've done that was a must:
new front wishbones and powerflex rear suspension - £500 all in. New spring pans are around £550 a pair from what I've seen, luckliy I didn't need these.
Front & rear pads & discs - £300 fitted. Went for standard pagid discs with Ferrodo DS2500 pads on front which has made a big difference.
new front tyres - £90 each for Falkens
Booked in for clutch, GTA flywheel, quaiffe diff - around £1300 ...hey its my birthday soon
Powerflow exhaust to replace the a horrible boomy thing - £300
I never went to CG in the end, true alot of whats on their site has been there well over a year. His cars are top dollar but most have have been well sorted to justify the premium he charges - I guess thats how he sees it. Search CG on alfaowner before you go down there, will give you a feel for him and whether you want to hand over your hard-earned to him or play the longer game and wait for something good to turn up privately. If I was buying now I'dd go for this which has had some big money spent on it and its half the price of what CG might charge.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3970201.htm
Good luck! They're great cars and just need looking after. I've had a few Alfas in the past including a 147GTA but the GTV has a really special feel to it
2 points though, CG Trading doesn't have a showroom, or as he told me. Most of his stock is wrapped up in a barn
&
How about this one I spotted, looks like he's done most (if not all of) the major points needed.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3998364.htm
CedGTV said:
That is a really well written appraisal of the situation, I have nothing much to add other than I own a V6 GTV and absolutely love it.
2 points though, CG Trading doesn't have a showroom, or as he told me. Most of his stock is wrapped up in a barn
&
How about this one I spotted, looks like he's done most (if not all of) the major points needed.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3998364.htm
Thanks mate. Agree that colour combo in the link is lovely - my 2nd choice after blk with red interior.2 points though, CG Trading doesn't have a showroom, or as he told me. Most of his stock is wrapped up in a barn
&
How about this one I spotted, looks like he's done most (if not all of) the major points needed.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3998364.htm
Only thing I don't like are the autodelta skirts and the GTA wheels instead of the proper GTV teledials - not hard to change though. A well sorted car.....
snotrag said:
Just checking into this thread in case theres anymore input - I'm a current MX-5 owner and fancying a GTV V6, have been for a while in fact.
Alfaowner.com is your best bet, you'll find everything you need on there including buyers guides in the GTV sectionMy only other advice would be to buy privately from an enthusiast, their ads will jump out at you with long listsod whats been done and how the car has been wrapped in cotton wool each night. Theres a classifieds section on Alfaowner, also keep an eye on classified on AROC (alfa owners club) and autoitalia
Bit late to the party but thought I would chip in..
I had a few years ago a great Mk2.5 with sports pack, and have bought recently to use for my wedding a 2.0TS, so I have had both but perhaps not the Alfa you are looking at...
Driving - Mazda, no contest
Looks - Alfa, no contest
Costs - As I managed to buy an Alfa which needed a head rebuild whereas the MX-5 required nothing but servicing then the Mazda, but I did all the work myself with loads of help off the alfa owner forum which is great - so if you're happy to get your hands dirty then most likely still the MX-5 (cheap 4 pot vs. sexy V6!) but not by too much
Petrol - The MX-5 was frankly rubbish for a 140hp 1.8, 30-32 on average really, dropping below 30 is driven round town... Don't think the Busso engine in Alfa is going to be much worse - maybe mid 20's...
Summary - neither is best, very different cars - if you want a soft top then get the best, if you want a great pocket rocket, awesome sounding coupé, then get the Alfa, or so what others do and get both!!
I had a few years ago a great Mk2.5 with sports pack, and have bought recently to use for my wedding a 2.0TS, so I have had both but perhaps not the Alfa you are looking at...
Driving - Mazda, no contest
Looks - Alfa, no contest
Costs - As I managed to buy an Alfa which needed a head rebuild whereas the MX-5 required nothing but servicing then the Mazda, but I did all the work myself with loads of help off the alfa owner forum which is great - so if you're happy to get your hands dirty then most likely still the MX-5 (cheap 4 pot vs. sexy V6!) but not by too much
Petrol - The MX-5 was frankly rubbish for a 140hp 1.8, 30-32 on average really, dropping below 30 is driven round town... Don't think the Busso engine in Alfa is going to be much worse - maybe mid 20's...
Summary - neither is best, very different cars - if you want a soft top then get the best, if you want a great pocket rocket, awesome sounding coupé, then get the Alfa, or so what others do and get both!!
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