Alfa GT, any good?
Discussion
I've never driven one, but i love Alfa's, and the GT is definitely on my must-own list, some day, i'll have one, with the 3.2 V6.
Here's what i know:
- it's based on the 156/147 platform, engineering is good, but not on the level of the 159/brera, so expect some italian-ness (although the 156/147/GT platform is already pretty good). The main thing platform wise is suspension arms at the front, they wont last very long, and need replacing often-ish, i'd also be on the lookout for rust on older GTs, as the 147/156 havent proven impervious to it, although which 10-15 year old car has?
- Engine wise, i'd avoid the 2.0 JTS, it isnt the best engine, has some issues and IIRC a recall, not many JTSses actually deliver the stated power. The 1.8 TS is more reliable/on spec, but personally, i think 140hp is a bit little for a GT, it'll get you to a nice top-speed, but you wont win any traffic-light drags, and high speed overtaking will be slow. The JTD 16v is a nice engine, JTDs are bulletproof, respond well to remapping (although the 16v only benefit to the tune of ~20 bhp before becomming limited by the turbo and other expensive stuff). The only downside for the JTD is that a 4 pot diesel isnt exactly befitting of a classy italian GT car
The V6 then, is the absolute cream of the crop, the last busso V6 to appear in an alfa, the most characteristic engine they ever made (although some prefer it in its old 12v guise, or the tuned up GTA version), and rather reliable too.
Long story short, get one, with a V6 in it, and smile everytime you look at it/drive it.
Here's what i know:
- it's based on the 156/147 platform, engineering is good, but not on the level of the 159/brera, so expect some italian-ness (although the 156/147/GT platform is already pretty good). The main thing platform wise is suspension arms at the front, they wont last very long, and need replacing often-ish, i'd also be on the lookout for rust on older GTs, as the 147/156 havent proven impervious to it, although which 10-15 year old car has?
- Engine wise, i'd avoid the 2.0 JTS, it isnt the best engine, has some issues and IIRC a recall, not many JTSses actually deliver the stated power. The 1.8 TS is more reliable/on spec, but personally, i think 140hp is a bit little for a GT, it'll get you to a nice top-speed, but you wont win any traffic-light drags, and high speed overtaking will be slow. The JTD 16v is a nice engine, JTDs are bulletproof, respond well to remapping (although the 16v only benefit to the tune of ~20 bhp before becomming limited by the turbo and other expensive stuff). The only downside for the JTD is that a 4 pot diesel isnt exactly befitting of a classy italian GT car
The V6 then, is the absolute cream of the crop, the last busso V6 to appear in an alfa, the most characteristic engine they ever made (although some prefer it in its old 12v guise, or the tuned up GTA version), and rather reliable too.
Long story short, get one, with a V6 in it, and smile everytime you look at it/drive it.
Four Litre said:
I drove a 3.2 GT and it didnt do much for me - quite dissapointed.
My experience matches this. Beautiful car, and the engine is stunning in both noise and performance, but the car to me offered very little else, it was very much a one-trick pony. A great drive-way ornament.The OH had a 1.9 JDTM Cloverleaf with Q2 diff for a couple of years. It looked lovely and was comfortable inside and went and handled pretty well. It wasn't particularly economical, she was getting 32 - 35 mpg.
The bad stuff was the rattle in the boot at delivery mileage which the dealer eventually sorted. The rear heated window element failed so rear screen replaced. The stereo cut out intermittently, the clutch failed at 20k (the dealer tried to get out of replacing it under warranty), the metal EGR pipe sheared at 25k, the drivers door handle broke, the clutch pedal connection pin sheared, the drivers seat release lever broke, the brake master cylinder level sensor failed and it is a total b
h to change the headlight bulbs.
All that was within 2 years and 40k miles. She was glad to see it go.
Oh, and the dealers are useless.
Oh, and the electric windows stopped closing, if i think of anything else i'll update this
The bad stuff was the rattle in the boot at delivery mileage which the dealer eventually sorted. The rear heated window element failed so rear screen replaced. The stereo cut out intermittently, the clutch failed at 20k (the dealer tried to get out of replacing it under warranty), the metal EGR pipe sheared at 25k, the drivers door handle broke, the clutch pedal connection pin sheared, the drivers seat release lever broke, the brake master cylinder level sensor failed and it is a total b
h to change the headlight bulbs. All that was within 2 years and 40k miles. She was glad to see it go.
Oh, and the dealers are useless.
Oh, and the electric windows stopped closing, if i think of anything else i'll update this
Edited by Ozone on Wednesday 8th May 22:05
Edited by Ozone on Wednesday 8th May 22:05
ts86net said:
I believe there are different V6 engines in these, the Twin Spark (earlier, same as in the GTAs) and Twin Phasor (built with some GM parts).
Check AlfaOwner for specifics of why one or the other.
The GT only uses the proper busso 3.2 V6, the twinspark is the 1.8, the JTS is the 2.0 and there was also the 1.9 JTD.Check AlfaOwner for specifics of why one or the other.
Personally I really love the GT (on my second one now).
It it a slightly firmer setup than the 156 although same base platform, like the looks, like the drive (and steering response), very practical for a coupe with a big boot and fold down rear seat.
Only problem with the GT for me is the same as with the 147/156 and that is the suspension can crash over bumps. Otherwise they are quite strong cars, electrics aren't a problem, just a case of butter suspension bushes, checking oil levels e.t.c
The 2.0 JTS is a good engine with strong amounts of torque, the earlier 52/53 plates in the 156 were the more problematic ones. I have owned three 2.0 JTS models and all of them have been great (touch wood) with a couple nearing 80k miles. The 3.2 V6 is a gem, the 1.8 I haven't driven in the GT form but found it underpowered in the 156 and the 1.9 JTD is a good small *sub 2 litre* capacity diesel unit but it isn't the most refined and I found the rev limit frustrating. The 2.4 JTD is a far better unit imo but wasn't available in the GT.
I have owned my 2007 GT Q2 (JTDm) for 2.5 years-ish
I love driving it (despite the tractor engine) almost as much as my TVR
It rattles and it isn't especially well put together, part of it's character I suppose - but it has proven reliable overall.
It is a bit small really for what my misses needs, so I'll be sorry so see it go when we find a replacement.
I love driving it (despite the tractor engine) almost as much as my TVR
It rattles and it isn't especially well put together, part of it's character I suppose - but it has proven reliable overall.
It is a bit small really for what my misses needs, so I'll be sorry so see it go when we find a replacement.
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