Giulietta - advice?
Discussion
I'm looking to get a Giulietta in summer, and would appreciate advice on what to look out for. Over the last 27 years I've had several Alfasuds, a 1987 GTV, and a 156.
The car is mainly for use by my wife, will be used daily for short journeys with the odd motorway jaunt once a month or so.
Budget will be around £9k, must be veloce trim, either black or white, sub 40k miles. Not much choice with that mileage for £9k, but prices are coming down slowly. Sunroof and 18" 5 hole wheels would be the icing on the cake.
Which diesel is the best, and do they give anywhere the quoted MPG?
Do Alfa's still drink oil? I was told it was 'normal' on the 156, and used probably a litre a month quite happily for the 5 years we had it.
thanks in advance
The car is mainly for use by my wife, will be used daily for short journeys with the odd motorway jaunt once a month or so.
Budget will be around £9k, must be veloce trim, either black or white, sub 40k miles. Not much choice with that mileage for £9k, but prices are coming down slowly. Sunroof and 18" 5 hole wheels would be the icing on the cake.
Which diesel is the best, and do they give anywhere the quoted MPG?
Do Alfa's still drink oil? I was told it was 'normal' on the 156, and used probably a litre a month quite happily for the 5 years we had it.
thanks in advance
We have the 170 bhp veloce it's a decent car but badly let down by the cheap interior that rattles and squeaks.
Good points
Smooth engine
Good looks
Decent mpg (we don't really pay much attention but get over 550 per tank)
Bad points
That interior- trim falling off,gear knob falling to pieces, squeaky seats , faulty speakers
Excessive tyre noise
Dealers crap
Doubt you will find many with your options I would rate the car 6/10 it just feels not that greatly made, typical alfa I suppose. Ours is out of warranty now and we have a year pcp left hope it holds out!
Good points
Smooth engine
Good looks
Decent mpg (we don't really pay much attention but get over 550 per tank)
Bad points
That interior- trim falling off,gear knob falling to pieces, squeaky seats , faulty speakers
Excessive tyre noise
Dealers crap
Doubt you will find many with your options I would rate the car 6/10 it just feels not that greatly made, typical alfa I suppose. Ours is out of warranty now and we have a year pcp left hope it holds out!
I'll be more positive:
1.4 TB MA 170bhp Veloce Ghiaccio White
Had the car for nearly 2 years, bought from the dealer with 15K on it, now on 29K. So far I had the MA unit replaced under warranty and that's all. The is a slight rattle around the glove box and the px speaker sometimes doesn't work, I think it could be a loose wire as it start working again on it's on.
I bit like you, I do mainly short journey and the odd A/M'way journey, averaging 32 to 35 in town (depending on how cold it is) but, on longer journeys 38+iseasy to achieve.
Probably wont apply to your wife but, to me, it needs more low rev torque, firmer suspensions (which I now have) and louder exhaust. Saying that, when you think that under the bonnet you only have a 1.4 performances exceed expectations. I don't think many car can provide the same, performance, style, price package.
9K might be a stretch but, with the revised 2014 model prices on 2010/2011 might come down a bit more
1.4 TB MA 170bhp Veloce Ghiaccio White
Had the car for nearly 2 years, bought from the dealer with 15K on it, now on 29K. So far I had the MA unit replaced under warranty and that's all. The is a slight rattle around the glove box and the px speaker sometimes doesn't work, I think it could be a loose wire as it start working again on it's on.
I bit like you, I do mainly short journey and the odd A/M'way journey, averaging 32 to 35 in town (depending on how cold it is) but, on longer journeys 38+iseasy to achieve.
Probably wont apply to your wife but, to me, it needs more low rev torque, firmer suspensions (which I now have) and louder exhaust. Saying that, when you think that under the bonnet you only have a 1.4 performances exceed expectations. I don't think many car can provide the same, performance, style, price package.
9K might be a stretch but, with the revised 2014 model prices on 2010/2011 might come down a bit more
I've got a 2012 Giulietta 170 Diesel TCT Veloce. Car was bought in January 2013 at 16,500 miles. I've now added a further 20,000 in that time.
I've had a couple of warranty bits done; the instrument cluster had to be replaced because the led lights packed up on the rev counter and the drivers seat cover has been replaced as well.
There are some issues with rattles from the speaker areas mainly and some drivers have reported that the drivers seat back has a squeak, mine has had the former but not the later. The gearknob has been known to split on manual cars, however I refute the suggestion that the interior of the Giuleitta falls to bits!
The car can suffer with road noise particularly as the tyres wear, I'm having this issue at the moment. This is down to the lack of soundproofing around the wheel arch liners, which Alfa have sort to address for 2014 cars. However, I've never personally found the noise particularly intrusive.
The 2.0 diesel is a revelation, it just pulls like a train and wants to do 100 mph everywhere! I consistently get 40 mpg even though generally I drive on the spirited side and my car is essentially automatic.
Again, not all dealers are crap. I purchased my car from Variava Alfa in Nottingham and they've been first class. The service wash guy is bit of a clown so I decline the offer of a free wash if my car is in for work, otherwise I'm kept informed and well treated by all the staff.
The Giulietta is a good car, it's not as Alfa as involved as my old 156's but that's' progress' unfortunately. I've not regretted buying it, the car and it's specification suit my needs perfectly.
I've had a couple of warranty bits done; the instrument cluster had to be replaced because the led lights packed up on the rev counter and the drivers seat cover has been replaced as well.
There are some issues with rattles from the speaker areas mainly and some drivers have reported that the drivers seat back has a squeak, mine has had the former but not the later. The gearknob has been known to split on manual cars, however I refute the suggestion that the interior of the Giuleitta falls to bits!
The car can suffer with road noise particularly as the tyres wear, I'm having this issue at the moment. This is down to the lack of soundproofing around the wheel arch liners, which Alfa have sort to address for 2014 cars. However, I've never personally found the noise particularly intrusive.
The 2.0 diesel is a revelation, it just pulls like a train and wants to do 100 mph everywhere! I consistently get 40 mpg even though generally I drive on the spirited side and my car is essentially automatic.
Again, not all dealers are crap. I purchased my car from Variava Alfa in Nottingham and they've been first class. The service wash guy is bit of a clown so I decline the offer of a free wash if my car is in for work, otherwise I'm kept informed and well treated by all the staff.
The Giulietta is a good car, it's not as Alfa as involved as my old 156's but that's' progress' unfortunately. I've not regretted buying it, the car and it's specification suit my needs perfectly.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I was hoping build quality had improved, but it appears not! My 156 side skirts kept coming 'unstuck' and rear view mirror consistently fell off the screen. At least they are better on oil consumption.
Mine was indeed a twin spark, but not sure which engine!!! I bought it under 3 years old with 50,000 miles on the assumption it was a 1.8, but when I got the cambelt done, the only parts that fitted were from a 1.6 !!!! The headlight washer also didn't work, and when I checked there was no pipework so it probably has been in a frontal accident. This was a one owner company car with FSH.
I suspect the quoted 60mpg in unobtainable which is disappointing too.
.........still they look damn good, so will still bear one in mind
Mine was indeed a twin spark, but not sure which engine!!! I bought it under 3 years old with 50,000 miles on the assumption it was a 1.8, but when I got the cambelt done, the only parts that fitted were from a 1.6 !!!! The headlight washer also didn't work, and when I checked there was no pipework so it probably has been in a frontal accident. This was a one owner company car with FSH.
I suspect the quoted 60mpg in unobtainable which is disappointing too.
.........still they look damn good, so will still bear one in mind
For that mileage I would go for the petrol.
I have 16 month old, 17k mile, 170 multiair Sportiva in white with red leather and the 8c style wheels. My car has been utterly reliable, nothing has broken or fallen off and I rate the build quality as very good with no rattles or squeaks(better than the Honda I had before it). It is decently quick, can do over 40mpg if driven gently and is fun to drive for a front drive family car.
I have 16 month old, 17k mile, 170 multiair Sportiva in white with red leather and the 8c style wheels. My car has been utterly reliable, nothing has broken or fallen off and I rate the build quality as very good with no rattles or squeaks(better than the Honda I had before it). It is decently quick, can do over 40mpg if driven gently and is fun to drive for a front drive family car.
Edited by Pooh on Tuesday 14th January 18:30
sonicbloo said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. I was hoping build quality had improved, but it appears not! My 156 side skirts kept coming 'unstuck' and rear view mirror consistently fell off the screen. At least they are better on oil consumption.
Mine was indeed a twin spark, but not sure which engine!!! I bought it under 3 years old with 50,000 miles on the assumption it was a 1.8, but when I got the cambelt done, the only parts that fitted were from a 1.6 !!!! The headlight washer also didn't work, and when I checked there was no pipework so it probably has been in a frontal accident. This was a one owner company car with FSH.
I suspect the quoted 60mpg in unobtainable which is disappointing too.
.........still they look damn good, so will still bear one in mind
The build quality is far superior to the 156, believe me I've owned 2.Mine was indeed a twin spark, but not sure which engine!!! I bought it under 3 years old with 50,000 miles on the assumption it was a 1.8, but when I got the cambelt done, the only parts that fitted were from a 1.6 !!!! The headlight washer also didn't work, and when I checked there was no pipework so it probably has been in a frontal accident. This was a one owner company car with FSH.
I suspect the quoted 60mpg in unobtainable which is disappointing too.
.........still they look damn good, so will still bear one in mind
You can get 50 mpg if you're driving like Miss Daisy.
this might put me off buying, feel sorry for the person here......
robgt said:
A good friend of mine has a 3 year 3 month old 36000 mile Giulietta 1.7 ltr turbo. It was bought as a low mileage x demo. Within a month it required an entire new dash . It has had 2 x Turbo replacements due to failures. Just out of warranty the water pump has failed which has led to the cam belt failing. The engine has multiple bent valves and a cracked head. The car has been serviced as and when Alfa advise. To make matters worse to effect a repair requires Alfa to supply a special tool . This tool does not exist at the present time! Alfa are quoting a 7 month lead time.
What, as Alfa Romeo owners, do you suggest that he should do and what should the factory offer? Basically it needs a new engine! Help!
What, as Alfa Romeo owners, do you suggest that he should do and what should the factory offer? Basically it needs a new engine! Help!
dema said:
Don't be put off. Every car forum will have horror stories, visit the alfaowner forum to get a better idea
Definitely this ^Plenty of love for the Giulietta on there... some threads going the opposite way too but that's par for the course on any car forum....
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-giulietta/
sonicbloo said:
this might put me off buying, feel sorry for the person here......
Sonicbloo - you are wiser than others around here (rose-tinted specs syndrome I fear robgt said:
A good friend of mine has a 3 year 3 month old 36000 mile Giulietta 1.7 ltr turbo. It was bought as a low mileage x demo. Within a month it required an entire new dash . It has had 2 x Turbo replacements due to failures. Just out of warranty the water pump has failed which has led to the cam belt failing. The engine has multiple bent valves and a cracked head. The car has been serviced as and when Alfa advise. To make matters worse to effect a repair requires Alfa to supply a special tool . This tool does not exist at the present time! Alfa are quoting a 7 month lead time.
What, as Alfa Romeo owners, do you suggest that he should do and what should the factory offer? Basically it needs a new engine! Help!
What, as Alfa Romeo owners, do you suggest that he should do and what should the factory offer? Basically it needs a new engine! Help!
)MollyGTi said:
sonicbloo said:
this might put me off buying, feel sorry for the person here......
Sonicbloo - you are wiser than others around here (rose-tinted specs syndrome I fear robgt said:
A good friend of mine has a 3 year 3 month old 36000 mile Giulietta 1.7 ltr turbo. It was bought as a low mileage x demo. Within a month it required an entire new dash . It has had 2 x Turbo replacements due to failures. Just out of warranty the water pump has failed which has led to the cam belt failing. The engine has multiple bent valves and a cracked head. The car has been serviced as and when Alfa advise. To make matters worse to effect a repair requires Alfa to supply a special tool . This tool does not exist at the present time! Alfa are quoting a 7 month lead time.
What, as Alfa Romeo owners, do you suggest that he should do and what should the factory offer? Basically it needs a new engine! Help!
What, as Alfa Romeo owners, do you suggest that he should do and what should the factory offer? Basically it needs a new engine! Help!
)
ks! I know many, many people who have or currently own Alfas and not had issues. I've owned 5 done a combined mileage in excess of 200,000 miles and not had any serious issues.
Does that mean I have rose tinted spectacles?
If someone posted these comments about a VW for example it would be dismissed as, oh that's just unfortunate. Because it's Alfa the responses tend to be less forgiving based on woes of the 1970's and 1980's or something someone said down the pub.
Absolutely ridiculous.
RobGT - I'm sorry to hear about this. I hope the dealer and Alfa are able to find a satisfactory resolution to this.
Alfahorn said:
The build quality is far superior to the 156, believe me I've owned 2.
You can get 50 mpg if you're driving like Miss Daisy.
<pedantmode>Miss Daisy didn't drive.You can get 50 mpg if you're driving like Miss Daisy.
I had two 156s over a period of 11 years and only once did I have to call out Green Flag (corroded earth strap). I've twice had a Giulietta as a hire car and they certainly seem well screwed together - I'm even starting to warm to the look of it. I may even return to the world of the Alfisti when the Passat Panzerwagen's time is up, although the idea of interacting with an Alfa dealer fills me with dread.
I'll listen to all the pro's and con's with an open mind, as any car can have horror stories, but Giulietta's do look damn georgeous, and distinctive. My wife replaced the 156 in 2008 with a Seat Leon 1.6 (new shape) on a 55 plate and has had very few issues, although it is a bit boring and slow and only gets mid 30's mpg (40 motorway)
It's my wife who has the rose tinted specs, she always says the Alfa was her favourite car, but it wasn't her who had to keep sticking the side skirts on and checking the oil every other day!!
It won't be me using it as a daily, I use a van for work and Mustang for pleasure, so I may play safe and let her decide.
It's my wife who has the rose tinted specs, she always says the Alfa was her favourite car, but it wasn't her who had to keep sticking the side skirts on and checking the oil every other day!!
It won't be me using it as a daily, I use a van for work and Mustang for pleasure, so I may play safe and let her decide.
Edited by sonicbloo on Monday 24th February 21:17
sonicbloo said:
I'm looking to get a Giulietta in summer, and would appreciate advice on what to look out for.
Budget will be around £9k, must be veloce trim, either black or white, sub 40k miles. Not much choice with that mileage for £9k, but prices are coming down slowly. Sunroof and 18" 5 hole wheels would be the icing on the cake.
Quick update, up until 11.30 today I had narrowed my choice down to White / 2 litre 140JTDM / Veloce / 18" 5 hole alloys / sunrood if possible. I'd been told about a 20,000 mile 1 owner car with that exact spec (except sunroof) coming back to the dealer in March to be p/ex'd against a new car. I've had to stretch the budget by about £1500 but I was happy with that deal.Budget will be around £9k, must be veloce trim, either black or white, sub 40k miles. Not much choice with that mileage for £9k, but prices are coming down slowly. Sunroof and 18" 5 hole wheels would be the icing on the cake.
Took the wife to the dealer for a nosey around just to confirm she liked the colour and trim and hopefully get a test drive of a similar spec car.
long story short:- deposit now put down on a white 1.6 JTDM 'collezione' 63 plate with zero miles!!!!!
Hope to have no regrets tomorrow, and the next 60 months of payments! Collection next weekend........ What the f... have I done?
Congrats. I agree with all of the above. The car is not perfect. The was 147 was more 'Alfa' to my taste. But having owned both a recent Golf and now a Giulietta, I have to say the Alfa rattles less, still has all its trimmings (door trim on Golf came off) does not need regular oil top-ups, does not spew out black clouds, gives a better steering feel, grips, and is generally a joy to drive and for a lowly 1.6 diesel has decent oomph due to to the high torque output. Very happy with it and not even thinking about changing after four years, which is new to me.
Patch1875 said:
We have the 170 bhp veloce it's a decent car but badly let down by the cheap interior that rattles and squeaks.
Good points
Smooth engine
Good looks
Decent mpg (we don't really pay much attention but get over 550 per tank)
Bad points
That interior- trim falling off,gear knob falling to pieces, squeaky seats , faulty speakers
Excessive tyre noise
Dealers crap
Doubt you will find many with your options I would rate the car 6/10 it just feels not that greatly made, typical alfa I suppose. Ours is out of warranty now and we have a year pcp left hope it holds out!
This confuses me, I thought my 147 was really beautifully screwed together. Am I mad, or are the new models just not as well made?!Good points
Smooth engine
Good looks
Decent mpg (we don't really pay much attention but get over 550 per tank)
Bad points
That interior- trim falling off,gear knob falling to pieces, squeaky seats , faulty speakers
Excessive tyre noise
Dealers crap
Doubt you will find many with your options I would rate the car 6/10 it just feels not that greatly made, typical alfa I suppose. Ours is out of warranty now and we have a year pcp left hope it holds out!
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