What do we think of Alfa 145s?
Discussion
Hi All,
Essentially, I'm looking at selling my car to buy something that's 'perfect'. You know, exactly the right spec, colour combination etc... To facilitate this task, I'm going to sell my existing car over the summer months so I get something near top market rate, and have the cash ready to go when the perfect model comes up.
In the mean time, I am going to need some transport. I'm thinking something small, but a bit of fun that can be had for around a bag of sand.
Top of my list currently is an Alfa 145 cloverleaf. Anyone have any experiences with these, or can suggest a similar alternative?
Whilst everyone's probably screaming MX-5 at the top of their voice, whatever I choose must have a roof. Made of metal. I, really, really don't get this convertible thing.
Essentially, I'm looking at selling my car to buy something that's 'perfect'. You know, exactly the right spec, colour combination etc... To facilitate this task, I'm going to sell my existing car over the summer months so I get something near top market rate, and have the cash ready to go when the perfect model comes up.
In the mean time, I am going to need some transport. I'm thinking something small, but a bit of fun that can be had for around a bag of sand.
Top of my list currently is an Alfa 145 cloverleaf. Anyone have any experiences with these, or can suggest a similar alternative?
Whilst everyone's probably screaming MX-5 at the top of their voice, whatever I choose must have a roof. Made of metal. I, really, really don't get this convertible thing.
Mate had one. His dad still has it I think.
Broke down a lot. Seriously unreliable.
Sitting in the passenger seat I really didn't get the appeal of the thing either. Didn't seem very ergonomic, for want of a better word. Felt like I was sitting on car seat rather than in a car, if you know what I mean, so make sure you take it for a test drive to ensure you like the cockpit.
Not a bad turn of speed and decent handling apparently, but I just couldn't look past the fact that it had a few serious mechanical failures which would have rendered it worthless, except for the fact his dad can wield a spanner.
Blew a transmission and a headgasket as well as electrical gremlins off the top of my head.
Broke down a lot. Seriously unreliable.
Sitting in the passenger seat I really didn't get the appeal of the thing either. Didn't seem very ergonomic, for want of a better word. Felt like I was sitting on car seat rather than in a car, if you know what I mean, so make sure you take it for a test drive to ensure you like the cockpit.
Not a bad turn of speed and decent handling apparently, but I just couldn't look past the fact that it had a few serious mechanical failures which would have rendered it worthless, except for the fact his dad can wield a spanner.
Blew a transmission and a headgasket as well as electrical gremlins off the top of my head.
They're the same as any car, if it's been looked after well, low mileage, service history and isn't obviously beat to hell it will be alright(ish). Any car can go wrong. Alfas main problem seems to be interior electrics, so test those electric windows and everything else you can think of. Having said that, do what you said about your new car, find the right one for you, don't settle for sub standard or poor spec, I wanted a 2.0 156 with embossed leather in red with tellidials and the selespeed gearbox, settled for a red 2.4 diesel with no leather or teledials, bitterly disappointed isn't the word, buy the RIGHT Alfa first time!
Thanks chaps.
Sort of looking for something on the cheap that isn't going to be glacially slow and isn't going to put me in the 'Halfords car park' camp. I also quite like the look of them, though I realise I might well be on my own in that camp! By no means does it have to be a hatchback; in truth I'd much rather it didn't have four doors.
I'm a bit scared off by the reliability claims if that's the case. I really don't want to be ditching cash on a shed that was bought to save me money. Coupled with that I'm a stickler for a good driving position. In all, looks like this idea was a non-starter.
I'd love a GTV - and they're one of the 'perfect' cars I'm looking to wait for. One of the issues though is that I'm not too sure I could deal with not being able to get my mits on the V6 version for my price level. Even then red ones seem to be quite rare?
Sort of looking for something on the cheap that isn't going to be glacially slow and isn't going to put me in the 'Halfords car park' camp. I also quite like the look of them, though I realise I might well be on my own in that camp! By no means does it have to be a hatchback; in truth I'd much rather it didn't have four doors.
I'm a bit scared off by the reliability claims if that's the case. I really don't want to be ditching cash on a shed that was bought to save me money. Coupled with that I'm a stickler for a good driving position. In all, looks like this idea was a non-starter.
I'd love a GTV - and they're one of the 'perfect' cars I'm looking to wait for. One of the issues though is that I'm not too sure I could deal with not being able to get my mits on the V6 version for my price level. Even then red ones seem to be quite rare?
May I suggest a 147?
Superb handling and gorgeous looks. (Smaller wheels are detrimental to the looks, models with the larger ones look great)
The 2.0 t spark engine is reasonably reliable if looked after and makes an excellent noise. Was fairly quick too, not miles away from my 306 gti-6.
A friend had one with the selespeed (paddle shift). Fun to use, but would be concerned in the long term. Id buy a manual.
Superb handling and gorgeous looks. (Smaller wheels are detrimental to the looks, models with the larger ones look great)
The 2.0 t spark engine is reasonably reliable if looked after and makes an excellent noise. Was fairly quick too, not miles away from my 306 gti-6.
A friend had one with the selespeed (paddle shift). Fun to use, but would be concerned in the long term. Id buy a manual.
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