GT 1.9 JTD (or 147/156)

[dilated]

Anyone got an alfa? Im 99% sure that there is little differance between the 3 cars with the 1.9 engine.

I really really like the look of the GT and during a (very short 20 min) test drive I like the way it drives too.

Not the biggest most practicle car Ive seen but the looks and 'aura' more than make up for it.

Im told that the car will break down and ill spend most of my time driving a 1 litre japanese courtesy car. it will leak, squeak and make me want to walk. Im sure this isnt true - but can anyone with one of these tell me Im right.

[DavidCane]

My GT's 12 months old and it's never broken down on me. It has had a couple minor electrical niggles, but nothing earth-shattering.

As far as I know, the 1.9 JTD in the GT and latest 147 are the same 150bhp unit. I don't believe that the 156 has the 150bhp JTD, I think it's still using teh 140bhp engine - worth checking though cos I could be wrong.
It's practical enough so long as you're not regularly carrying a full load of passengers. The rear can be claustrophoic, but there's enough leg/headroom there for most ppl.

Mine does squeak a bit, but so does our toyota celica...so go figure.

The JTD doesn't consume any of it's oil either, so I've never had to top it up. If you like it, buy one. They're so rare on the UK roads that you probably won't see any others around.

DC

[tr7v8]

Test drove a GT 1.9 and put a deposit down then backed out of it!
A. it was far too expensive, their were cheaper cars around with the same spec. The finance cost was through the roof as well. Prices have been softened considerably by grey imports.
B. I found the interior with black leather slightly claustrophobic. I'm sure it would have been better with lighter (tan) trim.
As a driver it was very good, better steering than the 156 and seemed slightly quicker as well.
Handling was very good. The diesels are significantly more reliable than the Twin Sparks for a start cm belt failure is virtually unknown and the change interval is 72K as well.
Alfas generally are good, PROVIDING you can find a decent dealer. Medway Alfa are brilliant and go highly recommended.

Jim

[saxmund]

What's the luggage space like? How does it compare with the 156 and is it a hatchback?

[tr7v8]

Yes its a hatchback & the space is pretty good, up with say a Celica or similar coupe. We had 3 adults on the test drive and the one in the back was OK, more room than my 944 anyway laugh:

PS Medway Alfa run ALfas as courtesy cars as they're Merc/Alfa eg. no FIAT! Better than the previous garage wher I used to drop off the 156 and get a b&^%dy Punto!

Jim

[DavidCane]

We've got a celica and the GT, the boot is definitely bigger in the GT. There's also more headroom in the back.

[dilated]

maybe i should have titled the thread : 'tell me good things about alfas because i really want one'

they are very rare and not boring (like 99% of diesel cars imho).

the boot is large but shallow - larger than youd expect from looking at the car.

[whitney44]

I've got the 156 JTD and it is 150 bhp (they updated it earlier this year). It has covered 13k miles since March with no problems and if you want a good dealer with nice loan cars (147 minimum available), try Platts of Stoke on Trent - excellent.Ask for Lee Rose the Sales Manager and tell him I sent you!