Alfa Gtv to MX-5
Discussion
Living in Sussex but often head into south London to visit family.
From August the Gtv v6 will be charged £12 each trip, I have a regular car (Kia) I can use but did enjoy jumping in something low and fruity on occasion.
So tempted by a used Mx5 NC 2.0 but had the v6 around 15 years so feels part of the family and will be hard to bring myself to selling it.
Some time ago with a previous conundrum people of the forum had good input and I avoided buying an old Audi A6 so wonders what people’s thoughts are.
I have done numerous track days in the Alfa but not for lap times just the fun of pushing a car in a safe place and getting better at fast driving.
Gtv doesn’t get used for weekends away as the little lady prefers the comfort of the Kia and it is thirsty, also the AC doesn’t work.
I like the low down feel, the torque and sound of the engine.
Average £1k a year maintenance, tax and servicing.
Don’t use the rear seats.
Apart from the long drive to South London, it’s goes the long way around to the supermarket on occasion or takes us to the start of walks in Sussex
From August the Gtv v6 will be charged £12 each trip, I have a regular car (Kia) I can use but did enjoy jumping in something low and fruity on occasion.
So tempted by a used Mx5 NC 2.0 but had the v6 around 15 years so feels part of the family and will be hard to bring myself to selling it.
Some time ago with a previous conundrum people of the forum had good input and I avoided buying an old Audi A6 so wonders what people’s thoughts are.
I have done numerous track days in the Alfa but not for lap times just the fun of pushing a car in a safe place and getting better at fast driving.
Gtv doesn’t get used for weekends away as the little lady prefers the comfort of the Kia and it is thirsty, also the AC doesn’t work.
I like the low down feel, the torque and sound of the engine.
Average £1k a year maintenance, tax and servicing.
Don’t use the rear seats.
Apart from the long drive to South London, it’s goes the long way around to the supermarket on occasion or takes us to the start of walks in Sussex
What about an Alfa Spider they're ULEZ compliant, but they are high tax:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305317...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305317...
Not often one can say that.ZX10R
Was thinking about the somewhat similar Brera but as a 2.2JTS as paying +£600 tax and also taxing my Kia would grate me.
The 2.2 is less. The mx5 would have a hard roof as don’t expect much open top driving so convertible isn’t a must.
Chris Type
Just what I was thinking, pick up a MX5 and drive it around a bit before selling on the Gtv. Although tried that in the past and the Gtv ended up staying, the v6 was too smooth.
The one I was looking to buy is no longer for sale, went just after posting my question.
GeorgeyBoy
Fancy running for mayor, I’ll vote for you. Been reading up on where to look for rust, strange to come from an Alfa and worrying about rust but think the Alfa rust stories were based on cars from a much earlier era.
So with the MX5 I wanted to view tomorrow evening now gone and similar models much more expensive I’m not in a big hurry to swap now. Might just enjoy the rest of the summer with the Gtv and see how I feel after August unless something interesting pops up.
Was thinking about the somewhat similar Brera but as a 2.2JTS as paying +£600 tax and also taxing my Kia would grate me.
The 2.2 is less. The mx5 would have a hard roof as don’t expect much open top driving so convertible isn’t a must.
Chris Type
Just what I was thinking, pick up a MX5 and drive it around a bit before selling on the Gtv. Although tried that in the past and the Gtv ended up staying, the v6 was too smooth.
The one I was looking to buy is no longer for sale, went just after posting my question.
GeorgeyBoy
Fancy running for mayor, I’ll vote for you. Been reading up on where to look for rust, strange to come from an Alfa and worrying about rust but think the Alfa rust stories were based on cars from a much earlier era.
So with the MX5 I wanted to view tomorrow evening now gone and similar models much more expensive I’m not in a big hurry to swap now. Might just enjoy the rest of the summer with the Gtv and see how I feel after August unless something interesting pops up.
I've had 2 GTV 3.0 V6s and 3 MX5s (2 NB, 1 NC))
I loved the GTVs, amazing cars and it's still the longest I've owned a single car.
The MX5s are certainly more fun at low speeds (more so the NB). but I really found the engine lacking in character and noise, particularly against cars likes the GTV 3.0.
If going the MX5 route I'd suggest you look for a BBR tuned car, that should give it a bit more potency and crucially give the engine more character and sound. Look for BBR 185/200.
You could also consider a Alfa GT or GTA with similar engines to your GTV, not sure if they escape the ULEZ charge though
I loved the GTVs, amazing cars and it's still the longest I've owned a single car.
The MX5s are certainly more fun at low speeds (more so the NB). but I really found the engine lacking in character and noise, particularly against cars likes the GTV 3.0.
If going the MX5 route I'd suggest you look for a BBR tuned car, that should give it a bit more potency and crucially give the engine more character and sound. Look for BBR 185/200.
You could also consider a Alfa GT or GTA with similar engines to your GTV, not sure if they escape the ULEZ charge though
rotaryjam said:
You could also consider a Alfa GT or GTA with similar engines to your GTV, not sure if they escape the ULEZ charge though
I moved from the GTV to the GT - 3.0L to 3.2L - and while these things are subjective, I do prefer the GT. It's so much more comfortable and usable - while retaining the Busso soundtrack and performance.tfl said:
You do not need to pay a daily ULEZ charge to drive in the zone, and are helping to improve air quality across London.
It looks like I'm an eco warrior driving the GT 
Maybe this will change in August too.Edited by Chris Type R on Thursday 8th June 14:48
The 3.2 GT and GTAs are good options I’ve thought about, seems the 3.2 engines are at a suitable EURO level to pass the ULEZ requirements, do know they have an extra cat.
I do like the look of the gt and also more practical. I do really like the view and feel of the gtv cabin though.
There’s also 3.2 Gtvs but quite rare.
Brera is a likely avenue, never driven a petrol one so would be curious how the JTS performs and with performs I do like smooth, strong and the right noise over power.
From the replies it seems the standard mx5 engine might leave me wanting.
Good point made about the cost of paying the fee on occasion and getting to enjoy the car I’ve had since 2008, what annoys me a bit is sometimes I stay overnight which would result in paying the fee again on the return. Still think after the August I’ll see how much it costs and then when the weather is less pleasant use the Kia.
Good food for though
I do like the look of the gt and also more practical. I do really like the view and feel of the gtv cabin though.
There’s also 3.2 Gtvs but quite rare.
Brera is a likely avenue, never driven a petrol one so would be curious how the JTS performs and with performs I do like smooth, strong and the right noise over power.
From the replies it seems the standard mx5 engine might leave me wanting.
Good point made about the cost of paying the fee on occasion and getting to enjoy the car I’ve had since 2008, what annoys me a bit is sometimes I stay overnight which would result in paying the fee again on the return. Still think after the August I’ll see how much it costs and then when the weather is less pleasant use the Kia.
Good food for though
V6Nelo said:
Living in Sussex but often head into south London to visit family.
From August the Gtv v6 will be charged £12 each trip, I have a regular car (Kia) I can use but did enjoy jumping in something low and fruity on occasion.
So tempted by a used Mx5 NC 2.0 but had the v6 around 15 years so feels part of the family and will be hard to bring myself to selling it.
Some time ago with a previous conundrum people of the forum had good input and I avoided buying an old Audi A6 so wonders what people’s thoughts are.
I have done numerous track days in the Alfa but not for lap times just the fun of pushing a car in a safe place and getting better at fast driving.
Gtv doesn’t get used for weekends away as the little lady prefers the comfort of the Kia and it is thirsty, also the AC doesn’t work.
I like the low down feel, the torque and sound of the engine.
Average £1k a year maintenance, tax and servicing.
Don’t use the rear seats.
Apart from the long drive to South London, it’s goes the long way around to the supermarket on occasion or takes us to the start of walks in Sussex
I really feel for you. I love an Alfa and have a soft spot for a GTV for just being related in name to the original GTV6/Alfetta. Glorious things and being the v6 i'm sure yours sings that beautiful tune. From August the Gtv v6 will be charged £12 each trip, I have a regular car (Kia) I can use but did enjoy jumping in something low and fruity on occasion.
So tempted by a used Mx5 NC 2.0 but had the v6 around 15 years so feels part of the family and will be hard to bring myself to selling it.
Some time ago with a previous conundrum people of the forum had good input and I avoided buying an old Audi A6 so wonders what people’s thoughts are.
I have done numerous track days in the Alfa but not for lap times just the fun of pushing a car in a safe place and getting better at fast driving.
Gtv doesn’t get used for weekends away as the little lady prefers the comfort of the Kia and it is thirsty, also the AC doesn’t work.
I like the low down feel, the torque and sound of the engine.
Average £1k a year maintenance, tax and servicing.
Don’t use the rear seats.
Apart from the long drive to South London, it’s goes the long way around to the supermarket on occasion or takes us to the start of walks in Sussex
That said, can't dismiss an MX-5. I would maybe consider something like a z4 as well in this price range. I know you need it to be ULEZ compliant, but most should be??
I just don't get it. Why your v6 has to pay but my v8 doesn't.
I swear the more I think about it, the less ULEZ has to do with emissions and its more about keeping London looking "rich" and "posh". I drove me and the kids down for a shopping trip in kensington and did the whole sightseeing thing. The rarest car I saw was a P-Reg Ford Fiesta. Everything else was Ferrari, Ferrari, Lambo, Rolls etc. etc. I mean here I was being shouted at by oil protestors that my car is evil for being a v8 - according to London though, its not evil at all, very few emissions compared to a 1.6 fiesta or a v6 alfa.
Just made me think??
stevekoz said:
I just don't get it. Why your v6 has to pay but my v8 doesn't.
I swear the more I think about it, the less ULEZ has to do with emissions ...
ULEZ is focussed on NOx emissions. That is because they are a big problem for local air quality. If your V8 is compliant it emits far less NOx than a 2.0L diesel from 2014 for example. Unfortunately the NOx emissions from petrols up to about 2004 are also too high, albeit much less than dirty old diesels.I swear the more I think about it, the less ULEZ has to do with emissions ...
V6Nelo said:
The 3.2 GT and GTAs are good options I’ve thought about, seems the 3.2 engines are at a suitable EURO level to pass the ULEZ requirements, do know they have an extra cat.
I do like the look of the gt and also more practical. I do really like the view and feel of the gtv cabin though.
Red and tan aren't the worst surroundings. Practically I've used it during renovation of 3 houses and to help with moving one. It has the Quaife differential too, and lower suspension which is an improvement over the GTV. I do like the look of the gt and also more practical. I do really like the view and feel of the gtv cabin though.
Neither the GT or GTV are great handling cars imo - both my MX-5 and S2000 were miles better and more engaging.
My GTV was Proteo red with red interior and a rare option - a sunroof.
My abiding memory of the GTV is that the seats are quite slippery and give no sideways support. I still have nightmares about being stuck in traffic after a trip to Goodwood and walking bent over for a few hours due to the shape of the seats.
You are mad just to think about it ! ??
I’m sure the mx-5 is a good car and fun to drive but, it is not an Alfa V6!
I had a 2.2 JTS in a 159 and although I loved the car, I heated the engine.
If you must, can you store the Alfa for when you’ll realise you want to go back or when the time is right to sell and make very good profit?
Also to consider as mentioned above, how many times will you get in the ULEZ zone?
I’m sure the mx-5 is a good car and fun to drive but, it is not an Alfa V6!
I had a 2.2 JTS in a 159 and although I loved the car, I heated the engine.
If you must, can you store the Alfa for when you’ll realise you want to go back or when the time is right to sell and make very good profit?
Also to consider as mentioned above, how many times will you get in the ULEZ zone?
Edited by dema on Saturday 10th June 13:16
I have had a V6 GTV and a 2.2 Prodrive Brera, the handling, grip, build quality etc of the Brera are far better, the 2.2 is a nice free revving engine but not very powerful and not as good as the V6.
They GTV and the Brera both weigh about the same but the Brera feels much more solid.
My Brera was mildly tweaked with modified inlet and fueling which increased the power a bit but gave it a lovely induction noise.
I liked them both but preferred the Brea, I would love to have a supercharged 2.2 Brera.
They GTV and the Brera both weigh about the same but the Brera feels much more solid.
My Brera was mildly tweaked with modified inlet and fueling which increased the power a bit but gave it a lovely induction noise.
I liked them both but preferred the Brea, I would love to have a supercharged 2.2 Brera.
V6Nelo said:
Brera is a likely avenue, never driven a petrol one so would be curious how the JTS performs and with performs I do like smooth, strong and the right noise over power.
IMO, coming from a GTV V6 you will probably be disappointed in a Brera 2.2. Unless you love the looks. Otherwise it has basically no redeeming factors. The GTV V6 with the Busso is just so much more interesting to drive. The Brera 2.2 might as well be a Golf. Again, unless you think the looks can make up for everything else. In your shoes I would just pay the fees and keep the GTV if all you are doing are a few occasional trips. Chris Type R said:
Lovely, lovely. In a parallel universe somewhere, Alfa didn't cheap out and made the right thing and the Busso cars are RWD. A red and tan GT Busso in RWD would be a car I would take over any overdone M car of the time, any day. A red and tan GTV V6 RWD would float my boat like a 968 or 350Z never could. Shifter1 said:
Lovely, lovely. In a parallel universe somewhere, Alfa didn't cheap out and made the right thing and the Busso cars are RWD. A red and tan GT Busso in RWD would be a car I would take over any overdone M car of the time, any day. A red and tan GTV V6 RWD would float my boat like a 968 or 350Z never could.
Agreed re. RWD, and I'd add that it could do with being lighter and a more long lasting form of chocolate should have been used for the suspension parts. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff