Alfa Romeo Giulia - sensible proposition?

[NiceCupOfTea]

Hi all,

Dipping my toe into this forum for the first time.

Background: Currently my daily is an aging e46 BMW 330i Touring manual - it has provided sterling service for some years, but is rusty, tired, and with 220k miles probably doesn't have a great deal of life left in it. I've had my eye on a BMW 6 series (either earlier e63 or later f12) in 6 pot flavour as I fancy something with an auto box that I can relax in a bit more but still press on when required. However, I can't find anything I like (the older shape are clapped out and too cheap if that makes sense, and the newer ones start at around 10k and I feel that's a lot of money to pay for a 15 year old car with a lot of potential for expensive problems.

As I result I've been expanding my search. I had been considering spending £5-10k, but if I am spending more (10-15k) I want to go in with my eyes open regarding reliability and potential repairs. I've always liked the Giulia, and looking at prices it seems that early ones seem to be in budget at the £15k sort of price - good spec/colours and sensible mileage (2018ish 280bhp Veloce with 80k or so miles seems to be around this price).

Question is - have they cast off the reputation of earlier Alfas? It will be my first foray into the world of Italian cars and although I am no stranger to less mainstream marques (TVR, Saab), I'm keen to avoid something with a greater than average change of expiring at the side of the motorway... I've read a few reviews and the jury seems to be out on reliability.

What's the ownership experience like, and am I silly to be looking at going in at what seems the bottom end of the market (although I'd prefer to avoid the earlier 200bhp versions)?

Thanks in advance!

[Rob 131 Sport]

Whilst I’ve not owned a Guilia, back in the day I had a 155 (Wide Body) 1.8 TS and a 159 JTDM Lusso. These together with the Mito that I’ve owned for over 11 years have been the most reliable cars I’ve ever had.

Like most cars, if you keep on top of the maintenance (I always have the oil changed every year or at 10k miles) and find a good specialist you’ll be fine.

The Guilia is a great looking car that drives superbly and will keep its appeal for years to come.

[Pereldh]

Generally, cars from nothern italy never leaves you stranded in the same way my southern germany cars might do (catastropohic mechanical issues) - rather its always been small annoying electrical glitches or buttons falling out. I know what I'd rather choose!

I have an early Giulia Q so maybe not in your current scope, but its certainly a well engineered car with no real weak spots. Being an early press-car, it has some sensitivities (low battery voltage can fool the CANbus system etc) but these things were much ironed out in later years, say 2019-26

Edited by Pereldh on Tuesday 31st March 08:39

[Matty_]

Definately worth getting a later car if you can, ideally 2019+ if not the newer MY2020 (although that might be out of budget)

In all the time I had mine and spent time on the Giulia forums, real issues were few and far between, certainly no more than any other brand. It was mostly minor niggles, and as mentioned the battery was usually a factor! I used to plug mine into a CTEK now and again to keep it in good condition and never had any issues.

[Mr_J]

I've had mine for 4.5 years. I'm not looking to replace it any time soon.

Aside from routine servicing, tyres and brakes, my issues:
Rust on the roof - a known issue that was fixed under warranty a couple of years ago
In the last week the boot release button has stopped working for some reason. The key fob and interior button still open it. Very odd. It's in for it's 45,000 mile service next week and the garage will look at it.

I'd call that a pretty painless ownership experience.