Good 147 Buying guide...?

[gofasterrosssco]

Hi folks,

Going to look at a 02'-plate 147 (5-door) 1.6 TS Lusso (44k miles) on Saturday. Can somebody please point me in the direction of a good buying guide and specific stuff to look out for?

I know it's perhaps a question that's been asked many a time.

Thanks in advance,
Ross

[jimmyb]

Honestjohn is the way forward. Website will tell you of any recall or common faults.

[Wombat Rick]

Check cambelt has been done - needs doing every 3 years or 36,000 miles regardless of what the handbook says. If it's not done budget £400. Listen out for clonks and bonks from the suspension as the bushes take a hammering on UK roads. Check tyre wear is even right across the treads. Check electrics work. Look for parking dings on the doors. Enjoy it!

Loads more info on AlfaOwner!
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/index.php?referreri...

[Ecurie Ecosse]

They are great cars.

Also consider the 2 litre as apparently the difference in fuel consumption isn't too much.

[herbialfa]

Try alfa156.net

They deal with 147's as well and there is a handy buyers checklist in pdf

[gofasterrosssco]

Thanks for the replys folks, will perform a bit of research.

The car is for the GF, so the bigger capacity engine isn't a major want (for her), so probably go for the 1.6, which will be perky enough (for her). Plus I'm sure its a bit cheaper for insurance.

Asked a mate how he has got on with his (which he's has for over 2 years), and no reported major problems at yet, which gives me a bit more confidence; I'm a jap-car man myself, so buying an Italian car makes me a little more vigilant when it comes to checking it over / reseaching etc.

Thanks again,
Ross

[herbialfa]

I have a 156 for myself and a 147 for the wife! A 1.6L is pokey enough for her!

You really need to check the service history and when the last cambelt change was done!

Don't dare go over 36K between belt changes!

[Wombat Rick]

My missis went from a 145 to a 147 and loves it. I am sure your girlfriend will be very pleased. Are you wrapping it up and sticking a big bow on the top?!

[75_Steve]

Don't take any notice of Honest John, he's full of shite - a lot of his 'advice' is very generic and a 'best guess'.

The Alfa enthusiasts sites are the best place to look for advice.