Alfa GTV's - What are they like to live with?

[ZetecPower]

I see them popping up VERY cheap on the classified and got me wondering if its too good to be true?

So , as the headline states, how "expensive" are these cars to live with?

cheers

[Pat H]

Awful.

Simply dreadful.

Terribly expensive to run and very unreliable.

Avoid like the plague.

Especially the 3.0 V6.









You're not the only one who has noticed what amazing value these old Alfas are. We need to keep it quiet. At least until I have bought one.

[P17_GTA]

Buy with heart not head, you'll love it!

[_Batty_]

best and most rewarding car i've ever owned.

i challenge you not to look back at it once you've parked it anywhere

[tybo]

I've been on the verge of buying one for the last few days.

But a MX5 has come up for sale, which i can't miss...so maybe next time

[ZetecPower]

tybo said:

I've been on the verge of buying one for the last few days.

But a MX5 has come up for sale, which i can't miss...so maybe next time

Oh and another thing, is it the phase 3 model that comes with a sportier full kit?
and were these only avalible in red?

[V6Alfisti]

ZetecPower said:

tybo said:

I've been on the verge of buying one for the last few days.

But a MX5 has come up for sale, which i can't miss...so maybe next time

Oh and another thing, is it the phase 3 model that comes with a sportier full kit?
and were these only avalible in red?

I think you mean the 'Cup' model, thats on phase 2 only.

[Pooh]

I had a silver phase two with the aero kit and a red interior, I loved it, it was quite expensive to run but worth it.

[RichB]

ZetecPower said:

tybo said:

I've been on the verge of buying one for the last few days.

But a MX5 has come up for sale, which i can't miss...so maybe next time

Oh and another thing, is it the phase 3 model that comes with a sportier full kit?
and were these only avalible in red?

The phase 3 is the one with the bigger grill and there are very few around. You mean the cup...

[taznuv]

I had a twin spark, and didn't have too many problems, but that was a few years ago when they were newer cars. You could find a good one, but there are lots of rough ones about. Apparently the engine and rear suspension cause less problems on the V6, but of course then you have the thirst...

[mikeyr]

just stumbled over this - surely a bit of a steal if its kosher?

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/ALFA...

hoping it disappears off autotrader soon so I won't find myself spending more money on cars!

[jamieboy]

mikeyr said:

just stumbled over this - surely a bit of a steal if its kosher?

Not sure it's a steal - it's priced about right, I think, maybe even a little high given the miles.

[windandwave]

I've had a '97 Spider for three year. Love it. Hasn't given me any real problems. (Wiper unit was fixed under warranty, clutch slave cylinder replaced this year and - that's about it.) Get one that's been well looked after and you'll be fine.

[JR]

jamieboy said:

mikeyr said:

just stumbled over this - surely a bit of a steal if its kosher?

Not sure it's a steal - it's priced about right, I think, maybe even a little high given the miles.

Yep. High mileage, 2.0. Room to negotiate.

[ChasW]

I ran a 2000 GTV 3.0 litre for a year. Bought it with 6k on the clock. I loved it. The only real downside was the turning circle. Tight parking was difficult. I felt mpg was OK 24-26 overall with 30 achieved on non-hurried motorway runs. I was concerned about depreciation so did not hang on it for too long. Given today's prices I would consider re-buying. Poor man's Ferrari with great engine noise.

[Timmy35]

I'd echo what others have said....if you can stretch to it, sod the petrol, go for the 3.0l V6. Stunning noice and performance for pennies.

Most of the faults seem to be electrical niggles rather than anything major. I'm on a 147 2.0TS at the moment it's a lovely engine.....but it hasn't got the grunt of that lovely V6.

I'll be along to the classifieds myself V6 hunting shortly I reckon.

[cosmos.]

P17_GTA said:

Buy with heart not head, you'll love it!

... that's how I chose the Tiv and six years on, he's still got pride of place in the garage!

[RichB]

Timmy35 said:

Stunning noice...

Is that a cross between a voice and a noise?

[Timmy35]

RichB said:

Timmy35 said:

Stunning noice...

Is that a cross between a voice and a noise?

Yes.....as someone on here once said, the sound of an Italian V6 is the best noise in the world apart from the pre orgasmic moans of Jessica Alba.

Edited by Timmy35 on Monday 1st September 13:16

[CerberusUK]

I've got a 99 phase 2 3.0 V6. Yes it can be expensive when it goes wrong (Recent 1,600 quid bill for a gearbox rebuild as an example !). Yes it can be heavy on fuel (driven energetically about 15 to the gallon) . Yes it is possibly the most impractical car I have ever owned (forget about the rear seats unless your mates are limbless midgets and a boot the size of a pillowcase). Yes I have have had sleepless nights wondering how I am going to afford to keep her. Noisy, impractical and expensive to run.

However, its all worthwhile. What a glorious car with a noise which just makes you want to drive through the Alps with Matt Munroe playing in the background (Italian Job reference in case you think I'm wierd). Everyone from small boys to grey haired codgers (no offence intended) stop and point at it. Simply beautiful. Def a car you buy with your heart as it just makes no sense otherwise. It makes you feel special to drive it. There are quicker and cheaper cars in this class. But none will get under your skin like a GTV. Certainly not as unreliable as the 'reputation' makes out. Servicing is not particularly expensive but would recommend that you find yourself a good Alfa Specialist rather than use a main dealer. Suprisingly most in my experience are about half the price with twice the knowledge of most main dealers.

Anyway, enough waffle from me.

Enjoy