147 GTA running costs

[ad551]

Now, I realise running costs aren't something you should really care about if you are going to own an Alfa, but I was wondering if anyone could give a rough estimate of the running costs for a 147 GTA?

Insurance quotes I've got seem pretty reasonable but I'd probably want to fit (or a buy a car with...) a Q2 diff, which would count as a mod. At the moment I have full no claims, no points, 25 years old and pay about £400 to insure my Celica.

Also, servicing costs - I'm guessing the V6 needs a bit of maintenance but not as much as the twinspark engines? And is there anything in particular to look out for when viewing these cars?

[RicksAlfas]

Some good info here:
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_servicing...

Worth seeing if you have a good independant Alfa specialist nearby as they are usually very knowledgable with reasonable rates.

[sjg]

Better than the twinsparks in that cambelts are 72k/5 years (although, as with anything, worth doing a bit more often). 25mpg if you're lucky too.

[rsstman]

nice car go for it.

[ad551]

Thanks for the info so far everyone. Looks like the recommended belt intervals are 72k miles but I wouldn't want to leave it that long really.

I'm not that bothered about the fuel consumption - the car I was originally thinking of buying was an RX8, which would probably be a more natural progression from a Celica and isn't noted for its economy. However, I've seen some videos on Youtube of GTAs and they just sound , as well as looking

[pano amo]

Drive one.

[RicksAlfas]

pano amo said:

Drive one.

Buy one.

[n428]

My 2.0 147 has had running costs of approx 40p/ mile over the year I've had it (inc. depreciation). I have looked at getting a GTA and been told to expect roughly double the running costs. I can't afford 80p/ mile unfortunately. Fuel wise, I get 30-32mpg- think you should expect approx 18-20.

I love the 147- every time I get into the car I smile! The GTAs look and sound even better...

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Running costs are fine, especially if you find a car for sale which has a Q2, the cambelt changed (and engine rebuild) in the last two months, a stainless exhaust, the 330mm brakes and is very cheap - like mine

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/801931.htm

[exgtt]

Good cars,your right regarding the cambelt changes, any more than 45k miles between changes is pushing your luck with the GTA. You can stretch to 60k with the 2.5 v6, but the GTA seems fussier. TBH the way the market has gone, i'd use the hefty discount you will get and get the cambelt, waterpump and all tentioners changed for ultimate piece of mind. Alot of people sg the chassis, but i found the GTA's bad manners to be ALOT of fun. Surly thats what matters!!

Ps, i'm guessing they probably eat expensive front tires also!

Edited by exgtt on Tuesday 2nd December 22:45

[ad551]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

Running costs are fine, especially if you find a car for sale which has a Q2, the cambelt changed (and engine rebuild) in the last two months, a stainless exhaust, the 330mm brakes and is very cheap - like mine

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/801931.htm

Hmmmm, nice car...can I ask though...why the engine rebuild? Is this normal?!

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Thanks!

The engine was rebuilt by a main dealer due to the cambelt failing within the required interval. This was covered by Alfa UK, and the engine is perfect now.

So, the moral of the story is to change the cambelt every 3 years or 36k miles as a precaution.

[V6]

Regarding the rebuild - I bought my 156 2.5V6 off a guy who had the cambelt break.. He spent £3k rebuilding the engine. That was at 75,000 miles I have taken that to nearly 110,000 miles and it still feels strong and has had no problems..

[P17_GTA]

n428 said:

Fuel wise, I get 30-32mpg- think you should expect approx 18-20.

I average 25/26 with mixed driving.......I've previously had 6 2.0TS Alfas and to drive them quickly takes so much more effort that you would only be achieving around the same mpg anyway!

[MattyB_]

Rebuilds are actually common - and nothing to worry about, as long as its backed up with reciepts from Alfa or a good independant.

They usually occur due to cambelt failure (don't wait aslong as 60/72k miles) or puddles (low intake)

As for running costs - servicing and parts are actually reasonable, but IMO the higher running costs stem from the fact that most parts don't last as long as the other manufacturers do. For example, after 40k you can expect to replace the radiator, clutch and most suspension components. And just remember, they require a bit more TLC than most cars. If you skimp on maintenance, its gonna come back and bite you

[BigAlinEmbra]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

Running costs are fine, especially if you find a car for sale which has a Q2, the cambelt changed (and engine rebuild) in the last two months, a stainless exhaust, the 330mm brakes and is very cheap - like mine

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/801931.htm

Gonnae no dae that? You're local to me, but unless the price drops £4k the moths have been too busy in my wallet.

Matty, is it true that GTAs may also require rebuilds when driven like a Riva Aquarama?

[MattyB_]

BigAlinEmbra said:

Matty, is it true that GTAs may also require rebuilds when driven like a Riva Aquarama?

Possibly, depends how stupid the driver has been

[ad551]

Thanks to everyone for your advice on this thread. If I'm honest, I only started it to try and put myself off buying one! But really...I just can't resist. I've got to have one of these in my life!

I will hopefully be looking at one this weekend...

[exgtt]

Just to be clear, the V6 is a very tough engine in all guises (2.5, 3.0, 3.2), most rebuils i have heard of happen due to cambelt failure or knackered cooling components. I thrashed my 156 V6 harder than any other car i have owned, spent a fair bit on servicing but the motor was as good as gold. Owned for 2 years and taken to red line everyday!

[jwyatt]

MattyB_ said:

As for running costs - servicing and parts are actually reasonable, but IMO the higher running costs stem from the fact that most parts don't last as long as the other manufacturers do. For example, after 40k you can expect to replace the radiator, clutch and most suspension components. And just remember, they require a bit more TLC than most cars. If you skimp on maintenance, its gonna come back and bite you

I agree - I'm currently averaging 26mpg from my 156GTA, the 147 ought to do slightly better for he same sort of driving. The engines and (standard open diff aside) gearboxes are strong. The Q2 diff is good value and makes a big difference to the drive, plus swap the standard shocks for Koni FSD's but keep the springs ARB's etc if you want considerably better comfort and handling. The only "but" - and it's a costly one - is that, as MattyB says, every 30-50k miles/2-4 years (depending on mileage/driving/how many speed bumps you drive over, etc) you should ideally change the cambelt/tensioners, front lower wishbones, ARB drop links front and rear, possibly the upper wishbones and some rear suspension parts and front ARB, and very possibly the rad. And maybe the water pump. This little lot will cost - the parts are not that expensive but there are quite a few of them, and the car is not easy to work on, so labour will potentially be high. Use a specialist and check the rates first (unlike muggins here - I was shocked at the bill from a specialist for all this plus the Q2 and FSD's).

Then you should have a few years of basic services again - and no turbo to blow up or anything. But every few years there is going to be a big bill! Totally worth it though.

Edited by jwyatt on Wednesday 10th December 16:33