So, I'm considering buying a 10 year old Alfa Romeo...

[matt uk]

.. and it's a GTV with the 3.0 V6 motor.

It's got nearly a 100k on the clock but I am seriously tempted - I've always liked the looks, heard that the engine is a modern classic and I no longer need the room of the 5 series.

Plenty of bar-flies tell me it'll fall apart in a matter of months. Now, I've been on here long enough not to go along with this train of thought entirely... but there can't be all that smoke without at least some fire.

I'll use it for work so it does have to work everyday - reliablilty is important to me. I don't mind giving the car extra TLC, so long as it's planned TLC and not "waiting for an RAC man type of TLC".

So, talk me out of it if you can

Edited by matt uk on Tuesday 28th April 14:00

[funwithrevs]

If Alfas were unreliable I wouldn't tolerate them let alone keep coming back for more.

Just make sure you know the cambelt history, they cost a small fortune to replace.

[P17_GTA]

The engine certainly is a beauty!
Like any car if its been looked after and got good history it should be ok!
If its no history and you dont know whats been done to it, you could end up paying alot in preventative maintanence to keep your mind at rest with the belt etc.
Check all electrics work and suspension, bushes are ok.

Edited by P17_GTA on Tuesday 28th April 15:45

[matt uk]

Wise words, thanks both.

Once I start to get the ball rolling and need to research and ask some more detailed questions, what good websites would you direct me to?

Thanks,
Matt

[BussoV6]

Go and have a chat with the chaps at Alfaowner.com, they will give you an idea of what to look for.
The V6 is generally a strong engine and as long as its looked after correctly will do big miles without problems.

[clarkmagpie]

i have just bought one!
was meant to pick it up this evening but by the time i finished work i missed the bank
picking up in the morning instead.

mine has limited history so will be booked in straight away for a cambelt & tensioner change.

i have taken the day off work, so will fill it to the brim and have a nice drive into the lake district i think

[Robertf]

When I sold mine it was at about 160,000 miles, and going beautifully. Great car, undeserved reputation.

[wadgebeast]

There is a buyers guide, if you do a search on this forum, which you'll find invaluable. Generally the v6s are a bit more robust than the twinsparks, especially round the rear suspension area. Main thing to look for will be dodgy electrics and full set of keys. They don't rust.

[BigAlinEmbra]

If it was as bad as everyone said it was then it wouldn't have been knocking out 10k miles a year for the past decade.
At that age and mileage it can't be too pricey.

Do it, or would you rather tell the grandkids about buying yet another BMW because it was so reliable?

[Matt UK]

BigAlinEmbra said:

Do it, or would you rather tell the grandkids about buying yet another BMW because it was so reliable?

You've hit the nail on the head.

Owning a gorgeous Alfa with great engine is on my "list of things to do at least once".

[LilCat]

I bought one few weeks back (S Reg Grey GTV - No aero kit - 61k).. Love it to bits but the only thing that bugs me is that dodgy petrol cap with some sort of silver go faster type thing bolted on to it (yes BOLTED!)So looking for a replacement one as we speak.

On another note I was (well more the OH) was given great advice by some people on here. I will ask the OH to forward you the emails he got sent. Very very useful!

[Robatr0n]

LilCat said:

I bought one few weeks back (S Reg Grey GTV - No aero kit - 61k).. Love it to bits but the only thing that bugs me is that dodgy petrol cap with some sort of silver go faster type thing bolted on to it (yes BOLTED!)So looking for a replacement one as we speak.

On another note I was (well more the OH) was given great advice by some people on here. I will ask the OH to forward you the emails he got sent. Very very useful!

Just as a heads up Cat, I offered to show Matt around your steed when he is next in the Brentford area.

[Alex]

I bought a 25 year old Alfa Romeo last year, and it hasn't let me down yet.

[caiss4]

I just bought a 10 year old Alfa - 156 2.5V6 though. Relatively low miles and a full history which clearly hadn't included the cam belt.

Got it for a good price and in the full knowledge a large garage bill was coming. A £1000 later I believe I have a little cracker. Had the cam belt, tensioners, water pump and thermostat replaced - all known issues with the 2.5V6. Not sure whether the pump is an issue on the 3.0 - apparently pumps from early V6 156's had a plastic impellor that disintegrates; mine was just starting to show cracking.

I just think you have to go in to Alfa ownership with your eyes open and be prepared to cosset from time to time. Probably famous last words but I have to say I have been enjoying the car the past few weeks!

[Matt UK]

Well, I had a look at the car this weekend..

It was quite cheap, but looked tired and not in the best of condition. History was patchy and there was not a lot of evidence that much of the work these cars need doing had been done, so I've not gone ahead on this one.

But, I'm in the mood for one of these now and prepared to pay a bit more in order to secure a cherished example.

If anyone knows of a nice red or blue one with tan leather coming up for sale in the summer, then feel free to let me know.

Thanks for your replies so far. I'll be back no doubt with some more questions once the BMW is sold.

Cheers,
Matt

[Robatr0n]