The current Alfa Spider - what's it like?

[scottb147]

Hi,

Looking to replace our '03 MR2 Roadster soon.
Interested to see what the general opinion is on the Spider.
Has anyone here got one / had one?
Is there anything we should look out for?
Would probably be more interested in the FWD models, running costs look a bit high on the 3.2 Q4!

Thanks in advance,
Scott.

[jsc15]

I've got the Brera 3.2 Q4 which is essentially the same but hardtop. I get 23 mpg average (mixture of driving but no drag racing), and the big service was £299. I've only had it 4 months but it's costing less than I anticipated.

The noise the V6 makes is great, and is probably even better in the Spider. It has it's Italian quirks, some stuff in the manual is complicated (I still haven't figured out the climate control), but overall I'd say go for it. It's a fantastic looking car and scarce on the roads so you won't be constantly seeing an identical one

[RicksAlfas]

If you are wanting a luxurious, comfortable, stylish, well equipped Grand Tourer it's perfect.
If you are wanting a lightweight precise sports car stick with the MR2 or an Elise.

jsc15 said:

I still haven't figured out the climate control

Put the snow flake on, MONO on, FULL AUTO on, adjust the temp and that's it.

[V6Alfisti]

RicksAlfas said:

If you are wanting a luxurious, comfortable, stylish, well equipped Grand Tourer it's perfect.
If you are wanting a lightweight precise sports car stick with the MR2 or an Elise.

Absolutely right

[JonSpiderMan]

Agree with rick on this, definately more of a GT car as it's weight affects the performance figures, that said it was extremely comfortable, well specced with a lot of toys as standard that you wouldn't get on some of the competition, parking sensors etc, Found it great as a motorway cruiser and could hold it's own on B roads as well.

I had the 2.4 JTD spider for two years. The 2.4 is a peach of an engine with loads of torque, and surprisingly for a convertible I didn't notice it that much apart from being a bit clattery when cold..

Niggles were a slight issue with the hood hydraulics so if you are checking one out get them to raise and lower the hood for you a couple of times, it should open and close in about 25 seconds. Apart from that no problems whatsoever.

Edited by JonSpiderMan on Tuesday 1st December 16:06

[scottb147]

Sounding good so far!
Wouldn't mind a bit of luxury and refinement.
Edinburgh have a few in stock, we might go for a look at the weekend.
2.4td would be a good one, what's the word on the 2.2?

Thanks again,
Scott.

[RicksAlfas]

Go for a 2.4 or 3.2.
2.2 is not so good and is now a discontinued engine. It's got poor throttle response in traffic, and is quite thirsty for the performance it gives. The other two are quite thirsty too, but at least they go well!

[wintyred]

scottb147 said:

Sounding good so far!
Wouldn't mind a bit of luxury and refinement.
Edinburgh have a few in stock, we might go for a look at the weekend.
2.4td would be a good one, what's the word on the 2.2?

Thanks again,
Scott.

I have a 2.2, sounds nice for a 4pot however I agree with the non linear throttle response comment but you quickly become use to it. I have leased this spider as I wanted something bigger and more of a GT after an MX5, went to Le mans last year in it and it cruises nicely especially on smooth roads. However I think the major point for you is that it isn't really a sports car in the sense of rear wheel drive and go-kart handling you would have got from the MR2.

My MPG is about 30 which deteriorates with high speed cruising and spirited driving to about 27mpg. DON'T get the 19" wheels like the 159Ti (I have an LE) I don't remember the car riding this poorly when I test drove it as that was on 18" , I've recently had to change front tyres after 15k miles and I've changed to Bridgestones which seems to help ride a bit but they were 200 quid each, Be Warned

Hope this helps

Mike

[WorGC]

Got to be the 2.4JTD. It's the full package. Trust me. I sell 'em!

[undred orse]

avoid.
i've got a 2.2 le.
rubbish engine - alfa should be ashamed.
26 mpg average ,can go down to 17.
slow,poor handling,nice inside and good to look at.