Help with Alfa please.

[TVR Dan]

Hello, looking at a second car for a run around and like the Alfa 147. Now we don't have a huge budget to spend on one. Seen a very nice one that's been looked after by an enthuisiast but what worrys me is it's done 109k miles. Just wondering
how sound they are at this mileage and what to look out for? It's the 1.6 lusso ts. Any information welcome.

Thanks in advance
Dan

[RicksAlfas]

Think of Alfas as slower more practical TVRs. They aren't as bad as everyone says but they do like some TLC!

Mileage shouldn't be a problem necessarily. Better a high mileage enthusiast maintained car than a lowe mileage run on a budget one...
Check when the cambelt was last done (in the last 3 years/36,000 miles hopefully). Check when plugs were last done (every 60,000 max). Check the oil is on the dipstick (!) and clean. Listen for suspension clonks. Check all electrics work and have a good peer underneath for corrosion as sometimes the underseal can peel/lift.

[TVR Dan]

Thanks very much for the advice. The TVR has never been a problem so far but it's not an everyday car and missus doesnt want to drive it as she's scared of it's power. It looks a very well looked after car and it's priced well. I'll check everything u said. Where in north west is best for servicing and maintainace?

Dan

[RicksAlfas]

If you want a day at the seaside Ferdi's is meant to be good
http://www.ferdisgarage.co.uk/

But to be honest you don't really need a specialist other than for electrical diagnostics. Routine servicing is doable by any decent garage. There are "how to" guides here, and you can also buy parts from the same place:
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_maintenance_gui...

Shop4Parts are also excellent for mail order spares:
http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/

[swanny71]

Afternoon Dan,
Have a mooch around on alfaowner.com - loads of good stuff on there and a very enthusiastic NW section with loads helpful people to advise (me included;) )

[Reedy156]

swanny71 said:

Afternoon Dan,
Have a mooch around on alfaowner.com - loads of good stuff on there and a very enthusiastic NW section with loads helpful people to advise (me included;) )

+1 (And me with same ID as here!!)

[MattGTA]

Reedy156 said:

Have a mooch around on alfaowner.com - loads of good stuff on there

I'd agree with that.

BTW, I took a 2001 147 2.0TS up to 155k with no major problems, although it did like a drink of the black stuff by the time I sold it.