Alfa 147s..talk to me

[seany87]

Im getting a serious urge to buy an Alfa, either a 156 or a 147, I have a 2.5k budget.

I now have a larger commute to work (approx 50 mins instead of 5) so I would be looking for the 1.9 diesel rather than the twin sparks (I hear the twin sparks can be a bit thirsty and fiddly to work on) My girlfriend prefers diesels to drive as well.

I dont really know much about the 147 so is there anything to look out for when going to see one? what are they like to drive/live with? I know they share the running bits with the 156, my dad has a facelifted 156 1.9 and its a lovely car.

Id also like to chip the 147, what gains should I be looking at from a 115hp standard model say? And does anyone know how much insurance goes up with a chip?

Thanks

[falkster]

You're going to kick yourself because you've missed two very cheap 156s. One 04 and one 55 plate with full leather was at a dealer in knaresborough for £2200!!!
I've had both and love them. Gone off pre facelift 156s so it would have to be a facelift. Trawl eBay and you will find one.
In terms of reliability they're not as bad as people make out. In 60k I had to replace a crank position sensor but other than that it was just usual service.
Make sure belts on petrol cars are changed at 70k, not sure about diesel.
If you can push to a 2.4jtd then you'll be very pleased.
Both mine had momo leather!!! Brilliant!

[seany87]

That is cheap! Were they high milage boggo spec ones?

I love the facelift cars but sadly dont think I can quite stretch to one.

[robsco]

I've had both (not diesels though), I prefer the 156 to be honest. The interior is slightly more "Italian", the steering feel is more confidence inspiring, and if anything I find mine to be quite strongly built, less rattly than the 147. The diesels are very good engines, check that the belts and tensioners have been done, think the intervals are 72k/5yrs, but its much safer for them to be done earlier. Check for clunky suspension too, wishbones and bushes need changing pretty frequently.

[falkster]

seany87 said:

That is cheap! Were they high milage boggo spec ones?

I love the facelift cars but sadly dont think I can quite stretch to one.

Good spec and 55k and 47k. I almost bought one but I'm already in the bad books!! She doesn't even know I've got another car coming today!! I hope it's dark when she comes home!!

[jamieboy]

falkster said:

Make sure belts on petrol cars are changed at 70k, not sure about diesel.

No, make sure belts on petrol cars are changed at 36k / 3 years.

[14-7]

robsco said:

I've had both (not diesels though), I prefer the 156 to be honest. The interior is slightly more "Italian", the steering feel is more confidence inspiring, and if anything I find mine to be quite strongly built, less rattly than the 147.

Strange that as the 147 is generally acknowledged to be better put together than the 156 being a later car/platform.

I went from a 156 to a 147GTA and the difference in build quality and materials used is like night and day.

[robsco]

14-7 said:

robsco said:

I've had both (not diesels though), I prefer the 156 to be honest. The interior is slightly more "Italian", the steering feel is more confidence inspiring, and if anything I find mine to be quite strongly built, less rattly than the 147.

Strange that as the 147 is generally acknowledged to be better put together than the 156 being a later car/platform.

I went from a 156 to a 147GTA and the difference in build quality and materials used is like night and day.

I found it strange too, particularly after many who offered advice had similar experiences to you 14-7. I can see no immediate weaknesses in the 156's build quality or materials, and everything feels robust enough. I always felt there was an air of fragility about the 147, which was charming but niggling. That said, it never really caused me a huge amount of grief.

Edited by robsco on Wednesday 22 September 15:17

Edited by robsco on Wednesday 22 September 15:32

[Reedy156]

jamieboy said:

falkster said:

Make sure belts on petrol cars are changed at 70k, not sure about diesel.

No, make sure belts on petrol cars are changed at 36k / 3 years.

^^^^ This!!! On both petrol and diesel...

Get the 156 2.4 10v - remap it - 190bhp oodles of torque and 40-45mpg! cannot go wrong!

Love mine to bits! (even in standard map form!)

My Dad in law hs a 147 JTD and I must say - I prefer the 156!