Thinking of an Alfa Romeo GT (Diesel)?

[leemarkadams]

Hello all, once I get back from my next trip abroad am looking at changing my everyday car (BMW E46 330D) and after looking about quite like the look of the Alfa Romeo GT (Diesel). So what do people think, as would not want to spend more than about £6500.... (was looking for a BMW 335D but don't want to spend that much money).

Lee

[OperationAlfa]

First alfa I ever drove. For that amount of money you should get a pretty good example with a few miles under its belt.

Bullet proof engine. Loads of torque.

EGR valves can cause issues sometimes when they get clogged. Other issues can be split turbo hoses causing loss of power and smoking.

Styling is lovely, interior is very nice but not much room in the back.

Recommended, Definitely.

[wrinx]

Not sure about bullet proof...they need the water pump, belts and tensioners changed every 36k/3yrs from what I read...water pump failure will damage the top end if it seizes, taking the timing belt with it.

wrinx

[johnxjsc1985]

Hi just bought a 56 GTS JTD with 51k.I have got them to do the belts and water pump as part of the deal is there anything else I should be looking at.the clutch was replaced at 40k but it drives beautifully and looks good too.

[Kinky]

I've had one for c. 6 months now and love it to pieces.

As Wrinx says - it'll cost about £400ish; and should be done every 48k miles/3 years.

Lee - where in Hampshire are you? You're more than welcome to come have a look if you're localish

[leemarkadams]

Kinky said:

I've had one for c. 6 months now and love it to pieces.

As Wrinx says - it'll cost about £400ish; and should be done every 48k miles/3 years.

Lee - where in Hampshire are you? You're more than welcome to come have a look if you're localish

I live near Emsworth.....

[Kinky]

leemarkadams said:

I live near Emsworth.....

Any more clues?

[Kinky]

OK - Google was my friend

You're nowhere near! I'm way over the other side of Basingstoke

[crostonian]

Every 36k for a belt change is excessive on the 1.9 JTDm 16V, from lots of experience with these cars and 156s, 147s, Saabs etc I've not known a belt to go before 60k miles, not sure about the water pump myth either, agree that for what it costs it may as well be changed but it was only really early 2004 cars that I've known to have problems. I know prevention is better than cure but I think some Alfa specialists use scare tactics to fill their wallets.

[wrinx]

crostonian said:

Every 36k for a belt change is excessive on the 1.9 JTDm 16V, from lots of experience with these cars and 156s, 147s, Saabs etc I've not known a belt to go before 60k miles, not sure about the water pump myth either, agree that for what it costs it may as well be changed but it was only really early 2004 cars that I've known to have problems. I know prevention is better than cure but I think some Alfa specialists use scare tactics to fill their wallets.

Plenty to read on the wonderweb about premature pump/belt failures, happened to a friend of mine too.

Should point out my earlier post wasn't clear, t should read water pump fails, taking timing belt out which causes the top end to eat itself.

wrinx

[crostonian]

I agree, I think the 3 year rule is more important than the mileage rule.

[leemarkadams]

Kinky said:

OK - Google was my friend

You're nowhere near! I'm way over the other side of Basingstoke

No worries and thanks anyway!

[James Dean]

I thought the 36K rule only applied to the TS-engines?

[Kinky]

I swear it's 48k (or 3 years) for diesels.

[wrinx]

There have been failures below 40k, my friend included...personally I'd probably run to 48k/4yrs but advising others to do that is at their own risk too :lol:

wrinx

[johnxjsc1985]

I am having mine done at 50k and 4 years on a diesel so thats probably a sensibile thing to do.

[PJ3074]

How I dislike those two words when joined together...

Alfa Romeo + Diesel

Well, if you must... but if this is your first Alfa at least consider a petrol JTS and an Alfa's only an Alfa if you got full leather

[johnxjsc1985]

Dont panic i had the same feelings about my s type D. Thinking about getting shut of one of the jags and look at something more Alfa. Yes it has got full leather and goes remarkably well for a Diesel.

[crostonian]

The JTS is probably the most problematic Alfa engine of recent years, steer well clear!

[johnxjsc1985]

Its a diesel not a petrol. I understand the Diesel is fairly robust.