Buying a Alfa 147

[tiptop79]

Hello,

I am off to look at this tomorrow http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011... and would like any tips or pointer to look out for.

This will be my first venture into Italian cars and despite trying to ignore the bad press I am a little apprehensive especially as the milage seems a little to good to be true. i have checked out the various buying guides on line but i would be grateful for any input from current or pervious owners. A friend has the same model on a 05 plate and she paid £6K for it. It has been fine apart from the cam belt going after about 2 months of her owning it and random people driving into/deers running in front of it.

Any info will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Allandwf]

I've had two of them, were pretty reliable, need to get the cam belt changed at 36000 , originally alfa said 72000, so check it's been done. Only major problem I had was the front screen leaking onto the fuses and relays causing the car to have a mind of it's own!

[RicksAlfas]

Just check the cambelt history. It needs to be every 3 years OR 36000 miles. If it hasn't had it done or the history looks sketchy just get it done straight away. Budget £400. I suspect it will want it's plugs changing too, again unless there is cast iron evidence they have been done. Other than that check the electrics work, the suspension is quiet and there is no corrosion underneath.

[robsco]

Check gear selection too, mine began to develop an intermittent problem and the gearstick wouldn't self centre. The selector plate gets worn, and although its cheap it makes the gearbox feel bloody horrible. It had its good days and bad days but it could be very frustrating.

[Stingercut]

I have one. Superb cars and still one of the prettiest hatches around. Never had any reliability issues after 6 years of ownership. Just make sure it has been well cared for by decent Independants. Just treat it with respect and regulary check oil levels.

[tiptop79]

Thanks for the replies and the tips. That was one of the worst cars I have even been to look at, it was actually quite comical. And when I asked about service history he said it had none and then admitted that in three years he has never had the car serviced. Oh well it was entertaining if nothing else...my search continues.

[edward1]

My wife has had one for the last 8 years an 03 plate 1.6TS bought when 6mths old and it has been really reliable. As previously said the cambelt interval is 36k (advisable to have water pump changed at the same time) or 3yrs, any rattling could be the cam variator again something that can be done with the cambelt. Any creaking that sounds like it is coming from behind the dash is the upper wishbones, these are not expensive to buy and easy to change either DIY or allow around 1hr each side at a garage. The only major compnent we had fail was the clutch gave up last year (slave cylinder) resulting in new slave cyclinder and clutch, this was at 70k.

It now has 80k on the clock and still drives like the day we bought it, a great little hatch back. Due to a change in family circumstances and a general shuffle of cars the 147 is up for sale at the moment but it is with a degree of reluctance, some one will get a good motor for not a lot of money.