new car 2-4k.....Alfa GTV? am I mad?

[Oakesy2001uk]

I am in the market for a new car now finally decided I should stop being boring with my 106 diesel, (been thinking about it for a while). Split up with my girlfriend last week so for the first time in 3 years I am yong free and single and need to stop being boring spending all my money racing my bike (still will do it mind!).

I want something that looks nice, but I am an interior man, not essential, but I do like nice interiors. I'm not afraid of getting my hands dirty, and have mechanic friends so as long as it wont completely fall apart for no reason I'm happy. Budget 2-4k shouldn't be a problem, depends on the car really, bt 4 is a max.

Speed wise I have 7 points and a claim (not crash), but do have 4 years NCB I am 22 in december, so cant go too mad. Don't want to spend over £800 or so on insurance really.

Fuel wise, as long as its capable of doing 30 or so on a run that will be fine, I dont commute that far, and dont expect good economy when I'm back laning it.

I really like the alfa GTV (would have to be the 2.0), but I know all about their reliability woes, the other problem is I do do mountain biking, and it would be nice if I could get my jump bike in there! (or on a rack). I often dont drive so might not be a problem most of the time.

 

[Dogbreath]

The GTV has a tiny boot and very little room in the rear seats, getting a bike inside is a non-starter IMO.

Lovely cars with great handling though, just don't expect to be able to run it on a tight budget.

 

[Oakesy2001uk]

The GTV has a tiny boot and very little room in the rear seats, getting a bike inside is a non-starter IMO.

Lovely cars with great handling though, just don't expect to be able to run it on a tight budget.

Its ok, I think I could sacrifice the push bike thing, others would just have to drive

Whats the 2.0 TS motor like? I know the cambelt interval is 36k, and it makes a pretty noise, thats about it!

I might have to see if there is one local to look round/drive. Anyone on here had one?

 

[MarkDavis]

The 2.0TS makes a great sound, 16V, variable valve timing, change in tone @ 3.5k+ etc, but drinks loads of oil, is a delicate thing and incredibly sensitive to neglect. If its ever been run low on oil -1litre/1000miles isn't uncommon - the engine won't last and there's nothing you can do about it. Walk away from any car that doesn't have a cast iron service history. The GTV is more unreliable than the 156/147 because Alfa were still experimenting with components in those days...incidentally, the TS engines are gradually being replaced by the JTS engines which are slightly more durable. At the end of the day, you buy cars like this because you want something different, just don't be surprised if you spend £££s fixing it.

 

[Oakesy2001uk]

The 2.0TS makes a great sound, 16V, variable valve timing, change in tone @ 3.5k+ etc, but drinks loads of oil, is a delicate thing and incredibly sensitive to neglect. If its ever been run low on oil -1litre/1000miles isn't uncommon - the engine won't last and there's nothing you can do about it. Walk away from any car that doesn't have a cast iron service history. The GTV is more unreliable than the 156/147 because Alfa were still experimenting with components in those days...incidentally, the TS engines are gradually being replaced by the JTS engines which are slightly more durable. At the end of the day, you buy cars like this because you want something different, just don't be surprised if you spend £££s fixing it.

I am aware they arent the most durable blocks, but I do want something different and you have to pay for that, but no-one wants a lemon. I think you just have to look at a few and buy off someone who looks and sounds like they know what they have been doing. Hoping for the best. If they really are awful then I might have to re-think.

I can't see anything else at this price that is genuinely different, drives well (or seems to by the sounds, time will tell) has a nice interior and goes ok. (I can't reasonably insure somehting that goes better than ok at the mo). If there is an alternative thats a bit more reliable, I'd love it! but I can't see any really.

 

[MarkDavis]

For the money, its a fabulously interesting car.

http://irishcar.com/ICOimages/alfagtv03sid.jpg

Definitely go for one with a low a mileage as possible and as few owners as possible - its old adage about motorway doesn't really apply so much to this car as everything wears and components aren't built to last. Make sure its been dealer service or Alfa indie serviced and make sure cambelt has been done. - that's +£500 otherwise. Check its cambelt, idler, tensioner, VARIATOR and water pump. Otherwise if one things been left out eg. Waterpump, you have to dismantle everything to change it at considerably cost. Check for suspension knocking, tranverse arms, wishbones, ARBs and bushes wear quickly, so look for evidence that some or all of this has been done. One this for example, shows the guy has spent money on it, which is what you want:-

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/227119.htm

You'd do well to take your time to find a good example than rush into a purchase. At least, you'll have fabulously interesting car. Personally, I'd still take 3 series any day of the week but hey, each to their own

 

[BigglesPiP]

You should be able to pick one up in relatively good condition for that money.

But if you look at a 156 you'll get a newer one in even better condition, and the insurance would be less.

 

[graemer]

I just picked up my GTV 2l last week and I love it.
Yes there is no boot to speak of and the rear seats are useless but the car is great to drive I havent driven a car as responsive.
There is a owners forum to check out for buying tips and it is essential that there has been a cam belt change at 60K (alfa guidelines) I know that experience says it should be changed every 30K(in mine it cost the previous owner £640). Also I read that the rear shocks can be problematic.
My advice would be look around and have a few test drives imo you wont be dissapointed tho.