Thinking of changing my MG for an Alfa Romeo 147

Freefaller · 30 Oct 2007 at 22:04

I'd like to think so

As you may have picked up in this thread I have a soft spot for Alfas

[TW]Fox · 31 Oct 2007 at 00:05

I actually quite like the look of the 147, it's certainly more of a statement than a Focus, but its just the whole premium car running costs for a Focus rival I cannot get my head around.

Housey · 31 Oct 2007 at 00:09

wonder_lander said:

WOW, is that a Veyron?

Scania · 31 Oct 2007 at 04:51

ajgoodfellow said:
I've spent £3.5k on my MG in 18 months - surely the Alfa cannot be worse?

My 7 Series BM did'nt cost anywhere near that! :eek:

If you can suffer such costs, the motoring world is your oyster mate!

Personally, I would swap the Rover / MG but, NOT for an Alfa.

wonder_lander · 31 Oct 2007 at 18:54

housemaster said:
WOW, is that a Veyron?

Sure is, although I'm more than prepared to swap my veyron for your car if you'd like?

Georgew · 31 Oct 2007 at 19:47

go for the 147 but go for for the 1.9 diesel if you cant afford a GTA.

im conciering a GTA and that white one is stunning!!!!

Neo4 · 31 Oct 2007 at 23:31

Love driving my 156.Had a couple of issues lately which were all fixed under warranty within a week by AlfaWorkshops in Royston.Very reasonable prices from them to for cambelts etc.

Housey · 31 Oct 2007 at 23:34

wonder_lander said:
Sure is, although I'm more than prepared to swap my veyron for your car if you'd like?

I think you would get the raw deal on that one as I have sold my GT3, and now have a big space and a mind I can't make up.

Bri · 1 Nov 2007 at 07:23

As long as you keep up with the service intervals & check/top up the oil every week you should be OK.

There's a good buyers guide here; http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_147.shtml with some useful advice. I've not had mmuch trouble with mine, the odd electrical niggle but nothing major at all. If you do get one, welcome to the club, there's something much more special about an Alfa than a Focus/Golf/Astra etc and they are a hoot to drive.

With regards to the 2.0 156 being quicker, it's only quicker to 60 because it can get there in 2nd gear wheras the 147 needs 3rd to get to 60. In the real world, there's next to no diference between them.

Anyway, this seems like a good opportunity to shamelessly pimp my 147

I've had a new backbox fitted since these pics, I really need to get round to taking some new ones;

Freefaller · 1 Nov 2007 at 07:55

Ohh that's so pretty! :cool:

ajgoodfellow · 1 Nov 2007 at 10:21

They really are nice cars - I've been looking around for a good one

Thanks for the suggestion of looking at a diesel but I personally prefer the way petrols drive (and the sound they make) and it's not worth getting a diesel to save money when I'm only driving about 14k per year

Freefaller · 1 Nov 2007 at 12:03

Ditto - it's one of the few cars with character that I'd swap the 5 for.

volospian · 1 Nov 2007 at 12:21

It's a shame we have to have front numberplates

Freefaller · 1 Nov 2007 at 12:34

I agree it really ruins the lines.

volospian · 1 Nov 2007 at 12:37

It's not just alphas that suffer from it either, there are a few cars designed with gorgeous lines that get, well, not ruined, but certainly distracted from, when plates are slapped on

Freefaller · 1 Nov 2007 at 12:42

My mx5 looks so much better without it.

I agree - that's why sometimes in the US I look at cars and think, wow that looks nice!

volospian · 1 Nov 2007 at 12:56

I like the Maser Quattroporte from the front, but with plates it's like slapping a big 6 inch "My BIG Birthday" badge on a small child. It just looks out of place.

Freefaller · 1 Nov 2007 at 13:02

I think all beautiful Italian cars shouldn't be allowed to have front number plates - or at least small white on black lettering ones.

Von Luck · 1 Nov 2007 at 13:15

Third Opinion said:
Alfa's can guzzle up to a litre every 600 miles!

That's terrifying. I've never had a car consume enough oil to require a top-up between annual services.

My advice to the OP would be to get something that works properly, rather than try to be 'different'.

Matt82 · 1 Nov 2007 at 13:30

a litre in 600 miles is pretty steep. even my 170k mile golf only lost a litre every 1000miles when i got it and it had a collection of leaks. (at 146k tho)

now it barely uses any, 300cc per 1000 miles ish. ill have new stem seals in when i flow the head