Would you buy an Alfa ?

Super-Spy

Super-Spy

Super-Spy

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I don't know what has got over me but I quite fancy a cheap Alfa !

I owned an Alfa 33 Cloverleaf many moons ago and it never game me any trouble but I am aware they can suffer from a variety of issues. It is quite surprising actually when looking at cars for sale etc how many owners seem to have issues with Alfa. I get the general feeling (not scientific) that they seem to suffer with more issues than their German counter parts. Seem to be a fair few selling for parts or repair in comparison.

Any way, back to the main question, would you buy a late 90's/early '00s Alfa ?
 
Probably better asking on an Alfa forum and looking up common issues for the car you’re interested in.

My Dad had 2 Suds, a 33 and a 75. Can’t recall any problems. Rust was supposed to be bad for that vintage.

Hoping they do a new Spider tbh. Would certainly have a Giulia or Stelvio.
 
In the age range you're looking as I'd go for a GTV 3.0 V6. I wanted one at the time, despite the numerous mechanical issues. Wouldn't run it as a daily, though.

*Edit*

In fact is just went looking on PH as you started me thinking about them again :)

Aside from the fact that price for a decent Cup is almost £15k now, this is in the first paragraph of it's listing. It tell you all you need to know about Alfas:

I have owned this car for just over 3 years and the previous owner similarly cherished it for 9 years (since 2005). Since purchasing the car I have spent over £8k bringing an already good car up to tip-top condition.
Click to expand...

Emphasis mine.
 
I had my heart set on getting a 3.2 159 or Brera "both stunning looking cars imo" as my next car but having asked on PH and receiving many helpful replies and then looking on the Alfa forums I decided to let my head/wallet rule over my heart and changed my mind as many Alfa's just seem to have stupid issues you just don't get on other cars and some generic parts seem really hard to get hold of.
 
Rule 1 of Alfas, there is no such thing as a cheap Alfa
Rule 2 of Alfas, there is no such thing as a cheap Alfa

:p

On a more serious note. The more recent models do seem to be quite solid and nice cars to drive, not like the "Suds" of the early 80's. But they can be eyewateringly expensive if they go wrong.
 
Orionaut said:
On a more serious note. The more recent models do seem to be quite solid and nice cars to drive, not like the "Suds" of the early 80's. But they can be eyewateringly expensive if they go wrong.
Click to expand...

Suds were nice to drive but not solid.

Not heard any major issues about the current cars (and associated costs) any more than other manufacturers. Must admit I haven’t specifically looked either.
 
I'd love a V6 GTV Cup or 159 but I'm almost positive the old Busso V6 never went into the 159 and was phased out? 147 GTA appeals too but prices are on the up apparently.
 
Yes, all the busso engines cars are fetching good money.

The V6 in the 159 is a different engine I think, referred to as a JTM and doesn't look like the Busso.

I have frequented the alfa forum but not much point on asking on there as they will be slightly biased. They would point out the problems but would say they are worth putting up with to own an Alfa.

As mentioned, I did own a 33 cloverleaf in the past but it was only 4 years old at the time and was fine.

Problem I face is that my head tells me it may be a money pit but my heart is saying "sod it, you only live once"
 
I let my heart rule my head and on a whim purchased a near-mint condition Alfa 147, Sport 1.6 T-Spark (2008). I was looking for a second car as a run around and opted to try an Alfa.

Well, there is no such thing as a cheap Alfa, sadly, so very true. Since owning, there is a quirk with 147 concerning the clutch, basically freezes in cold weather so you lose your clutch. You learn this information when reading the owners forums. In the end replaced the clutch. The brakes were changed all round even though this balked as the car only has 37K mileage? The back box has rusted to dust. The interior whilst in excellent condition has gremlins such as window trim falling off. Just never seen or faced bills of such proportion with other cars.

The factory set the car up with toe-in, makes the car handle like a go-kart but the inner tyre walls are ruined. It's crazy to see decent tyres with plenty of tread to fail an MOT - Nonsensical.

For what its worth now and what you can buy for the same price, there are few cars for the same budget. It still looks good and great fun to drive. Sadly though I got to agree that in hindsight, I wished I had purchased another marque as it has turned out to be an expensive run around!
 
Sorry to hear about your experience :(

Surprising given the low mileage but the brakes and tyres could be needed on any car, not sure about deteriorating trim though !
 
The tyres, look like new, but the factory set-up causes the inner wall to wear unnecessarily prematurely. Yes I can get the tracking changed and will do, just annoying that it is required in the first place. All the faults I have described can be found on the enthusiast forums.

It certainly taught me a lesson not to listen to my heart - Ah well, you only live once! :)
 
Super-Spy said:
I don't know what has got over me but I quite fancy a cheap Alfa !

I owned an Alfa 33 Cloverleaf many moons ago and it never game me any trouble but I am aware they can suffer from a variety of issues. It is quite surprising actually when looking at cars for sale etc how many owners seem to have issues with Alfa. I get the general feeling (not scientific) that they seem to suffer with more issues than their German counter parts. Seem to be a fair few selling for parts or repair in comparison.

Any way, back to the main question, would you buy a late 90's/early '00s Alfa ?
Click to expand...

Nope. They tend to have problems resulting in quite considerbale periods of time need to stay in the service places.

Better consider Mazda 3 or Mazda 6 from 2006-2008.
 
I had 3 alfa 156's in different engines over around an 8 year period. I never had a scrap of problem with them, other than normal maintenance.
Would love to get another alfa. I still have one parked up on some land I have. Whenever I get in it, it still feels nice.

Tempted to get a Giulia in a year or so tbh.
 
Not looking to buy daily, it would be a third car for a bit of fun, like a GTV or 964 Spider.

The alternative is something like an MX-5 but already had a Mk1 in the past. THe MX-5 is still a consideration and a far more reliable, cheaper to run car, but that heart is pulling me towards an alfa
 
I have an mx5 as a daily driver.
I think the mx5 is a bit boring for a second (or 3rd) car.

I wouldn't be put off by an alfa but I would take my time researching and try to find a good one.. Then make sure I had money for repairs as I do with my current car.
 
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