Hi all,

I'm thinking about getting a GTV6 as a first car and I just want to get a bit of information about them. Are there certain things too look out for when buying one?
Are they a realistic first car? Or are they incredibly expensive to maintain? I'm reasonably mechanically minded so I should be able to do a most minor things myself.
Any information is greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,
Nate

Some good advice there. Mainly the point about getting it checked out before you buy. DO IT!!  I didn't and payed the price. Quite literally too, check my other posts for all the details but I've just finished rebuilding my engine. After I already changed it once. And spent quite a lot getting it up to scratch. So make sure you get it checked out by someone who knows what they're doing, any of the sponsors will probably be good but I go to Michael at Ital Motors. You can tell he'll do a good job, I've never seen someone with such a passion for cars let alone Alfas. He loves the things and gets just as much satisfaction if you appreciate them too. His work is top notch.

Mine's a 4 cylinder and 99% of the time its more than enough. The pure enjoyment of driving it is enough to forget you don't have a v6. Also for a first car, the 4 is a lot easier. Most parts on the v6 (from what I've been told) are roughly double in price compared to the 4. I just spent $6500 rebuilding my engine. I assure you it'd be a lot more for a 6. Not to mention the substantially larger fuel tanks (more $$$ to fill up) and increased consumption. I will get a v6...but only when I can afford to own and maintain it properly. My Alfa is my second car and I'm just able to manage. Keep in mind I'm only 19.

The sound of the 4 cylinder is different to the 6, but it is still fantastically brilliant. My mate has a Honda and he can't believe how good it sounds for a 4 cylinder, but...he does drive a Honda so it's to be expected! Handling is brilliant; put simply, you don't want to get out of it.

Pros: You'll have just as much fun in a 4 cylinder, save urself a good 5 grand (for a good one) in buying it, lower fuel bills, cheaper parts
Cons: no bonnet bulge (if you care about those things), no v6 sound

I've also been told that the 4's handle better because of the lighter 4 cylinder..I've not been in a v6 to justify this but I can tell you, mine handles better than any other car I've been in....except for that Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder but thats to be expected!
In my opinion the 4's also have a better interior, mine has a decent serve of wood and leather as opposed to black plastic.

The choice is yours; either way you'll have a blast and definetly catch the Alfa bug. I know I have.

Good Luck

Would it be possible at all to resurrect the 90 Sheldon? Parents would kill me but I'd love a project car...

Spotty, one thing I've been advising people I know who want a V6 for their first car is to factor in the biggest hidden cost - petrol. My 166 has drinks a lot - I always put it to them whether they can afford to run the motor.

Otherwise, everyone I know with a GTV6 seems to love them.

No chance.


I didn't mention any names, funny you're the first to move......

You know I'm just jealous anyway.  Why no PI mate?

Had a few other issues to deal with....looks like it was fun.....I am so wanting to get on the track...