Not an Alfa owner, yet..

[greasemeup]

Hi All,

Just wanted to ask some advice. I am considering getting an Alfa and wanted to find out why the 147,s are so cheap here. I get that convertibles don't hold their values but what's up with 147's?


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[Garibaldi]

Nothing wrong with the 147 at all, they're just not as popular as some of the other models. Like all Alfas they are a great car to drive and if serviced properly by an Alfa Romeo specialist workshop, they are very reliable. I had one for 3 years and aside from normal maintenance never had any major issues with it. Make sure you buy one which has a documented service history, preferably with receipts and you should be fine. Better still get one of our club sponsor workshops to check the car out prior to purchasing it. 

[greasemeup]

Thanks Baldi,

I am using  Tapatalk, is there specific thread with form sponsors details, searches reveal individual threads?


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[lombardi]

If u can , buy manual , try and stay away from selespeed, can be problematic if u r unlucky

[greasemeup]

New to Alfa's so not up to speed on the terminology. What's Salespeed?


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[greasemeup]

Answering my own question, turns out there is a service providers tab under State Divisions tab


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[Thijsvr]

New to Alfa's so not up to speed on the terminology. What's Salespeed?


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Selespeed is a robotized manual gearbox. So it's not really an automatic and not really a manual. You shift through paddles and it's supposed to be more sporty. However they have a poor reputation in terms of reliability. I believe the earlier versions especially broke down a lot, but later versions were better.

I would just go manual though. It's the way an Alfa is supposed to be.

[greasemeup]

Thanks Thij,
(Try saying that three times fast:)

Your right, manual is definitely the way it's supposed to be. Alfa's tend to sound good that way too.


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[Thijsvr]

Haha, yeah it's not the simplest of names. You pronounce it like the food. "Thai" and then just add an S. Or "Tyson" without the "on" part

The reason the 147 is a bit cheaper is probably because it's a small hatchback and for Australian standards I think they're a bit too small. They were also a bit cheaper to purchase from new compared to other models in the Alfa range.

I looked at them but I sort of found two types of 147s. One being cars that were reasonably priced, but sold by people I didn't really trust. Namely young people that I just didn't get a good feeling from. First car, not really well versed in how to treat a car, that sort of thing. Or alternatively cars that looked like they had been treated well but were in 156 territory in terms of pricing.

Personally I would look for a manual GTA, keep it original and look after it well. I think their prices are pretty much bottoming out and in a couple of years when there aren't that many well looked after models available anymore I would expect you can sell it on with very little loss.

[greasemeup]

Hmmm, GTA..

I said to the man, "Are you trying to tempt me?
Because I come from the land of plenty."

I love the idea, there is just 1 for sale ATM for 8k. But I better keep my temptations where they belong, this car will be handed over to my daughter for her first car, better stick to a 2L methinks.

I tell ya, I had serious reservations about going Italian, but you guys have put my mind at ease, provided I take your advice and get a pre purchase inspection done by a specialist and use a specialist workshop for regular maintenance it should be a positive experience.


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[Thijsvr]

Haha, yeah a GTA may not be the best idea for a first car. Good luck finding on finding the right 147 and do post some pictures when you get it.

[lombardi]

If not mentioned before,  the timing belts and changing at correct intervals is crucial for this model , many engines have gone to the scrap heap for lack of maintenance , just check but i think its 3 years or 60k , so use this as a bargaining tool to get the right price ,  i think to change by specialist is around $ 800 to a grand ..

[poohbah]

i think to change by specialist is around $ 800 to a grand

Assuming its same as for a 156, you're more likely looking at $1200-$1500 for cambelt depending on whether you have water pump changed as well.

[Garibaldi]

i think to change by specialist is around $ 800 to a grand

Assuming its same as for a 156, you're more likely looking at $1200-$1500 for cambelt depending on whether you have water pump changed as well.

Yes, that's about the right money, that's what it cost me last time.

[greasemeup]

Very good to know and good timing, there is one for sale in Victoria with 68000ks on it.


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