I am looking at buying a 75 as a daily drive to add to my beloved 2000GTV.
As dedicated 75 owners what are the big ticket items I should look out for and what are the questions to ask when looking one over.
thanks in advance
chris
Quote from: w47ty on February 22, 2011, 11:26:55 PM
As dedicated 75 owners what are the big ticket items I should look out for and what are the questions to ask when looking one over.
Big ticket items are the V6? Very expensive to fix and likely to require fixing sooner than you'd like.
Questions to ask? Does it have a V6? It does? No thank you I want a twinspark.
In simple terms, get a twinspark. They're better in every way (close ration gearbox and LSD, lighter, better balanced, and handle better) except they don't quite match the V6 sound or acceleration. And if the Tony Abbott get's thrown into the fan and you bend it, you'll still get $1,500 for a good twinspark motor and ECU, and about the same for the close ration gearbox and LSD.
Do not listen to him!!!
Twin Sparks have tooo many spark plugs!!!
VeeSix is the only way to go!!! ;D ;D ;D
what about a 90 still has the v6 is more luxurious and is better to drive and i have one you can buy and it in good cond to
Hey! Don't pick on the 90's. I remember selling them when they were first released in Australia. Nice car. But no way on God's green earth did you want to be the bunny that had to drive it home. Not unless you had time to wait on the side of the road for a tow truck. At least half the problems were dashboard related electrical problems, the other half were non-dashboard related electrical problems.
But I guess all those teething bugs have since been ironed out.
Anyhoo, back to the original question. Get a twinspark.
Thanks guys appreciate the advice so far.
Dehne, not sure on the 90. I assume you dont have your tongue in your cheek. If not, are you able to PM with more details/photos and of course a price?
cheers
chris
for that period the 90 was the luxury car, ok some people say the 90,s are ugly but have you looked in the mirror lately, they are a great drive if you have not driven one really i would say that you should, before you say they are crap, they have all the modern item like power steering, electic windows, electric seats, elect mirror, and yes when they all work they are fantastic, and for the sheer luck of it all the electric DO work on the white 90 for sale, ask mat francis what the white 90 is like he came for a quick drive in it on the weekend when he was picking up someparts, ill put some pics up here for you
:) I can see you love the 90 Dehne. All good Alfisti should of course defend their favourite Model. Look forward to seeing the pics.
I appreciate the advice and help guys. Just found a nice looking 75 ... good price too. The scratch on the boot lid doesnt sound too horrendous and should be easy to rectify
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=3&R=9729140&keywords=&trecs=11&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__sid=12487ACD284F&__Nne=15&__Qpb=true&seot=1&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294960130%204294967249&silo=1011
I know I know monoman, V6!!!
Quote from: paul edwards on February 23, 2011, 06:11:53 PM
.
l wouldn't take a standard 90 to far if l was you.
The 75ts is the pic of the crop by a country mile.
Cheers Paul
Dehne you said "have you looked in the mirror lately"
really mate do you think that's funny or are you just a dick head???????
the 90 is just as confortable as the 75 and i have done plenty of 3000km trips in it and each one has been a blast,
and the mirror comment was just a little fun if you cannot take it get of the race track the pace is to much for you ;D
Dehne,
The first remark was, as Paul pointed out, a remark made by a dickhead. A simple, "no offense intended", would have sufficed. Your follow up remarks not only show you truly are a dickhead, it shows that you're prepared to prove it.
Learn how to play with adults, or go back to your sandbox. You can take baby steps towards adulthood by apologising to Paul Edwards and w44ty.
Cheers
What else but a 2.5 75 could be had in meticulous condition for $3100?!
Looks great! It's an early car so probably more prone to rust than later cars. Mine had a little rust in the rear guards, and around the screens. I'd also check the sills and the A-pillar. Take note of the condition of the synchros as well. The V6 can sound a bit tappety which is probably fine. I can't think of else that you'd wouldn't already be checking.
The whole V6 vs TS debate is (clearly) very emotive and personal. The V6 sounds better, is heavier on fuel and in a daily driver you won't notice the extra weight over the front wheels. Gearbox ratios I'm very sure are the same but the 2.5 has no LSD. Keep an eye on the cambelt interval on the V6 and both motors will be reliable. The only other thing is the L-Jet electrics which get a bad rap.
Scott
Quote from: monoman on February 23, 2011, 06:50:40 PM
Dehne,
The first remark was, as Paul pointed out, a remark made by a dickhead. A simple, "no offense intended", would have sufficed. Your follow up remarks not only show you truly are a dickhead, it shows that you're prepared to prove it.
Learn how to play with adults, or go back to your sandbox. You can take baby steps towards adulthood by apologising to Paul Edwards and w44ty.
Cheers
well so sorry but if you look at the end of the comment there is a smile face so there for there is no offence intended
Thanks Scott!
I spoke to the chap and it seems to have been very well maintained mechanically. The only thing being is that he described a bit of a "crunch" if not caressed into 2nd. Not quite sure how bad it is until I take it for a spin but I am hoping it is nothing more than giving a 25 yr old car the respect it deserves.
Certainly the V6/TS debate is probably one to avoid if i can :)
On the rust front I shall give it the full Alfa once over. Thanks again
cheers
chris
dehne: I chuckled at your 'looked in the mirror lately' comment. I didn't think it was offensive.
monoman: most of what I've read from you suggests you're the dickhead. You're the last person should be giving advice on forum etiquette.
ever get the feeling that you wished you had never asked the question ;)
Probably best to draw a line under this one. Thanks for all the constructive advice guys
cheers
chris
If you had 2 otherwise identical cars in terms of condition for the same price I'd take the TS. The TS is by all objective measures in the same condition the better car *but* the V6 does sound good! A well priced V6 in nice condition would certainly tempt me and I'd take one in a heartbeat over a rough TS.
Other than that - Dehne obviously needs glasses so he can see both his car and himself in the mirror more clearly and some other people need the same so they can see the humor with or without emoticons...
Buy a nice example of whatever *you* like and you can't really go wrong. Check drivetrain (no real difference between them) - donuts and mounts are service items...
The engine on the TS seems to me to be one of the more indestructible things around if it is serviced properly and regularly (ie change the fluids, fix the leaks). I don't have enough experience with the V6 to speak with any authority on it but it isn't fragile either. Having to change the cambelt on the V6 is a factor (and unless you are very sure of service history you should probably factor it in sooner rather than later) but it isn't like it is hard to do/get to (unlike many front wheel drive V6s) so not a real problem.
I looked at a Twinspark in Melbourne last week and took a very well known Alfa club member / mechanic along with me. The owner claimed it was close to immaculate. Although it only had 200k on it, the drivers door seals were almost non existent, the drivers seat was about as stuffed as a seat can be, the engine was hidden between years of gunk, and the oil had metal flakes in it. And after 16 years of ownership, he acted surprised that there was no belt driving the aircond compressor. Clearly this was a tired car that needed more TLC than I had time to lavish on it.
The next day I bought a lovely clean twinspark from a trusted club member. Such is the nature of the second hand market. Good cars come, and good cars go. Wait a week, and there will be more.
dehne,
Adding a smiley face after you have insulted someone does make it okay, or lessen the offense.
Evan, your buddy's "look in the mirror" comments on their own were not particularly inflammatory, and no doubt delivered in jest, his follow up comments afterwards were the hallmark of a true fool. That said, your leap to his defense really takes the cake. Let me get this straight. You are supporting his rudeness and attacking me not because what I have said about dehne is any way inaccurate, but because you disapprove of something I may have posted previously. If not for your outright rudeness, I would be flattered you've taken the time to look me up, so to speak.
BTW. Lean the use of the shift, or caps lock key before you start lecturing others on etiquette.
Hello Chris
I do not know how this forum has become kindergarten lately
That 75 Chris is a first series and i must admit i have not seen a first series that neat in a long time, they are generally overlooked and stripped in favour of later models, someone has put the later model 1990 - 1992 75 Potenziata wheels on it and has done a damn good job of cleaning them up, but as neat as it is Chris there is no way you would pay $3100 for it you could easily do so much better with a later model, if it goes good and is registered Chris the highest offer you would make on it would be $2000
V6 versus Twin Spark debate, we all know the V6s are the best, Twin Sparks have tooo many rotor caps!!! ;D
Hi VeeSix
thank you mate that is sensational advice. I am off to see the car tomorrow so I shall see how we go on the negotiation front.
Sadly as much as I like to be considered an alfisti I am hopelessly ignorant when it comes to things like engines which is why I rely on this forum for good advice. I dont necessarily mind people having a go at each other but clearly they have an issue and it is frustrating when you are after some advice.
cheers
chris
Quote from: monoman on February 24, 2011, 01:54:59 AM
Evan, your buddy's "look in the mirror" comments on their own were not particularly inflammatory, and no doubt delivered in jest, his follow up comments afterwards were the hallmark of a true fool. That said, your leap to his defense really takes the cake. Let me get this straight. You are supporting his rudeness and attacking me not because what I have said about dehne is any way inaccurate, but because you disapprove of something I may have posted previously. If not for your outright rudeness, I would be flattered you've taken the time to look me up, so to speak.
so what your saying is that you can then offen someone else after they have made a little joke and that they cannot then defend them self with ur comments, get out of the SPAM if it to hot for you ;D
Quote from: dehne on February 25, 2011, 04:13:51 PM
so what your saying is that you can then offen someone else after they have made a little joke and that they cannot then defend them self with ur comments, get out of the SPAM if it to hot for you ;D
WTF????? Another hero member own goal. http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/russianroulette
hehe I enjoyed that clip Monoman
Guys,
what are your thoughts, opinions and comments on a gearbox rebuild or replacement for the 75? How much is it likely to cost? Are the parts hard to find etc etc.
cheers
chris
Mines on Carsales.com.au
Come and get it so I can fix the Rav4 and empty some space in the backyard.
$2950 and it's yours.
CAtch ya
Shane
Thanks Shane.
Sadly not for me
cheers
chris
Quote from: w47ty on February 26, 2011, 01:12:09 PM
Guys,
what are your thoughts, opinions and comments on a gearbox rebuild or replacement for the 75? How much is it likely to cost?
Are we talking TS (ie LSD)? These boxes are "desirable" which makes them moderately expensive in any condition ('cos people want to swap them into 116s). If you already have one it doesn't really make any long term sense to replace rather than rebuild (the transaxle you buy is presumably not going to be in substantially better conddition than the one you have) - but a rebuild will cost some real $ and isn't exactly a job for amateurs. This is really what makes th low price/value of these cars show - you could easily spend $2000 - $3000 on a proper rebuild of the transaxle and some would claim "you could buy a whole car for that"... The thing is, it is a whole car with a taxl that has already done 200000km+
Some of the exchanges here in this thread are bordering on breaching the Forum Rules.
PM me if you have an issue, I won't post the content of our discussion on the public forum.
Every one has an opinion and is free to express it and "attempt" to justify it, but keep it clean and respectful. Peace out!
Hi Darryl
No I am talking about the 6C. sorry I should have been more specific.
The reason I ask is that I had a look at a really nice example today. Paints a little tired and the headlining needs redoing which is not totslly unexpected but there is a nasty crunch when going into or out of 2nd if you rush the change (sorry best way i can describe it).
Now I imagine that is an impending gear box renewal or some form at some time in the immediate future so I am just weighing up whether it is financially worth it.
thanks for the advice it chimes with what I had thought and been advised before but it is good to get a couple of other opinions.
cheers
chris
If a little tired, they all crunch into second if you rush it. You need to pause for a half-second or so on the way up, and you need to double declutch on the way down, otherwise even a rebuilt one will crunch before long (I've heard of rebuilt ones crunching after 6 months if not driven properly). And third will go eventually too if you rush the change.
Open diff V6 transaxles are plentiful and cheap, as many have been replaced by TS LSDs.
FWIW, my tuppence worth on the original question....
The TS is probably the most desirable 75. It is the fastest round a track in standard form, and the handling is noticeably better than the V6s. If I was buying one for mostly commuting, with the odd thrash, I would get a 3 litre though. The extra torque is wonderful, and the sound even more so. I don't enjoy driving a TS round town very much, the lack of torque is infuriating, it feels like they take forever to wind up. The 3 litre's longer gearing can also be a little frustrating sometimes, but less so in my opinion.
The 2.5 V6 is a competent car, but just not as nice as the other two. Oh, and by the way, the later 90 SUPER is indentical mechanically to a 75 2.5, and was rated more highly, and as a better handler (probably due to better tyres realistically) than the 75 in contemporary road-tests. The early 90 GOLDCLOVERLEAF was a piece-of-shit with soft suspension and long gearing. People heard bad things about the early 90 and then disregarded the upgraded, and totally different to drive, Super. Which is why people who have never driven them dismiss them out of hand.
Hi Sheldon,
thank you mate. I really appreciate the advice. Funnily enough I am also going to have a look a t a 3ltr jobbie tomorrow. I will be mostly using it for commuting so thats good to know.
Good to know on the gears. That was the only thing that really worried me but it sounds like a reasonably common issue. Having said that I presume it is still not a cheap fix necessarily.
Sadly the 90 still doesnt do it for me. But I am always interested in expanding my Alfa knowledge so thanks again.
cheers
chris
just thought I would let you know. I bought the 3lt I saw today. thanks to everyone who offered their advice it was invaluable.
I am now going to be on the lookout for a new set of alloys (non standard and nasty ones currently on there) and a steering wheel ( a little too boy racer for me at the moment) cant promise I will buy them immediately as I need to build my funds back up but please let me know if anyone knows of any :)
cheers
chris
Congratulations, can't wait to see some pictures.
Congratulations! Looking forward to some photos and first impressions of that 3 litre.
We've got 156 16" teledials and I think they look pretty good on the 75. I'm also a big fan of the Momo Montecarlo, I bought this one new ex-USA for less than $200 shipping inc. I think it looks great on this era of car, and much nicer than the stock wheel.
Standard disclaimer - just my tastes... What I'd really like is either 164 Q wheels or Ronal A-1s for the 75.
The 3L should be a good choice - I've been tempted myself. Like Sheldon says, if you want a box to do snap changes don't buy a taxl alfa. It is all part of the joy of driving one of these things timing the shift just right... Try to learn to drive it "just right" and it will reward you with perfect shifts. If you find that isn't going to happen/it won't shift fast enough to suit you then you are up for a rebuild (but don''t expect, if you haven't learned how to look after the box, that it wall be long before it is back to its bad old ways...). In theory you could just replace the synchro (or swap it around - but someone may already have done that...) but I think most of us would prefer to put up with it until the box really needs a proper rebuild and do it/pay for the work to R&R and strip/reassemble once....
A possibly relevant story...
I had an Alfetta GT in my mis-spent youth - some of it was mis-spent between midnight and dawn on back roads doing "navigation runs". Of course, to win these you need to drive at legal speed and match the time and distance set by the guy who set the course, so no road rules were broken (an I had nothing to do with the hedge damage - that guy was driving a Ford) ;)
Anyway, part of breaking in a new navigator was getting them used to the way I would slap my left thigh quite hard every time I stuffed up a shift... Frequency inversely proportional to quality of navigator - at least so far as the downshifts go (it isn't too bad double declutching - thought he heel and toe on the brakes can be a bit tricky - but surprises call for immediate action)...
I still do it (slap when I fluff a shift)...
Hey Evan,
I have seen the 156 Teledials on other 75's and think they look good too. I also like the momo wheel. It seems to me to strike the right balance of having an orignal look and being a little bit sporty in keeping with the car.
I am picking the car up tonight so I shall get pics up as soon as possible. I purchased the car from an Alfisti family. They had a couple of old 105's under repair and a couple of newer models which made me feel very comfortable about my purchase I must say.
Darryl - I am just going to have to "learn" to drive a manual again after my Auto 105 :) I imagine if I adopt your method of a slap on the thigh I might look like I was trying to take off!!
I am very excited about giving it a good run and seeing what it is capable of (all legally of course)
cheers
chris
As promised here are some pics of the 75 after a wash and brush up having just done the drive from Sydney to Brisbane...incident free!!!! I thumb my nose at all those who mock Alfa's and their ability to go more than 500 yards without some kind of mechanical or electrical problem :)
What amazed me more was that it only cost $130 in fuel to drive all that way..and in a 3l !!!!
it has all the usual bumps and scrapes you would expect with a car of this age but the sound when you fire up that engine. That V6 burble is a joy to behold (with apologies to all the TS devotees)
now starts the tinkering....the wheels will go I really cant stand them and the steering wheel will be straight after.
anyway enjoy..
cheers
chris
PM sent for wheels.
Congrats w47ty. I saw that car on carsales.com.au . It looks pretty good in the desciption and pics, so I'm sure it'll be a pleasure to own.
Can I ask - out of curiosity - if you paid the advertised price, or 'significantly less', for example? No need to be specific if you don't wish to.
I agree about the wheels, but I'd like to know what size they are, and what size tyres (for my future reference). They look like 18" wheels. I'd be keen to know wheel width and offset and whether there's any 'tyre rub'. I think the rego needs to go in sympathy too (which would be a given, cos you're in QLD and not NSW).
I am amidst finalising the purchase of my own 3.0 75, so I really look forward to this new build project.
:)
thank Shiny. you know overall I really cant complain about the cosmetic side of the car considering its age.
there was a reasonable oil leak so as a result (and a couple of minor issues) I did offer and paid about 1k less than the asking price. I took the car into my new local alfa specialist today for him to give it the once over and apart from the known oil leak he found a significant number of perishable items that need to be replaced. the major one being all of the engine mounts need to be replaced. there are a few other leaks that require new seals and gaskets. it is going to be a significant outlay but i think it will be worth it. The sound of that 3l engine is amazing. A friend of mine has a 3.2 GT and that makes a very pleasant noise but this is something else :)
If i had the time and the space (and of course the technical nous) the cost would be a lot less due to labour but sadly not. Thankfully the gearbox appears to be in fine fettle!
The number plate definitely would be going even if i were staying in NSW. I will check the wheel sizes and get back to you but i havent noticed any tyre rub.
good luck with your 75. make sure you put up some pics. feel free if you want to PM me if you want to ask any more
cheers
chris
nice car. i am getting my 75 3.0 back from the mechanic very shortly. looking forward to getting it registered and going for a blast. only taken 5 months but well worth the wait.
it needed a lot of work but it sounds like a proper alfa now.
Thanks for the reply.
Quote from: w47ty on March 10, 2011, 08:24:57 PMthere was a reasonable oil leak so as a result (and a couple of minor issues) I did offer and paid about 1k less than the asking price.
The price was on the high end of what's been on offer recently. Pity it still has the engine mount issues, and I hope they're fixed without too much expense.
It's kinda disappointing that different States/Territories have different rules about selling cars. For example, in VIC, a 'registered' car can only be sold with a current roadworthy certificate. So such things as worn bushings, donuts, engine mounts...would all have to be fixed before the sale can proceed (yes, the car can be sold unregistered and 'as is', and some buyers dismiss the law and are prepared to buy an unroadworthy registered car for a negotiated cheap price). But it does provide some protection for the buyer against nasty, unexpected costs.
When I bought my 155 from SA, there was no requirement for roadworthy certificate. I was not unhappy with the vehicle and price, but I did have to fix a lot of things to make it roadworthy.
With this current purchase of the 75, the car is having its RWC done next week, but did pass RWC only 12 months ago too, so it should be in good order. But I can buy with confidence. Sure, it doesn't mean the engine is sound and has no oil leaks, etc, but it does go some way towards ensuring a standard.
I digress...
QuoteI will check the wheel sizes and get back to you but i havent noticed any tyre rub.
good luck with your 75. make sure you put up some pics. feel free if you want to PM me if you want to ask any more
Thanks. I am keen to know tyre size (eg: 215/35/18?) and wheel specs (18x...? offset?), and am considering 18" wheels if the tyres meet load index requirements (which I suspect they won't, btw!).
I might post pics when I pick the car up. But it'll show a car with some patchy paintwork and otherwise factory standard except 156 wheels. ;D It's really only going to be my 'blank canvas' at that stage, cos plenty of restoration and tuning mods are in order! I have really enjoyed modifying my GT and 155 into very handy street cars, and I have the same intentions with the 75. Emphasis on 'street' car, and not for track; so a balance of improved handling, big wheels, tasteful exterior, and a car people will hopefully look at and go 'that's really nice'. ;)
A transaxle Alfa is a new experience for me, and I have heaps to learn, but it'll be fun, fun, fun! So I hope you have the same enjoyment.
:)
Almost a year later Chris, how is the 75 going now and are you still happy with it, any major issues? :)
http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=7877.0