[Tea 1000]

Originally Posted by NIMAN

Thanks for all the replies folks.

Of course I would like a reliable car, wouldn't we all? No one wants to buy a car thats going to cost them. But I do realise that you could buy a Lexus that gave you nothing but bother, and an Alfa that never let you down.

But generally some brands are more reliable than others.

I do love driving and thats the reason why I have always thought about owning an Alfa. My Toyota was an MR2, so I honestly didn't buy that for reliability, it just turned out that way. Never blinked in over a decade of ownership.

I can honestly say that when the time comes to change the Golf I will more than likely end up in another one, or a Toyota. But there is a slim chance that I might just take the plunge with an Alfa. And if I do, what model would you Alfa owners recommend for a 07/08 model? Open to any suggestions.

Hold on - you had an MR2 and got rid of it for a Mk 4 Golf? Oh dear... you need to be reminded of what driving is for, and it's not to get you to a destination!
Newer Alfa's are quite reliable. Post face-lift 156's and 147's are good and there doesn't seem to be any hassles with the 159. I'd go with the diesel in the 159 simply because I don't like GM much, and Fiat group engines would be much more interesting and more reliable. I'd go for the 1.7-and-a-half litre Alfa petrol if it fell into budget.
If it must be Toyota or VW then get a GTi Mk5 or a Celica or something that actually copes with corners rather than just goes around them.

[RoverJames]

Originally Posted by Tea 1000

..................... I'd go with the diesel in the 159 simply because I don't like GM much, and Fiat group engines would be much more interesting and more reliable. I'd go for the 1.7-and-a-half litre Alfa petrol if it fell into budget.
.............

I like your thinking, a GM engined Alfa seems all wrong.

[alias no.9]

Originally Posted by dgt

Apart from the 1.75TB they are GM units...

Thought they were GM blocks with redesigned Alfa heads?

[dgt]

Originally Posted by eth0

Where does that yoke come from then? fiat?

Fiat unit for Alfas

Originally Posted by alias no.9

Thought they were GM blocks with redesigned Alfa heads?

They get the engines, strip them and rebuild them to their specs. Seems expensive to me....

[pcardin]

Originally Posted by Jimdagym

No disrespect to the op, buts it's laughable how so many people view alfa's as some sort of monster that lives in the garden and steals all your money and eats your dog.

They are selling cars for decades!

pub education does job very well you know...

[alias no.9]

Originally Posted by dgt

They get the engines, strip them and rebuild them to their specs. Seems expensive to me....

ouch

[Redsoxfan]

If looking at 07/08, think about a GT, which while a bit long in the tooth, is generally reliable (from personal experience), and is a more engaging drive than the 159. Alfa and Toyota are chalk and cheese however, so be sure to get plenty of test drives in.

[ZV Yoda]

I've been driving an 02 Alfa 166 2.0 TSpark for the past 4 years. Absolutely love it. I bought it 6 years old with one owner. I got it for a small fraction of what they cost new. You'd pick up an '04/'05 facelift model today for less than 5k.

Hasn't been any trouble to own, a pleasure to drive and one of the nicest interiors of any car I've ever sat in. Not too many of them around, so they're quite unusual.

Heavy enough on petrol, but I only do about 5k miles/yr. They use a bit more oil than other cars, but aside from that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to anybody. Don't be fooled by the old wives tales about Alfa's. Just go out & drive one.

Without question, my next car will be another Alfa.

[NIMAN]

Originally Posted by Tea 1000

Hold on - you had an MR2 and got rid of it for a Mk 4 Golf? Oh dear... you need to be reminded of what driving is for, and it's not to get you to a destination!
Newer Alfa's are quite reliable. Post face-lift 156's and 147's are good and there doesn't seem to be any hassles with the 159. I'd go with the diesel in the 159 simply because I don't like GM much, and Fiat group engines would be much more interesting and more reliable. I'd go for the 1.7-and-a-half litre Alfa petrol if it fell into budget.
If it must be Toyota or VW then get a GTi Mk5 or a Celica or something that actually copes with corners rather than just goes around them.

I drive a Golf now because of the arrival of a few little 'uns, thats the only reason I don't drive the MR2 (still own it btw, couldnt get rid of it). Tried to get car seats into the MR2! No Good.

Same goes for a Celica. Love them too and my bro is selling his, but bucket seats no good for car seats.

[Mr Benevolent]

Have mine about 3 months now, no complaints tbh. Will be moving onto something else fairly shortly - 140hp in a 1300kg car doesn't feel like enough power.

[alias no.9]

Originally Posted by Confab

Have mine about 3 months now, no complaints tbh. Will be moving onto something else fairly shortly - 140hp in a 1300kg car doesn't feel like enough power.

You're not revving it hard enough.

[unkel]

Originally Posted by alias no.9

You're not revving it hard enough.

+1

The 1.8 is not slow but you need to keep it going.

[markens2]

Spend 2000 on a really nice v6 166 and use the rest of the money for petrol. I sold mine a few weeks ago and I am tempted to buy it back. Amazing car.
It gives a great feeling in the special parts. Drinks like Shane McGowan but worth every second.

[smash]

Originally Posted by kyote00

It is becoming very hard to buy a good 156 or 147 in Ireland.

I got a lovely 03 147 with FSH and less than 40k on the clock.

Unfortunately it suffers from a few parking dings because other people don't give a shít about opening their door onto my car.

[bohsfan]

I would not go so far as to say that Alfas are unreliable. However, they do require someone to regularly maintain them. Timing belts have a shorter life than in most cars, and oil levels need to be watched. Regular oil changes and servicing is also recommended. If you are on for that, then they are a great car (I have a 156, so speaking from experience).

However, if you buy an Alfa and are not aware (or ignore) all of the above- then yes, there is a strong likelihood that something will come a cropper. However, that's not really the cars fault...

I had a VW Passat until the floods late last year took it away. I then got myself a 00 156 which had been really well looked after. These days I love getting in and driving my car.