Alfa GT from the UK

bogmanfan

Just passed my test at last, and want to get myself something nice for a few years before kids etc. Always loved the Alfa GT, and insurance would be cheaper than my Audi A2, so I've been looking at the 1.9 diesel. Noticed on autotrader that I could get a 2005 in the UK for around €21k, which is quite a few grand less than even a 2004 one here. The only thing holding me back is Alfa's reliability reputation. I reckon a warranty would be useful;) Any thoughts?

bazz26

bogmanfan wrote: »

Just passed my test at last, and want to get myself something nice for a few years before kids etc. Always loved the Alfa GT, and insurance would be cheaper than my Audi A2, so I've been looking at the 1.9 diesel. Noticed on autotrader that I could get a 2005 in the UK for around €21k, which is quite a few grand less than even a 2004 one here. The only thing holding me back is Alfa's reliability reputation. I reckon a warranty would be useful;) Any thoughts?

Love the look of the GT.

Unless you plan on driving the car back over to the garage in the UK for any warranty issues I don't see how having a warranty will be useful to you over here to be honest. A used car warranty not from AR will most likely not be honoured by any dealer over here. I suggest you have the car looked after by an AR specialist, AR dealer service tends to be generally poor.

Regarding the car itself most of AR's poor reputation is third hand information rather than from owners themeselves who tend to be very happy with their purchases. Be warned though that AR threads on this forum usually end up decending into endless "Good v Evil" arguments.

Also the 1.9 Multi-jet Fiat engine is supposed to be one of the best diesel engines on the market these days. However most die hard AR fans would probably say that an Alfa should not have a diesel engine in the first place.

Best of luck.

prospect

If the car is undaer Alfas warranty, it will apply here aswell as the UK.

Also, the JTD engines made by Fiat/Alfa are very reliable, and the GT itself has not had many major common issues. I know there was an issue to do with the bootlid that involved a free fix by the dealers, but that type of thing would probably be already sorted.

Beautiful car.

check out the site in my sig.

Kali

Beautiful car alright, but that 1.9 really sounds laughable in it... it's a very rough and loud sounding diesel, like a white van man has just put a new body on his beloved transit.

Noelie

I looked into this before and the VRT was working out at about 7K, the UK prices ended up being higher than the Irish.

Cyrus

yeah me too, see them cheaper here than importing them

Biro

Cyrus wrote: »

yeah me too, see them cheaper here than importing them

Yep, you can thank the Irish mentality to Alfa's for that. Although they seem to be still holding their value well here too.
They're a lovely car alright. I think there is an issue with one of the front headlights (could be passenger side) letting in water, and therefore fogging up. Make sure that's not happening on any you're looking at. Also go for one with a full Alfa service history and ring the dealer to check. The diesel engines are good, shouldn't give bother, they're in Saab's and Opel's too, and in general the GT doesn't seem to have any major problems, apart from the likes of the headlight and stuff, and the other draw back is that Alfa parts are dear, but other than that, get a good colour and enjoy it!

bazz26

Diesels are pricy either side of the Irish sea.

cloono

I currently own a GT, and love it. Had the issue with the bootlid, which was sorted under warranty, and thats been it. Nothing else to report in over 1 year of ownership.
As with any car, a little bit of TLC never does any harm.

For that money, you won't get a diesel like it.......one that actually looks good.

rabbitinlights

A Diesel Alfa is a Crime against motoring.

furtzy

best diesel engine around....but then again I am biased

Gay Nokia

Whys a diesel Alfa a crime against motoring? Some people want to drive nice looking economical cars. (That aren't Audis)

blackbox

furtzy wrote: »

best diesel engine around....but then again I am biased

It might be, but I still wouldn't want one in my Alfa.:D

Apologies in advance for off-thread comment:o

bogmanfan

Noelie wrote: »

I looked into this before and the VRT was working out at about 7K, the UK prices ended up being higher than the Irish.

VRT is around 7k alright, but a 2005 one can be had for just over £10k stg, which works out at €14k. Cheapest 2005 ones seem to be around 24-25k here.