About to buy an Alfa 147,just a couple of issues id liek advice on!

gary the great

I hate talking about Alfas on here, but just need to get your opinions on this.

Im on the verge of buying an Alfa 147, ive put down a deposit of 50quid on it but can still back out!

A couple of questions though before I buy it.

The car has 80k on the clock, it has a full dealer service history but the last service at 72k was done by a specialist bloke, he did the timing belt and tensioners according to the owner. Theres no stamp or reciept but the current owner said its done and that as its a small operation where he got it done (a lad in a garage out back kinda operation) he didnt have a stamp/reciept. Should I believe him? He seems genuine enough.

The fuse relay box is unattached under the bonnet, its kind of just hanging there. He says he broke it while putting a new battery in a while ago. Fair enough. Theres no other reason is there or does that suggest a problem?

The alloys on it are 18inch, look great, really good. The car has also be subtly lowered so it doenst look like its on stilits. I accept that this may affect the drive comfort a little, but is it going to cause a lot of extra strain to the suspension etc? is it OK to have such big wheels on the car? Made it feel a little chunky to drive but id happily live with that for how good the wheels look.
Also theres no locking nuts on the wheels, can anyone recommend a decent set for the 147. I live in a bit of a dodgy area and would hate to comw out and see it on bricks!!

It felt a little sluggish under 3krpm, are all Tsparks like this?

Also the bonnet doesnt totally align perfectly with the front bumper, although it doesnt really look like it was in an accidnet this may hint otherwise. Although the owner said "Its an Alfa, there all a bit like this!".

And theres only one key with it, which is annoying as I hear their expensive to get replaced.


Also its a Lusso, but doesnt have an armrest or audio controls on the steering wheel, I thought all Lusso s did? Its a 2001 reg.

Other than that its mint, what do yis think of these issues, anything major or anything to worry about?

Hotwheels

First off you should get your own mech (alfa mech if you can) and have it checked over...

I'd worry about the timing-belt, most people hold onto recipts like this as it does help sell the car on...If a Belt goes...well it ain't pretty...

I had a 1.6 T-Spark that was the same under 3K RPM, Sometimes it would bog down when ya took off from the lights etc...

Bottom line with an Alfa is have it checked checked checked....before you buy...

vengeance52

gary the great wrote: »

I hate talking about Alfas on here, but just need to get your opinions on this.

Im on the verge of buying an Alfa 147, ive put down a deposit of 50quid on it but can still back out!

A couple of questions though before I buy it.

The car has 80k on the clock, it has a full dealer service history but the last service at 72k was done by a specialist bloke, he did the timing belt and tensioners according to the owner. Theres no stamp or reciept but the current owner said its done and that as its a small operation where he got it done (a lad in a garage out back kinda operation) he didnt have a stamp/reciept. Should I believe him? He seems genuine enough.

The fuse relay box is unattached under the bonnet, its kind of just hanging there. He says he broke it while putting a new battery in a while ago. Fair enough. Theres no other reason is there or does that suggest a problem?

The alloys on it are 18inch, look great, really good. The car has also be subtly lowered so it doenst look like its on stilits. I accept that this may affect the drive comfort a little, but is it going to cause a lot of extra strain to the suspension etc? is it OK to have such big wheels on the car? Made it feel a little chunky to drive but id happily live with that for how good the wheels look.
Also theres no locking nuts on the wheels, can anyone recommend a decent set for the 147. I live in a bit of a dodgy area and would hate to comw out and see it on bricks!!

It felt a little sluggish under 3krpm, are all Tsparks like this?

Also the bonnet doesnt totally align perfectly with the front bumper, although it doesnt really look like it was in an accidnet this may hint otherwise. Although the owner said "Its an Alfa, there all a bit like this!".

And theres only one key with it, which is annoying as I hear their expensive to get replaced.


Also its a Lusso, but doesnt have an armrest or audio controls on the steering wheel, I thought all Lusso s did? Its a 2001 reg.

Other than that its mint, what do yis think of these issues, anything major or anything to worry about?

the bonnet not aligning is a bit strange. how much you gettin that for, cos i see mint 2005 147s selling around the 10-12k mark

Redsoxfan

gary the great wrote: »

The car has 80k on the clock, it has a full dealer service history but the last service at 72k was done by a specialist bloke, he did the timing belt and tensioners according to the owner. Theres no stamp or reciept but the current owner said its done and that as its a small operation where he got it done (a lad in a garage out back kinda operation) he didnt have a stamp/reciept. Should I believe him? He seems genuine enough.

That's a tough one. The only way to check the timing belt is to take the unit apart-even then it may not be possible to say whether or not it was changed as required. A stamp/receipt is pretty much essential for this work IMHO, but that's not to say that he is lying-when did the seller buy the car?

gary the great wrote:

The alloys on it are 18inch, look great, really good. The car has also be subtly lowered so it doenst look like its on stilits. I accept that this may affect the drive comfort a little, but is it going to cause a lot of extra strain to the suspension etc? is it OK to have such big wheels on the car? Made it feel a little chunky to drive but id happily live with that for how good the wheels look.

I'd say the ride will be horrendous. I have driven one on 16" rims and it was grand. 17" with sports suspension was hard. I can only imagine what 18" is like.

gary the great wrote:

It felt a little sluggish under 3krpm, are all Tsparks like this?

What are you comparing it too? I didn't really find the 1.6 sluggish at low revs tbh.

gary the great wrote:

Also the bonnet doesnt totally align perfectly with the front bumper, although it doesnt really look like it was in an accidnet this may hint otherwise. Although the owner said "Its an Alfa, there all a bit like this!".

Hmm. Got a pic? Does it look like the pic attached?

gary the great wrote:

And theres only one key with it, which is annoying as I hear their expensive to get replaced.

They can be. Give Alasta Autos a shout for a quote. You can also get them on e-bay but then need someone to code them. Allow €150 for a replacement.

gary the great wrote:

Also its a Lusso, but doesnt have an armrest or audio controls on the steering wheel, I thought all Lusso s did? Its a 2001 reg.

Doesn't sound like a Lusso then. Are the alloys Alfa alloys or aftermarket?

gary the great wrote:

Other than that its mint, what do yis think of these issues, anything major or anything to worry about?

One or two things IMHO-the timing belt is the biggest issue. Check the oil as well-if it's low, be wary.

Is this the car by any chance?

If so:

1. Is the duty paid? I see a UK reg.
2. If it's not Irish registered, how is the NCT valid 'til October?
3. I don't think the alloys are as attractive as the OEM versions.
4. It doesn't look like a Lusso-maybe there were none in 2001?
5. The bonnet looks ok-it should overhang a little.
6. It doesn't have dual zone climate control
7. What kind of stereo is fitted?
8. I like the colour.

I'd be inclined to spend a bit more to go for one where there was some more proof of timing belt changes, steering mounted stereo controls, dual zone climate control and a cd changer.

Best of luck. I just sold one and I thought it was a great car.

gary the great

Redsoxfan wrote: »

That's a tough one. The only way to check the timing belt is to take the unit apart-even then it may not be possible to say whether or not it was changed as required. A stamp/receipt is pretty much essential for this work IMHO, but that's not to say that he is lying-when did the seller but the car?

Exactly thats my problem. Although saying that, my dad has often replaced timing belts on cars himslef and there would no reciept/stamp/proof.



I'd say the ride will be horrendous. I have driven one on 16" rims and it was grand. 17" with sports suspension was hard. I can only imagine what 18" is like.

The ride was hard enough alrite, but as i said im willin to put up with that as i think the wheels look great.

What are you comparing it too? I didn't really find the 1.6 sluggish at low revs tbh.

My mazda 323F 1.5DOHC, which is a flyer low down.




They can be. Give Alasta Autos a shout for a quote. You can also get them on e-bay but then need someone to code them. Allow €150 for a replacement.




Doesn't sound like a Lusso then. Are the alloys Alfa alloys or aftermarket?

Aftermarket, its the one you have linked.

One or two things IMHO-the timing belt is the biggest issue. Check the oil as well-if it's low, be wary.

Oil was fully topped up.

Is this the car by any chance?

Thats it.

If so:

1. Is the duty paid? I see a UK reg.
Duty hasnt been paid, will coat 1500euros, which still makes it cheap
compared to other ones with less spec.


2. If it's not Irish registered, how is the NCT valid 'til October?
Its MOT is!

3. I don't think the alloys are as attractive as the OEM versions.
i think they're much nicer



4. It doesn't look like a Lusso-maybe there were none in 2001?

It has got an ASR button down by the handbrake, I thought that was only on the Lusso.

5. The bonnet looks ok-it should overhang a little.
TBH i think it was just my dad worrying a little. looked perfectly fine to me and there was no other signs of crash damage.


6. It doesn't have dual zone climate control
I'll be happy enough with the basic climate control

7. What kind of stereo is fitted?
Its an Alpine, nice one to.


8. I like the colour.

Cant beat Alfa Red.

I'd be inclined to spend a bit more to go for one where there was some more proof of timing belt changes, steering mounted stereo controls, dual zone climate control and a cd changer.

Best of luck. I just sold one and I thought it was a great car.

i think im just being a bit to careful, but I suppose you cant be with an alfa. The timing belt issue is the only thing that really concerns me. Thanks for the reply by the way, gave me some food for thought.

Redsoxfan

MOT does not imply it will pass the NCT.

It's not a Lusso. Here's a 2001 reg Lusso that has the steering controls etc.

Did the seller import this car just to sell it on?

mthd

gary the great wrote: »

Also its a Lusso, but doesnt have an armrest or audio controls on the steering wheel, I thought all Lusso s did? Its a 2001 reg.

Not sure, I have an 02 lusso, it has the steering wheel controls but not the armrest

out of interest, how much are you paying?

gary the great

Redsoxfan wrote: »

MOT does not imply it will pass the NCT.

It's not a Lusso. Here's a 2001 reg Lusso that has the steering controls etc.

Did the seller import this car just to sell it on?

Nope hes English, from Newcastle and thats where all the latest service stamps are from.

It seems some Lussos have the steering controls and armrest some dont, tbh its not a deal breaker. It does have the Bose sound system, only the Lussos have them? It sounds amazing, especially hooked into the Alpine headunit.

I agreed to pay 3500, then there 1500 VRT on top of that, plus the hassle of VRTing it and taxing it etc

Redsoxfan

It could be a Sportivo. Hard to know without the original wheels.

Anan1

I'm afraid this is a very simple one. He hasn't any proof that the belt & tensioners were replaced at all, much less by someone who actually knows what they're doing. The car has been lowered, and is on 18" wheels. Add in the rest of your description and it's clear that you should walk.

GavMan

Redsoxfan wrote: »

They can be. Give Alasta Autos a shout for a quote. You can also get them on e-bay but then need someone to code them. Allow €150 for a replacement.

More like allow €350 for a new key from a dealer if you want to get the proper little black fob that has the central locking and boot buttons and can fold the key away!!! Thats what i paid for a new key in Airton Alfa this week!!!

I dunno what you might pay for the bog standard red spare key...

Also, 20 quid for the code card...WTF!

Redsoxfan

Anan1 wrote: »

I'm afraid this is a very simple one. He hasn't any proof that the belt & tensioners were replaced at all, much less by someone who actually knows what they're doing. The car has been lowered, and is on 18" wheels. Add in the rest of your description and it's clear that you should walk.

Pretty much agree.

If you must go ahead, you should get a (UK) HPI check done.

S.I.R

I reccomend getting at mechanic to check the car rather then post on theforums when you have second thoughts though the headgasket is about to go at 120k ish as willthe rear suspention struts ( common fault ) but still , i'd just pray the last driver was a good one.... :rolleyes:

Cyrus

id be more inclined to import one from the uk myself, too many unanswered qns here plus i you go to sell it not having proof of the 72k timing belt change will be an issue

bazz26

OP there are alot of reasons why this car is cheaper than the going rate for similar models. You may have to spend money on this car straight away so it might not be the bargin you think it is.

I would not take the sellers word that the timing belt has recently being changed without receipts to prove it. So I would budget to have it changed asap and probably a service which might involve getting new spark plugs. You will also be forking out for a new spare key.

Without proof that the above has been done assume it hasn't.

To be honest I would rather spend a little more on one like this with a warranty:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/147/1.6-T.Spark/988519/

Redsoxfan

bazz26 wrote: »

To be honest I would rather spend a little more on one like this with a warranty:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/147/1.6-T.Spark/988519/

Sneaky advertising though-car is advertised as €500 :mad:

SouperComputer

Couldnt agree more with Anan1, walk away. It just sounds like its not well cared for, and the timing belt isnt worth the paper its written on. Don't even bother with a mechanic, the car isnt worth hiring one based on what you've said

Walk away, there'smuch better, well cared for examples out there. Especially in the UK

Lamps

Lads the car is a 7 year old Alfa, its not going to be prefect. And the only actual thing wrong here is the fuse relay box has loosened and there is a key missing (when i was veiwing them out of the 6 i looked at only 2 had both sets of keys). If there is nothing more wrong with it than that its been well looked after.
Plus it has a f/s/h up to the last one. And do you think anyone who has an idea about Alfas is going to run the risk of skipping the 72k service and belt change and running the car for another 10k in hope the belt doesnt snap?? Dont think so.

He says the belt has been done, OK fair enough you cant just take his word. So you'll have to get a belt change, but then at least you know its been done and even when you factor in the price of a belt change it still works out cheap/average price for these and that there looks a great example. Then you can drive it for 36k knowing your safe enough from a belt snap.

Tony Danza

The car reg is xx08 FFT (xx = I don't know what the letters are). Which would imply it's been registered sometime after February of this year or else it's a personalised plate? Has he re-registered it?

Personally I'd never buy a Northern/British reg car in Ireland. I'd have no problem going up North or to Britain to buy one though, since people seem to sell the car at market price here, minus VRT, and what's the point of that? Just buy an Irish reg one and save the hassle.

Alfie1

gary the great wrote: »

It seems some Lussos have the steering controls and armrest some dont, tbh its not a deal breaker. It does have the Bose sound system, only the Lussos have them? It sounds amazing, especially hooked into the Alpine headunit.

I agreed to pay 3500, then there 1500 VRT on top of that, plus the hassle of VRTing it and taxing it etc

The Bose was an option & not standard on the Lusso AFAIK also Dual Zone Climate Control was standard on the Lusso AFAIK

Can you check from the VIN No. with an Alfa Dealer exactly what spec the car is. AFAIK your VRT will vary depending what spec it is, options will also be taken into account so if Bose is an option it will increase your VRT

Anan1

Tony Danza wrote: »

The car reg is xx08 FFT (xx = I don't know what the letters are). Which would imply it's been registered sometime after February of this year or else it's a personalised plate? Has he re-registered it?

Those are the old-style UK plates, ie it's either on an X or a Y plate. It's being sold on UK plates.

Tony Danza

Anan1 wrote: »

Those are the old-style UK plates, ie it's either on an X or a Y plate. It's being sold on UK plates.

Could be (it would have to be a Y), but being 01 means it must be registered in January for that year for that to be the case. I don't know what the deal is with MOT, but is it like the NCT where it's valid from the month of being registered? If so, then it wouldn't be a Y plate.

OP, what's the full reg just to clarify.

Anan1

X was from Sept 2000 to Feb 2001, and Y was from March-August 2001.

Tony Danza

Anan1 wrote: »

X was from Sept 2000 to Feb 2001, and Y was from March-August 2001.

You're right, thought there was a 01.

Never mind OP, I don't have a valid point to be concerned about.

Lex Luthor

Anan1 wrote: »

I'm afraid this is a very simple one. He hasn't any proof that the belt & tensioners were replaced at all, much less by someone who actually knows what they're doing. The car has been lowered, and is on 18" wheels. Add in the rest of your description and it's clear that you should walk.

I agree with Anan1 here. No receipt for the belt & tensioners is stupid on their part not to get. If they can't prove it, then I would assume it has not been done. Move to the next one. You will find a decent one.

Lex Luthor

Lamps wrote: »

Lads the car is a 7 year old Alfa, its not going to be prefect. And the only actual thing wrong here is the fuse relay box has loosened and there is a key missing (when i was veiwing them out of the 6 i looked at only 2 had both sets of keys). If there is nothing more wrong with it than that its been well looked after.
Plus it has a f/s/h up to the last one. And do you think anyone who has an idea about Alfas is going to run the risk of skipping the 72k service and belt change and running the car for another 10k in hope the belt doesnt snap?? Dont think so.

He says the belt has been done, OK fair enough you cant just take his word. So you'll have to get a belt change, but then at least you know its been done and even when you factor in the price of a belt change it still works out cheap/average price for these and that there looks a great example. Then you can drive it for 36k knowing your safe enough from a belt snap.

all the same Lamps, I would expect this type of proof if one says it's done. Why buy it and not take their word for it that its not been done and pay for it then to be done. If the work has been done by a specialist, and done over here, then they should have got a receipt. If it was done by TI autos, Gerry always gives a full detailed receipt and stamps your book.

I would advise the OP to look again

astraboy

Lex Luthor wrote: »

all the same Lamps, I would expect this type of proof if one says it's done. Why buy it and not take their word for it that its not been done and pay for it then to be done. If the work has been done by a specialist, and done over here, then they should have got a receipt. If it was done by TI autos, Gerry always gives a full detailed receipt and stamps your book.

I would advise the OP to look again

Agree. OP, there are plenty of well cared for 147's out there, don't let a nice set of alloys cloud your judgement on the car. You can pick up a perfectly good one without the possible crash damage and the timing belt done with proof, then add the alloys yourself. The thing with extras like that is to ensure the underlying car is good, then consider the alloys etc as a bonus.

Also, all T spark engines feel a bit limp below 3,000 rpm, above that you can feel the power kick in. Its just the way the engines are.

gary the great

had another look at it tonight, (its parked not to far from where i live), we have confirmed its defenitly not crashed, the bonnet does overlap the grill a little, but was the exact same when i compared it to another couple of alfas that i seen on the way back from work.

Im going to arrange another spin in it then try negociate a little more and see if an arrangment can be made re the timing belt. Ive already put a deposit down on her though, so that may be unlikely. Dont worry im fully prepared to walk away if its not the right car for me.