Alfa Romeo GT purchased...

emurphy

Ok so I came on here a week or so ago saying I was thinking of buying

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/GT/Sportivo/200931194761577/advert?channel=CARS

The car didnt start when I looked at it first and and engine light came on.

I was tempted to walk away and most on here told me I probably should but instead me being me I went back and told the guy how I felt and he said come back to me in a few days.

I did and he had fitted a new battery and the engine light was gone car driving nicely now.

He also has gauranteed the nct in Feb and gave a 3 month warranty on it.

So basically what I'm trying to say is I'm taking a punt on it. He gave it to me for 4k plus my 04' 2ltr petrol Mazda 6 which has 87k miles on the clock.
Considering the car was on sale only a month ago at 12500 euro I think I got a good deal.

Anyway I'm signed up now and I collect it tomorrow lunch time.

I'll post up some pics when I get a chance.

Wish me luck on my first Alfa!!!

I phoned my insurance company tomorrow they tell me I have road and home assist with my policy through RAC lets hope I dont have to call them eh.

Tragedy

I would have paid more and gotten a better warranty, tbh

Well wear!

guerito

Well wear! If I could afford it I'd have one in a second.

Eoin

Best of luck with it. When I get another Alfa, it will most likely be one like yours.

emurphy

cheers lads.

Eoin what Alfa did ya have before? Was it problematic at all?

DonJose

How bulletproof is this NCT guarantee?

Eoin

emurphy wrote: »

cheers lads.

Eoin what Alfa did ya have before? Was it problematic at all?

I had a 00 156 for just over two years, and only had to have routine maintenance done.

emurphy

DonJose wrote: »

How bulletproof is this NCT guarantee?

in writing on the contract I signed that he will pay for any retest needed. So as bullet proof as it can be I suppose.

testicle

Timing Chain done?

emurphy

eoin wrote: »

I had a 00 156 for just over two years, and only had to have routine maintenance done.

well thats good news considering the GT uses a lot of the 156 parts etc...

You'd have another one then I take it?

emurphy

testicle wrote: »

Timing Chain done?

timing chain and water pump done at 57k miles have proof. The guy who traded it in was a bit of a car nut according to the sales guy who in fairness was pretty sound compared to a lot of lads I've had the joy of encountering over the years. So hopefully its been looked after.

Eoin

emurphy wrote: »

well thats good news considering the GT uses a lot of the 156 parts etc...

You'd have another one then I take it?

Another Alfa? Definitely. Probably not another 156, just because I like to change.

emurphy

eoin wrote: »

Another Alfa? Definitely. Probably not another 156, just because I like to change.

If this one goes well for me I'll probably go for a 159 next but it wont be till I have kids so hopefully not for another few years.

Eoin

emurphy wrote: »

If this one goes well for me I'll probably go for a 159 next but it wont be till I have kids so hopefully not for another few years.

Well, best of luck with this one anyway

Alanstrainor

Yeah man best of luck with the new motor.
And don't forget those pics!

skyhighflyer

Beautiful motor, well wear*

*ya lucky fcuker

emurphy

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Yeah man best of luck with the new motor.
And don't forget those pics!

Cheers, I promise I'll have them up in the next week. I have to work out how to use the camera and get them onto the computer but as soon as I do I'll put them up!!

Anan1

Congrats, looks like a lovely car!

emurphy

Anan1 wrote: »

Congrats, looks like a lovely car!

skyhighflyer wrote: »

Beautiful motor, well wear*

*ya lucky fcuker

Cheers lads yeah the pics online really really really dont do it justice. I know it sounds stupid but I think it looks incredible. future classic imo. Not a lot of em on the road either at the mo so its standoutish (if thats a word)

bigjohnny80

emurphy,

I bought GT in Feb of this year. No probs apart from a water leak which apparently was a known fault and fixed in a jiffy (a gulley not suited to Irish weather).

Beautiful car, you will smile everytime you drive it. And you will get constant looks

Redsoxfan

Nice one. Sign up to Alfaowner.com There's an Irish meet in Naas in January. With the timing belt and water pump done, you should be in fine fettle for a while yet. If you're in Dublin, get Gerry Campbell (Ti Autos) to do your servicing. Any questions on the GT, drop me a PM.

emurphy

bigjohnny80 wrote: »

emurphy,

I bought GT in Feb of this year. No probs apart from a water leak which apparently was a known fault and fixed in a jiffy (a gulley not suited to Irish weather).

Beautiful car, you will smile everytime you drive it. And you will get constant looks

I smiled when I saw it last so I reckon you could be right where as my mazda 6 as nice a car as it was bored me to tears.

Hope I dont have that leak problem. Who did you get to fix it??
As for the looks I'm not surprised as I would stare at them if I saw one.
So few of them on the road.

emurphy

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Nice one. Sign up to Alfaowner.com There's an Irish meet in Naas in January. With the timing belt and water pump done, you should be in fine fettle for a while yet. If you're in Dublin, get Gerry Campbell (Ti Autos) to do your servicing. Any questions on the GT, drop me a PM.

Cool thanks a mil. I'll let ya know if I have any questions on it for sure.
What date is the meet on in January? I'll be gone for two of the weekends unfortunately.

bigjohnny80

Got it fixed in Alasta. He said he'd seen it before but not a lot. He knew what it was straight away. I wouldn't worry about it too much though.

They (Alasta) are dead on if a bit pricey but I guess thats the way it is with a main dealer. I've heard Gerry in Stoneybatter is really good too but never have been (Alasta are close to my workplace).

Either way its a great car to drive adn I love it. Service every 20k km is the recommendation. One thing I would say is just keep an eye on the oil level. Its not too thirsty but would definately need a top up or two between services.

emurphy

bigjohnny80 wrote: »

Got it fixed in Alasta. He said he'd seen it before but not a lot. He knew what it was straight away. I wouldn't worry about it too much though.

They (Alasta) are dead on if a bit pricey but I guess thats the way it is with a main dealer. I've heard Gerry in Stoneybatter is really good too but never have been (Alasta are close to my workplace).

Either way its a great car to drive adn I love it. Service every 20k km is the recommendation. One thing I would say is just keep an eye on the oil level. Its not too thirsty but would definately need a top up or two between services.

cheers yeah I'll keep that in mind for sure. Gonna really look after it.

Hotwheels

Best of luck with your new Bella, and always take the long way home, its more fun

emurphy

Hotwheels wrote: »

Best of luck with your new Bella, and always take the long way home, its more fun

oh yeah the long way home every day from now on. I like it.

The Recliner

Best of luck with it, hope it treats you well

emurphy

The Recliner wrote: »

Best of luck with it, hope it treats you well

cheers hope it does too.. love your joke below btw

Redsoxfan

bigjohnny80 wrote: »

One thing I would say is just keep an eye on the oil level. Its not too thirsty but would definately need a top up or two between services.

Alfas have a bit of a rep for burning oil, but my JTD has never needed a top up between services (but of course you should still keep an eye on your levels as a matter of course). The TS engine in the 147 was a different matter.

milltown

emurphy wrote: »

I phoned my insurance company tomorrow....

I want to know how you did ^ that. Then put the pics up!
Best of luck with the new jammer.

cjt156

milltown wrote: »

I want to know how you did ^ that.

The torque in the JTD engine bends time...

Well wear the GT, OP; looks luverly.

agent_smith

I am likin that... a lot!

testicle

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Nice one. Sign up to Alfaowner.com There's an Irish meet in Naas in January. With the timing belt and water pump done, you should be in fine fettle for a while yet. If you're in Dublin, get Gerry Campbell (Ti Autos) to do your servicing. Any questions on the GT, drop me a PM.

The Diesels have chains do they not?

I have an eye on a Brera for my new vehikle.

CarMuppet

Congrats on the new car... she's a good looking car and you'll enjoy her a lot... I've had a GTV, 146 & an old S4 in the past.. and still own and run 156 and 159 as everyday family cars... you won't have any 'extra' woes with an Alfa (please don't flame) as you would have with other marquee/make. Admittedly the GTV and 156 did have their immobiliser issues..they were easy fixes. but we won't talk about that now.

......before you pick up the car question the dealer again about the water pump.. they can be a bit of a problem on the 1.9jtdm.... if you're not doing your own maintenance just have it checked by their/your mechanic when ever you get a chance... the w/p’s have been known to stick and throw a timing-belt. You mentioned that the dealer said the belt & pump & tensioner was was done @ 57k miles.. so you're ok for another 21k miles. But if it was done at 40k miles as adviced, then it's due again at 80k... i.e. in another 4k miles... just keep on eye on that..

Again enjoy her, you won't be disappointed,
CarMuppet

Redsoxfan

testicle wrote: »

The Diesels have chains do they not?

I have an eye on a Brera for my new vehikle.

Nope. Not the 156/147/GT platform anyway-whether it's petrol or diesel. The interval on the diesel is around 4 years/55-72k miles (no definitive answer on that one).

No evidence of timing belt issues on the Brera yet, and I did read something that suggested if the belt snaps, it isn't the end of the world as it can be on the 156/147/GT models.

There were chains fitted in certain Alfas in the 80s AFAIK, but it's been all belts since then.

The Recliner

testicle wrote: »

I have an eye on a Brera for my new vehikle.

Me too, hoping to do a deal for one soon

testicle

The Recliner wrote: »

Me too, hoping to do a deal for one soon

Changing my mind now, they're becoming common!

testicle

Redsoxfan wrote: »

No evidence of timing belt issues on the Brera yet, and I did read something that suggested if the belt snaps, it isn't the end of the world as it can be on the 156/147/GT models.

I know all about it, I had a belt go on a 147 once.

CarMuppet

Redsoxfan wrote: »

The interval on the diesel is around 4 years/55-72k miles (no definitive answer on that one)..

That is true but woundn't personally risk it... 40k to 48k would be loads, or 4 years... water pump bearings can and do lock up, or, cause shaft 'wobble' on the pump, then throwing the t/belt.

The old 156 was the same story.. .Alfa revised the timing belt change back to 45k from some higher value... and it's a right pain in the a$$ of a job and costs a few quid too for belts, tensioners, pump and variator (in petrol engine)...

bazzachazza

Older brother is on his 3rd Alfa still owns 2 of them, Has a 05 147 1.6 petrol and a 08 159 1.9JTDM loves them both but says next car will be a petrol engine. He has had no trouble so far touch wood.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

My I ask, having never owned a Alfa, if the GT is a good drive? Are they RWD or FWD. I always thoughs they looked the business and are certainly good value now. Are the engines good? Thanks

Redsoxfan

CarMuppet wrote: »

That is true but woundn't personally risk it... 40k to 48k would be loads, or 4 years... water pump bearings can and do lock up, or, cause shaft 'wobble' on the pump, then throwing the t/belt.

The old 156 was the same story.. .Alfa revised the timing belt change back to 45k from some higher value... and it's a right pain in the a$$ of a job and costs a few quid too for belts, tensioners, pump and variator (in petrol engine)...

Better be safe than sorry for sure, there are some interesting comments and stats available here.

FWIW, the water pump does not officially form part of the cam belt scheduled change, and so you need to ask for it to be done specifically. And, I think Alfa still officially maintain that the cam belt change is 5 years/72k miles.

FWIW (ii) Gerry Campbell felt there was no need to change my water pump at the 55k mark (we shall see in time whether that was a good call or not!)

Redsoxfan

Jakob Greasy Lifeguard wrote: »

My I ask, having never owned a Alfa, if the GT is a good drive? Are they RWD or FWD. I always thoughs they looked the business and are certainly good value now. Are the engines good? Thanks

The 1.9JTD is generally reliable (subject to water pump/cam belt failures at the 4-5 year mark) and is easily tuned. Not as smooth (or as efficient) as some Bimmers or Audis I have driven, but a much more rewarding drive IMHO. There are also 1.8 and 2.0 JTS engines available-very mixed views on these, but you can pick them up for a song now.

All current Alfa models are FWD as far as I am aware (the GT/147/156 certainly are). There is no 4WD option on the GT. You can have a Q2 limited slip differential fitted that can help things in that regard.

Suspension on the GT can he harsh-great on good roads-but less so around our cities and towns. I'll be looking at upgrading the OEM kit in the near future.

If running costs (fuel and tax) aren't an issue, the 3.2V6 would be the engine of choice.

mickdw

emurphy wrote: »

in writing on the contract I signed that he will pay for any retest needed. So as bullet proof as it can be I suppose.

Just the cost of the retest (€28) or all repairs required to pass test?

Nonoperational

Service her more often than every 20k. I service my 156 every 8-9k miles and its well worth it for piece of mind. 20k is an awful long time on the same oil in my opinion. Also do the belt and water pump every 4 years or 50ish k whichever comes first.

Well wear.

emurphy

ah lads got the car today and I have to say I absolutely love it.

That said there is an engine light coming up already. oh o.

The mechanic said that he cleaned and ERG or something something to do with the exhaust but said drive it for a day or so and if its still coming up he'll replace it.

It hasnt affected performance but I'll get it changed. In fairness to the lads they seem dead on. I'll ring them tomorrow just to say where its at.
Have an engine warranty so they have to fix it plus it'll fail the nct I'd say if its up so thats also in the warranty gaurantee the nct so again they have to fix it.

That aside which I honestly think will be fixed fairly quick the car is amazin. Its so clean not a mark on it. I smile just lookin at it.

Interior is amazing leather seats are soooo comfy and loads of room. I'm 6'2 so I'm not small and I have plenty of room.

Anyway. After driving around all evening I've sat down to a hot whiskey and have to say the GT is the best Xmas present a very big kid at heart could ever get.

Fizman

Fair play OP, gorgeous machine. A lad I know had one a few years ago and wow what a head turner it was.

I have had late December/early January pencilled in to get a new car for myself, and even though a diesel A3 has been top of my list for quite some time, I've always had a major soft spot for the GT. The exclusivity of it is an added bonus.

I'm actually contemplating going to Cork over the next few days to test drive this one (very similar to yours) ...
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/GT/1.9-SPOR/200840190247269/advert?channel=CARS

Have been looking at whats on the UK sites too. Would be nice having to wrack up 300-400 mile trip just after the keys are handed to you.

unkel

Well wear and hope the issue gets sorted

For anybody interested, here's your original thread - any reason you chose not to just continue on it and instead started a new one?

emurphy

Fizman wrote: »

Fair play OP, gorgeous machine. A lad I know had one a few years ago and wow what a head turner it was.

I have had late December/early January pencilled in to get a new car for myself, and even though a diesel A3 has been top of my list for quite some time, I've always had a major soft spot for the GT. The exclusivity of it is an added bonus.

I'm actually contemplating going to Cork over the next few days to test drive this one (very similar to yours) ...
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/GT/1.9-SPOR/200840190247269/advert?channel=CARS

Have been looking at whats on the UK sites too. Would be nice having to wrack up 300-400 mile trip just after the keys are handed to you.

Ha I looked at that one in cork too but couldnt be bothered going to cork. Got a good deal on the one I bought. Dont go german man get the GT. If you havent test drove one yet go do it cause I gaurantee once you have you will forget the A3 altogether.

emurphy

unkel wrote: »

Well wear and hope the issue gets sorted

For anybody interested, here's your original thread - any reason you chose not to just continue on it and instead started a new one?

cheers I think it will I've had engine probs with cars before where they loose power etc. this one isnt doing that even though the engine light is on. For all its worth I think its a small issue and as I say they have to fix it anyway due to contract.

Seriously nice motor though. I had people twisting their heads as i drove round town earlier. It really is a head turner even now considering it was released in '03 that is some feet.

I think its a future classic.