Alfa 147 experiences

mondeo

Myself and my friend are going out to view a 2002' 1.6 t spark in the morning. It's his dream to own an alfa Romeo which is nice. Having owned a 156 myself with many problems I don't want to tar the 147 with the same brush. What problems are specific to 147's? I know the hg's may be an issue and water pumps, timing belt intervals are major priority on these yokes.

Looking for specifics?

Thanks

grudgebringer

Mostly timimng belt, unless you're getting a Selespeed, then mountains of other troubles. I bought one, lots of Selespeed system failures, needed a new transmission, ditched it .... pity, other than that fantastic car to drive/looks great etc, gotta be given TLC, if your mate looks after it I am sure it'll be fine providing the one he gets is already looked after. Just don't let the service intervals slip.

Should look for the Leather Interior models, think they are classed as Lusso Model, they are SWEET.

Only other drawback is you don't have much passenger or boot space, lots of space up front though ;-)

Anan1

It's all about how it's been cared for. Have the owner talk you through the service history, if there are any gaps (especially recent) then I wouldn't even bother to look at it. The ideal is a full history with a recognized specialist, TI Autos, Alasta, or the like. Once you find such a car, have it examined by a specialist prior to purchase, look after it, and enjoy.

shamwari

One day, everyone should own an Alfa Romeo. And then sell it the next....:D

Seriously, timing belts, tensioners and waterpumps are the only biggies and are ok once replaced. The belt is handy to do with that correct cam locks. Some of the earlier engines had oil consumption issues (i.e. more than half a pint every 1000 miles) but AFAIK that was ironed out. Make sure the oil has been replaced on schedule as poor maintenance will hammer the variator. The car will sound worse than a diesel if that is gone. Electrics are much better than the 156, as is the overall build quality.

mondeo

The 1.6 is suppose to have 120bhp? That's alot for a relatively small car if it's true.

Nonoperational

Read this: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055705272

The 147 and 156 are essentially the same car. Ya it most likely has 120 bhp. There are two versions of the 1.6. The 120bhp has the redline at 7000 rpm.

bazz26

The 1.6 litre in the 147 was available in both 105bhp and 122bhp afaik.

mondeo

Thanks for the info.. I'm going to print that link out and bring it with me!

Nonoperational

It's unlikely it'll be perfect but some issues are easily fixed.

mondeo

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/147/1.6/201032199128273/advert?channel=CARS

This is the one we are going out to look at. What you think?

DemoniK

Give it a real good once over..

Is very basic model, with steel wheels. And they can't even get the engine size right. Unlikely to have been looked after by an enthusiast...

At 60k you'ld expect belts and variator to have been changed. Check the paperwork and make sure they start it from cold for you. If they show the belt was changed and theres a diesel rattle then the variator needs changing and is expensive, although you can drive along with out it.

Was taking a peek at the others on offer and saw this one
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/147/201030198981246/advert?channel=CARS
I know it's a private sale rather than dealer - but at least they've gone and put TI Wheels on it which I don't think are original yet the owner went to the bother of sticking with Alfa wheel - suggests he may have looked after the car.

BTW - check out http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/republic-of-ireland/
One of us in Dublin might be able to give you some time and check the car for you

mondeo

DemoniK wrote: »

Give it a real good once over..

Is very basic model, with steel wheels. And they can't even get the engine size right. Unlikely to have been looked after by an enthusiast...

At 60k you'ld expect belts and variator to have been changed. Check the paperwork and make sure they start it from cold for you. If they show the belt was changed and theres a diesel rattle then the variator needs changing and is expensive, although you can drive along with out it.

Was taking a peek at the others on offer and saw this one
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/147/201030198981246/advert?channel=CARS
I know it's a private sale rather than dealer - but at least they've gone and put TI Wheels on it which I don't think are original yet the owner went to the bother of sticking with Alfa wheel - suggests he may have looked after the car.

BTW - check out http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/republic-of-ireland/
One of us in Dublin might be able to give you some time and check the car for you

Thats a cheap car, looks alright but there is no mention of Nct which is a turn off....Might give them a bell though and see if thats for definate. Lady owner sounds appealing though!

Donnelly117

mondeo wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/147/1.6/201032199128273/advert?channel=CARS

This is the one we are going out to look at. What you think?

that looks fairly expensive

mondeo

Donnelly117 wrote: »

that looks fairly expensive

Have no intention of offering asking price, my friend will go as far as 2,450 for it and thats it. It will have to have a half decent service history with it or we are walking..

EPM

Oh no an Alpha...don't touch one...a fella down the pub told me that they're buckets and break down once a week and are as expensive as a ferrari to fix

Anan1

mondeo wrote: »

It will have to have a half decent service history with it or we are walking..

You can check out the SH without leaving the house.

langdang

I know a guy who went to buy one new and wanted the 1.6 - he was told in no uncertain terms he could have the 1.4 and no bigger if he ever wanted to trade it in with them. (alfa dealer in cork)

So, maybe act the gom and pretend you thought it was 1.4 when the ad said 1.5. "1.6 is a FIERCE big injun" - if you've nothing else to try and knock down the price with. If nothing else it will wind the guy up for not actually using the right info in the ad.

mondeo

Was not too pushed about this car at all. It was ok generally but not for him. Spec was basic, steel wheels look tiny on it. Looking at another one in portlaiose on Saturday.

alias no.9

langdang wrote: »

I know a guy who went to buy one new and wanted the 1.6 - he was told in no uncertain terms he could have the 1.4 and no bigger if he ever wanted to trade it in with them. (alfa dealer in cork)

So, maybe act the gom and pretend you thought it was 1.4 when the ad said 1.5. "1.6 is a FIERCE big injun" - if you've nothing else to try and knock down the price with. If nothing else it will wind the guy up for not actually using the right info in the ad.

There was never a 1.4 in the 147, 1.6 was the smallest. The 145/146 had a 1.4 option.