Alfa 147 Questions

Wats_in_a_name

Thinking of buying a 02 Alfa 147 and was wondering what I should look out for. As far as I know the timing belts need to be changed every 36k miles so I'll check that.

Also, is it true sparks plugs are around a tenner each? My focus ones were around a pound each on eBay!

Alanstrainor

There's been plenty of 147 threads on here. Do a search, you'll find a tonne of info.

And it might be worth while looking at some alfa specific forums too.

Veloce

Wats_in_a_name wrote: »

Also, is it true sparks plugs are around a tenner each? My focus ones were around a pound each on eBay!

Spark plugs can be pricey. In the petrol engines there are 2 spark plugs per cylinder so you need to buy 8 of them every 60,000 miles or so.

Wats_in_a_name

I have done a search and learnt bout the timing belt and spark plugs but they just turned into alfa bashing.

Just wondering are there things in particular I should look out for. For example places that have a tendency to rust..

alias no.9

Plugs are pricey but are long life, if buying from a garage, insist they change them before taking it from them and you can probably forget about them for as long as you'll own the car. Rust isn't a problem on Irish cars if you see any, it's probably been damaged / repaired in that location, uk imports may be different due to the levels of salt on their roads.

Wats_in_a_name

I'll be buying privately can't afford any garage cars!

He says its just been serviced but Ill try and get receipts or something as proof.

alias no.9

Wats_in_a_name wrote: »

I'll be buying privately can't afford any garage cars!

He says its just been serviced but Ill try and get receipts or something as proof.

Budget for a new set of plugs in the total price you're prepared to pay unless there's documented evidence they were done.

Wats_in_a_name

Will do.

Also how much does it cost for timing belt? Heard around €400 or so? Again seller says its done but if theres no evidence I'll probably have to get it done again just to be on the safe side.

alias no.9

€400 sounds cheap, not unheard of but most places will charge more. Make sure the tensioner is included if quoted a price like that.

Wats_in_a_name

Ill ring my mechanic and see what he'll charge to do it. Anything else I should be looking for?

Btw does anyone know what new twst means in an add? Don't think it means test (nct) as it expires in 6/12.

Nonoperational

Timing belt without variator about €350-400. With variator add another €120 or so. Have a gander at this http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055705272 . They're a lovely car if you get a good well minded one.

Wats_in_a_name

My searching skills seemed to have failed me. Not sure how I missed that post!

Would I be an idiot to buy an Alfa without getting it checked from a private dealer. I got a mechanic to check the last car I bought and pretty sure I can do what he did. Check for oil leaks, signs of it being crashed, CV joints, brake flexi hoses and stuff like that. Only thing I am worried about is suspension. Would that show it self on a test drive?

Delancey

I have a 147 and think its great though it does need checking regularly to ensure the oil level is adequate - they can be relatively heavy on oil.

Wats_in_a_name

I've heard there fond of the oil. Doesn't really bother me though. I've driven a 147 and don't know why but I've fallen in love with it. Its a 2 minute job once a week.

Nonoperational

It's not a huge job to check one out yourself.

1) Start up engine and check for a Diesel like noise. If it's there then you'll need the variator done at next belt change. Not a huge issue if the noise disappears after a few seconds. Check for a history of belts and servicing. HAS to be done at 36k miles or 3 years whichever comes first. Check the oil level. It's a good indication of how the owner looked after it. Engine should run nice and smooth and rev all the way up to 7k!

2) Check for suspension knocking.

3) Do a few gear changed at highish revs. Especially 2nd to 3rd.

4) Have a general look for rust, obvious accident damage etc.

5 Check interior for excessive wear and that everything works!

If all this checks out you could get a right bargain.

mondeo

Make sure the orange engine check light and red airbag lights come and go off again. If you see an airbag light flashing rapidly it means there is an issue with passenger airbag.

If it sounds like a diesel on startup the variator is shagged, it's not a cheap fix!

RobertM

Check the oil. Ask the owner about oil changes and how often does he do them. If he starts talking ****e the run away, as alfa's without oil can lead to bottom end failing.

Usual noises from suspension, drive over speed bumps to hear the noises. Usually the squealing noise from behind the dashboard are the upper wishbones.
Creaking noise from around the pedals is usually the antiroll bar bushes, and possibly antiroll bar links.

Check all electrics work.

The timing belt is usually around 450-550 depending on garage. In order to save some money, some mechanics use a variator repair kit from Alfa dealers (around 10-15 quid). It's a metal bit inside the variator that worns out, thus making the diesel noise.


If you're in Dublin, I can recommend someone to check the car for you. He takes care of loads of Alfa's and people swear by him, including me.