Switch from Alfa GT - Recommendations Please

discombobulate

Toying with the idea of changing my Alfa Romeo GT JTD for something else. Love the car and not in a hurry to change it but just looking at my options.

My mileage is around the 15000km range at the moment mainly dual carriageway roads.

Budget would be around 8-12k. Looking for something maybe a little different from the norm. Would want at a minimum the same power of engine. Okish size boot for golf clubs.

H3llR4iser

As previous Alfa owner - and a long time one, I can tell you that you will simply HATE to drive anything that's not another Alfa or a BMW; Unless you are willing to go into a (much) higher tax band, that is.

Similar power, perhaps diesel so you won't lose your shirt over the fuel bill, a decent boot? This suggests BMW 320d...however, you say "a bit different from the norm", and it looks like there are more 3ers than Fiestas in Ireland (recession my arse...).

So I would suggest to keep true to your current car's DNA and get a...159! There are surprisingly few of those; The 1.9 JTD might be a bit sluggish (same engine as your GT, higher weight), the 2.4 has 210 bhp if you're willing to go into the (much) higher tax band.

Or, keep your GT - it's already quite different from the norm

discombobulate

H3llR4iser wrote: »

As previous Alfa owner - and a long time one, I can tell you that you will simply HATE to drive anything that's not another Alfa or a BMW; Unless you are willing to go into a (much) higher tax band, that is.

Similar power, perhaps diesel so you won't lose your shirt over the fuel bill, a decent boot? This suggests BMW 320d...however, you say "a bit different from the norm", and it looks like there are more 3ers than Fiestas in Ireland (recession my arse...).

So I would suggest to keep true to your current car's DNA and get a...159! There are surprisingly few of those; The 1.9 JTD might be a bit sluggish (same engine as your GT, higher weight), the 2.4 has 210 bhp if you're willing to go into the (much) higher tax band.

Or, keep your GT - it's already quite different from the norm

The 2.4 159 could definitely be an option. A quick look though and theres only one on Carzone and thats on UK plates. Big boot isn't a necessity. Would like a Brera but between the mpg and reliability issues i'm not sure i'd risk it

Leonard Hofstadter

What about something like a 325d or 330d? They're not that dear on tax or anything like that (they're less than the Alfa on the new system than the Alfa is on the old system if you get me).

Or what about a petrol, with your kind of mileage do you really need a diesel?

Veloce

discombobulate wrote: »

H3llR4iser wrote: »

As previous Alfa owner - and a long time one, I can tell you that you will simply HATE to drive anything that's not another Alfa or a BMW; Unless you are willing to go into a (much) higher tax band, that is.

Similar power, perhaps diesel so you won't lose your shirt over the fuel bill, a decent boot? This suggests BMW 320d...however, you say "a bit different from the norm", and it looks like there are more 3ers than Fiestas in Ireland (recession my arse...).

So I would suggest to keep true to your current car's DNA and get a...159! There are surprisingly few of those; The 1.9 JTD might be a bit sluggish (same engine as your GT, higher weight), the 2.4 has 210 bhp if you're willing to go into the (much) higher tax band.

Or, keep your GT - it's already quite different from the norm

The 2.4 159 could definitely be an option. A quick look though and theres only one on Carzone and thats on UK plates. Big boot isn't a necessity. Would like a Brera but between the mpg and reliability issues i'm not sure i'd risk it

You should take a look at the 1750 TBi 159 also. Turbo petrol, 200bhp without the high tax band. There are 1 or 2 up North and a few in the UK, VRT might be a killer and the whole importing process may not be too convenient for you. Have not seen one in the ROI at all yet.

Other things you could do if you decided to hang on to the GT (if you haven't done so already) is get a remap- 200bhp easily achievable and or get a Q2 differential installed.

With regards to a BMW, I drove a 335i a few weeks ago. 3.0 litre twin turbo with just over 300 horses, was a lot of fun

discombobulate

Veloce wrote: »

You should take a look at the 1750 TBi 159 also. Turbo petrol, 200bhp without the high tax band. There are 1 or 2 up North and a few in the UK, VRT might be a killer and the whole importing process may not be too convenient for you. Have not seen one in the ROI at all yet.

Other things you could do if you decided to hang on to the GT (if you haven't done so already) is get a remap- 200bhp easily achievable and or get a Q2 differential installed.

With regards to a BMW, I drove a 335i a few weeks ago. 3.0 litre twin turbo with just over 300 horses, was a lot of fun

Do you have any links to those 159's? Hadn't seen that engine before in them. Looks interesting. Considering a remap alright if I don't change the car just a little worried about the extra wear and tear it may cause. Bringing the car in for a service in the next couple of weeks to Ti Autos so will get their opinion.

H3llR4iser

Veloce wrote: »

You should take a look at the 1750 TBi 159 also. Turbo petrol, 200bhp without the high tax band. There are 1 or 2 up North and a few in the UK, VRT might be a killer and the whole importing process may not be too convenient for you. Have not seen one in the ROI at all yet.

I was gonna suggest the 1750TB, it's probably the best option for the 159 - good tax band and doesn't have the "tractor" sound of a diesel; however I have never seen one on the road, not in IE, not in UK and less than ever in Italy (95% of new cars are diesel there, a good chunk of which completely unnecessary - people driving like 5.000km/year).

Veloce wrote: »

Other things you could do if you decided to hang on to the GT (if you haven't done so already) is get a remap- 200bhp easily achievable and or get a Q2 differential installed.

Vote +1 for the Q2; Never trusted remaps. Perhaps when done well they just work, but I heard about a lot of compressor issues on the 1.9 GT/147/156. I also have to say that I see a lot of remapped diesels leaving more smoke in their trail than an old Boeing 707

With regards to a BMW, I drove a 335i a few weeks ago. 3.0 litre twin turbo with just over 300 horses, was a lot of fun

No doubt - they're great cars, especially the engines with their power/fuel consumption ratio; however, it looks like 1 out of 5 Irish drivers own a 3-series

discombobulate

H3llR4iser wrote: »

Vote +1 for the Q2; Never trusted remaps. Perhaps when done well they just work, but I heard about a lot of compressor issues on the 1.9 GT/147/156. I also have to say that I see a lot of remapped diesels leaving more smoke in their trail than an old Boeing 707

I've heard of the Q2 but don't know much about what it is or the cost?

Veloce

There are some 1750 TBs:
http://www.autotrader.ie/search/results?searchsource=quick&channel=CARS&cacheBuster=1345222835666430&make_model=Alfa%20Romeo%7C159&legacy_url=y

Some don't have any pictures though FFS!

My dad is running a remap on his 159Ti. Its stock BHP is 150, same as your GT (assuming its not a cloverleaf) and under remap his is putting out 195bhp. MPG has not significantly down and it doesn't smoke that bad as far as I know. It is low mileage and a 2010 though so only time will tell. The clutch can tend to suffer a lot of wear with the increased torque output.

Agreed to 3 series is a pretty common car. Really liked the 335i but I don't know would I buy one. I'm happy with my GT for the timebeing.

Veloce

discombobulate wrote: »

I've heard of the Q2 but don't know much about what it is or the cost?

Judging from this thread looks about £580 fitted.

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-and-gt/314689-q2-diff-is-it-worth-the-extra-money.html

I believe Gerry in Ti Autos can fit them, he should be able to give you an estimate and possibility of sourcing one.

the culture of deference

pm me details about your own one. i am looking to buy a decent GT with Alfa FSH and correct timing belt intervals done.

discombobulate

the culture of deference wrote: »

pm me details about your own one. i am looking to buy a decent GT with Alfa FSH and correct timing belt intervals done.

Decided to keep it for the time being an dconsider a 159 in the future. FSH and timing belt done at 72000km this month.