Going to view an alfa gt. What should I look out for?

Connavar

Hey,

I am going to view a gt on monday and was wondering if there is anything model specific that I should look out for with it. I know they should have good oil levels, regular timing belt and to check for noises from the suspension.
Is there anything else that I have missed?
This is the one Im going to see btw
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/GT/1.8-COLL/33913650013848270/advert?channel=CARS

Thanks

cjt156

Do a search; there was a similar* thread with some excellent advice here only a week or two ago.
Nice car by the way, at first glance at least.

Edit; *this may be it
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=84063465
thread is actually on the 156, on which the GT is based. The GT is better built, a lot of the 156 niggles were ironed out by the time the GT came along.
As with all Alfas, history is key. They usually consume oil, timing belts and suspension bushes more than you'd like. The reward is a beautiful car that will put a smile on your face every time you look at it or drive it.

Connavar

It was that thread that made me think I would go for one

166man

Connavar wrote: »

It was that thread that made me think I would go for one

I say go for it! The twin sparks engine are absolute joys to drive and the 1.8 should give a reasonable balance of power economy and a tax rate that is manageable.

Check for any kind of service history. Without it I'd walk unless you want to factor in €400 for a belt change. You know about the belts and suspension but check if the car holds in a straight line also as when the suspension wears out the tracking can be gone too. €50 to fix but might be able to get the garage to get it done or more cash off, you know what I mean!

As usual check underneath and make sure it goes into all gears properly. Once the suspension isn't making any weird noises and there is proper evidence of a belt change you should be safe to go.

Best of luck!

youwhoglue

How'd you get on OP? Car looks well in photos.

I'm interested in getting one this summer.

smash

Wishbones, engine mounts, mayo in the coolant... and make sure all the warning lights turn on when you insert the key!

Then again, it's not a private sale and they are an Alfa dealer so it should be good.

Connavar

Didn't get the chance to view it yesterday, but should get to it this evening hopefully. Will let ye know how it goes.
Thanks for all the tips so far

Nuttzz

I have one of these from new and I love it.

Its nearly due for a water pump and timing belt change looking at the mileage

Have a look at the tyres especially the inside for wear

Check the clutch and how springy it feels and if there is any unusual noise from it.

Finally dont worry about the unreliability tag that is meant to go with alfas the engines were built in conjunction with GM and power Saab 9-5's and some opels of the same era.

bidiots

Nuttzz wrote: »

Finally dont worry about the unreliability tag that is meant to go with alfas the engines were built in conjunction with GM and power Saab 9-5's and some opels of the same era.

Is this meant to reassure him or scare the bejaysus out of him?:p

Connavar

Car sold before I got to view it. Sickened as it looked very tidy

Celly Smunt

Ah bummer.Don't mind what the other lads are saying,the only must for an alfa is tanned leather interior,who cares about the mechanics.:pac:

rocky

Connavar wrote: »

Going to view an alfa gt. What should I look out for?

The recovery truck...

Now seriously, I was looking at them some time ago, the leather seats looked very nice, I'm not sure about the two-tone leather in that one though...

Nuttzz

Connavar wrote: »

Car sold before I got to view it. Sickened as it looked very tidy

Thats a shame, look for a diesel one next time, I still get about 45MPG on combined city/motorway driving

endplate

Had a diesel gt for a while back in the good times. Clutch failed to work properly after I stalled it at a roundabout cos I was in too high a gear. Old clutch looked perfect compared to the new clutch but mechanic quite sensibly refused to put the old one back in. Also check the cables for moving the front seats forward to allow passengers in the back. They use what looks like standard bike brake cables. The replacement from Alfa are cheap to buy but are a major headache to replace as the seat has to be dismantled. Finally the low profile tyres on bumpy roads are another nightmare. Driving became stressful as you were constantly looking for potholes cos once you hit one your steering started to wobble. Georgous car apart from that and a pleasure on a long journey on good roads.

Doom

The engine sub frame...mate bought one, it was so badly corroded the engine was about to drop out of it...cost 3k.

Connavar

Got a call there and the car is back on the market. Going to go view it this evening. He didn't say why the sale fell through so I will try to be extra vigilant.

EDIT:I really have to start ringing in advance. They were putting new brake disks on it when I got in so I couldn't test drive it