147 or similar for first car

dan185

Hi all,

I work 30km from home and have to take 2 forms of transport to get there. Time to buy a car and cut this out as it eats in to all my time.

I'm really keen on an Alfa 147, purely based on looks at the moment!

I have a provisional licence and will look to take the test as soon as I can facilitate extra practice with a car (12 lessons complete).

Is an Alfa suitable? I've been looking at '04s for around €2000-2500, NCT until next year, taxed, etc.

Would a 1.6 be difficult to insure? I can get quotes online of €2000, I imagine phoning would get that cheaper? As a 22 year old working professional living in Kildare, would a 1.6 be feasible?

Budget up to €3000.

All advice and suggestions much appreciated!

cabb8ge

Condition when viewing aside it hard to know if 147 well treated in past. Even ewith service history to satisfaction it might not have been topped up oil if and when was needed. lot of owners not treat them well even when they think they have done all by the book with service on time etc.

still, nice car, look good, if you like and want it good choice maybe.

mawk

They do look great, but why would you be willing to pay 2000 euro ? Seems like madness..

Why not get something cheaper to insure, develop some no claims and consider the money you would have spent on insurance as free petrol for the year?

djimi

€2000 for insurance is madness and I wouldnt bank on saving a lot by ringing around. Get something smaller, get your full license, build up some experience and a NCB then look at a car like that.

Mycroft H

You'll insure a micra for about half that.

skyhighflyer

I'd normally be the first to recommend a 147, as I own one but they are stupid money to insure compared to other cars in the same bracket. Also a 7 or 8 year old one will probably need suspension work and possibly a t-belt change, so not the cheapest ownership proposition. By all means go for one if you want, but I'd consider something else as a first car and cut your insurance bill in half, then put the €1k you've saved towards a nice 147 in a year's time.

Of course if you're like me you'll probably just ignore me and go out and buy one anyway, in which case best of luck :P

Scortho

I love all Alfa's (except some of the gm engine ones) however if it was me, I'd get a small engine car, get my licence and 1 years Ncb.
Once I could get a decent quote id be looking at a nice gta.
Last year liberty wouldn't quote me on a 1.6 twin spark with 2 years Ncb.
This year with 3 years Ncb they insured me on a 156 v6 !;)
Get your Ncb and full licence and then go look for a well looked after alfa.
It'll take you a while to find a good one anyway.
I'm 21 and can run a v6 fine (you find the money somewhere) but with no Ncb, and no full licence, it'll be a lot harder.

dan185

Cheers folks. I'll look a little smaller so. Grudgingly:D

djimi

If you can afford the insurance and really want the car then plough on ahead and enjoy! There is no way though that I could justify paying that much on insurance for a car thats only worth a couple of grand.

Bluefoam

147 is an awesome car. The 1.6ts engine begs to be revved and driven. Check that the timing belt was done at 36k intervals and make sure you keep it topped up with the right oil. Get a competizione or a sportivo if you can find one. The sportivo has great sports seats and has slightly lower suspension.

skyhighflyer

This one looks nice (albeit high mileage and older than you're looking for)

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/01-alfa-romeo-new-nct-7-14/5374527