Alfa Romeo GT

Easter17

Should I buy an Alfa Romeo GT, 2005, 87k miles, 1.8 petrol. I have been told that they give a lot of trouble and are costly to fix if anything does go wrong. My mechanic has advised me not to buy and sounds like he wouldn't even want to service it if I did buy. Can it really be that bad?

Donnelly117

If he doesnt want to service it there will be hundred of other mechanics around the place who will. Their not that bad... its just that old Alfa reputation which people wont let go of :rolleyes:

bazz26

These cars do need alot of TLC, but that does not mean they should be avoided. People in general who tell you stay well clear tend to rely on information they heard down the pub from a mate. The best idea would be to buy one that has been owned and cared for by an enthusiast with a detailed service history. I suggest registering on a few Alfa Romeo owner's forums and read up on common problems and real life experiences from owners.

djimi

I would thought that your mechanic would be only too delighted to see you in a car that he feels is going to put his kids through college?

Redsoxfan

I take it that this is the car OP?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-gt-1-8-sportivo-3dr-2005/6915263

Expensive to maintain, rewarding to own (if you maintain them...).

Can't comment on the 1.8 petrol, but I have just sold a 1.9 JTD after over 6.5 years of ownership and miss it already.

As someone has already suggested, register/browse www.alfaowner.com

Depending on where you are based, I might be able to recommend a few mechanics that will be happy to maintain a GT for you, even if they themselves don't seem to think much of the JTS engine that is in the GT.

If looking at petrol, this is undoubtedly the one to go for......

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-gt-3-2-v6-nct-7-15/6806632

(Ignoring the horrendous tax and the ad in which the seller seems like a charming lad altogether....)

zizou_

I have 2007 1.8 TS GT for about a year now. This is the same engine as the one linked about and is the older twin spark rather than the 2.0 which is the direct injection JTS.

As mentioned by other posters there is plenty of info on things to look for on alfaowners (knocking from front suspension, noisy variator etc). Mine has been perfect while i've owned it and the quality and reliability seems a lot better than the 156 i had a while ago.

Good points:
Looks great especially with 18" alloys
Not too common
Seats look great and are seriously comfortable
Boot is a decent size
Decent performance but needs to be revved - has a nice engine note too
Fuel economy is ok. 37MPG on a run and 30 around the city
Decent sized boot for a coupe

Bad points:
Small in the back - wouldn't want to be carrying adults too often
Ride is firm. You really feel potholes around town particularly on 18s
A bit noisy on the motorway (engine and road noise)
Requires a bit more maintenance then the average car. If possible buy an enthusiast owned car with as few owners as possible to give you the best chance of getting a good one.

Hope this helps.

Redsoxfan

zizou_ wrote: »

I have 2007 1.8 TS GT for about a year now. This is the same engine as the one linked about and is the older twin spark rather than the 2.0 which is the direct injection JTS.

Apologies - I should really have known that. Much less issues with the TS than the JTS. It's a pity the GT wasn't available with the 2.0 TS. Drove a GTV with the 2.0 TS the other day and loved it. Drove a GT with the 2.0 JTS last weekend and liked it ok too mind you.

The rest of your post is pretty much spot on based on my experience, especially having both 17" and 18" wheels at different times.

Irishcrx

Lovely cars , don't be minding that mechanic. If your in Dublin check out TI Auto's , they are the best Alfa mechanics in the country and very reasonable on price.

I've had a 156 and a 166, one had a two litre twin spark engine and the other a 2.5 V6 , haven't had the 1.8. The 2 litre was lovely , nice power delivery and engine note from them. I know a couple of people with the GT and they are rave about them , There is serious value in Alfa's for sale because of their reputation they are a hell of a lot of car for the money and an excellent drive.

Go for it , you won't regret it. Be sure to check when the timing belt was done on it this is very important with an Alfa.

zizou_

Irishcrx wrote: »

Go for it , you won't regret it. Be sure to check when the timing belt was done on it this is very important with an Alfa.

+1
Just had my timing belt done on the 1.8 at Ti autos for €280. I thought this was very reasonable so well worth doing and shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Irishcrx

€280 is very reasonable , unfortunatly it costs €750 to do th belt and pump on the V6 and mine is due in July =(