Anybody lived with an Alfa 147?
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Printed Date: 23-September-2024 at 14:27
Topic: Anybody lived with an Alfa 147?
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Subject: Anybody lived with an Alfa 147?
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 14:13
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It's time to upgrade the wifes car and she's smitten with the 147. It's got a real mixed bag of reviews on What Car and it's more or less rubbished by Honest John, but they are so cheap secondhand by comparison to the competition (€10K will get a 2003 with 50K on the clock and a full main dealer history) I'm wondering if that alone might make one worth a punt. Anybody here actually lived with the day to day ownership of one? |
Replies:
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 15:10
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I myself haven't but I've heard some bad stories about reliability on them from owners. They also have quite fragile build quality but they are a gorgeous looking car, almost can be described as sexy! The interior isn't half bad, the plastics have a nice textured feel and they look the business in dark blue with orange leather. I would say go for it, just make sure not to get your fingers burnt, check service history and ring the garages it has been serviced by to confirm it has been carried out. Don't pay over the odds for one because some dealers overprice them. If it all works out fine you will have a stunner of a car for very little money that will serve you well. They were a former car of the year in 2001 ------------- |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 15:46
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I'm thinking she's only going to do low miles and we've a very compident local mechanic on our doorstep. We looked at a really nice 2003 black 1.6 Lusso with beige leather today. Full Alfa history, two timing belt replacements, four service stamps and lots of toys. Asking 11,500 but will go to 10K for cash.
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Posted By: Don B
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 17:04
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Think it all depends on being lucky and finding a good one. I ran a two litre Alfa 156 for a couple of years and apart from being a bit thirsty, it didn't cause me any major problems, plus it looked good for its age and was realllllly cheap to buy.
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Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 17:15
That sounds like a lovely colour combination. 10k seems reasonable enough, have you any pictures? ------------- |
ivanovoitch wrote:Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 18:16
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The car we looked at was private sale so no pics but the link below is of something older but very similar. http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=628946 - This is not the car but it's very similar. ------------- |
Posted By: larzyh
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 18:38
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Sadly, Alfa Romeo seem unable to shake the reputation for being Gorgeous but fragile but because they depreciate at fairly high rates they make very tempting second hand buys; I am always tempted when considering changing but have not yet been brave enough to move away from my long-term brand of loyalty! Larzyh. |
Posted By: Mick525i
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 20:14
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HISTORY and OIL. I had an Alfa 156 1.8 and it broke my heart. It was a wonderfull car to drive but 2 engines in 5 months........ 2 major problems. Cam belts and running low on oil. Cam belt tensioners can fail after 30K and not the recomended 75K alfa recomendation. This will cost to repair but its what can happen after this thats alarming. To many stories about the bottom end failing a short time after a cam belt failure. Double whammy. Alot of twin spark engines use oil. If its not topped up and NEVER left on the low mark then they can run for years with out any trouble. However run it low on oil and it will blow up. The crank shells seem to move blocking the journels and rattle rattle wrecked engine. Dont even think of a SillySpeed box. You will be asking for trouble. Do buy one if its mint and full of service history. Dont buy a ex fleet car cheap like I did it cost me a bleedn fortune. Other week point are exausts and suspension. o and Itialan electrics. Look at this web site for more problems. http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-and-159/ - http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-and-159/ Good luck Mick ------------- Cheers Mick 
BMW E21 318 1980 BMW E39 525i 2002 MTech VW Golf Gti 2003 |
Posted By: nn_dd
Date Posted: 17-March-2007 at 20:26
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If that car has had 2 sets of timing belts replaced, it's been very well looked after, not a cheap job, so gets skimped on. Alfa suggested 72K between changes, but revised to 36K (revised to inspect at 36K) - but while you're in there, might as well replace them. Ran a GTV for 5 yrs, still much missed, was a brilliant car. For a bit of style you cannot beat them, especially as a second car. But get the suspension checked out first - if a bushing goes, they cannot be replaced, need to replace whole arm. Few places in the Uk sell replacement polybush parts, if you have a good mechanic, should be ok in fitting them. I'd love a Brera, mate has a GT and its just beautiful. ------------- E39 530d Touring |
Posted By: T.J.
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 12:52
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my wife runs a 2001 156 1.8 Sportwagon with 92k up on the clock now. 2 rear window regulators have gone in the last 2yrs Timing belt tensioner bearing was rattly so Alfa garage replaced under warranty and did the timing belt with it. The variator is noisy on it, but it's something we'll live with for now, as doing it requires doing the timing belt again and twas only done 18k ago. Windscreen tends to be wet on inside on winter mornings and requires aircon to keep clear. It must be a bit of moisture build up somewhere but as I don't get into it in the mornings it hasn't bothered me enough to go investigate. Oh and as Mick says, it like a drop of oil so it pays to keep an eye on levels. Other than that, it's been a fab car to have - fun to drive, very roomy, reliable enough so far, and drop dead gorgeous. If I were you I'd go fo it. Sounds a very tasty motor ------------- Mazda 6 MPS S1 Elise 135 Sport Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon http://www.bmwcarclubireland.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3254"> 
Formerly E39 TDS, E36 M3, E36 328i, E34 525i, E34 518i |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 17:04
Any idea of the cost of timing belt/variator replacement with your Alfa? I've posted on the Alfa site but the dudes are mainly from the UK so pricing is different. Also wondering if Alfa here are as bad as they seem in the UK. I bought a brand new Fiat Doblo a few years back and it spent a lot of time back with the main Alfa/Fiat dealer (Won't name them but will mention Blanchardstown) getting to the bottom of what turned out to be a simple fault. (With that said, if we do go down this road I'm not planning on using the main $tealer channel to maintain it as I reckon the depreciation is going to be chronic anyway...but there does seem to be issues with getting parts). ------------- |
Posted By: Nigel
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 17:46
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I'm watching this with interest, I'm already finding the downside to having a Rover 75 as my works car....and I haven't even put it on the road yet ! ------------- Best Wishes Nigel |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 18:00
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So's my father in law. Two bills for over £1500 in the space of 1 year and it's left him stranded on the hard shoulder of the M25 3 times now. My Boss's wife has a 147 and he thinks it's a great car. She's had it now for about 6 months and they haven't had any problems yet. Mind you it was only 18months old when she got it. He has a 156 and other than getting the cam belt changed early due to stories of them failing he has had about 2 years of relatively trouble free motoring. My brother inlaw has a 156 and he has had no problmes with it at all for about 4 years. I guess it's down to the luck of the draw.
------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |
Posted By: flyingalexf68
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 19:07
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I love the 147's too. Such a lovely car in black with leather. Should be good once the history checks out. Just factor in plenty of cash for maintanance and you're sorted. Change the oil and filters early as well as the timing belt. And check the oil every week. The weak points are the suspension but new shocks are cheap enough. Plenty of good forums and specialist Alfa parts places in the UK. ------------- 1995 e36 3.0 M3 Coupe, Daytona Violet, AP Racing BBK, CCFL Angel Eyes, M3 Spoiler, M-Tec 3 Steering Wheel. 2000 530d Steptronic, Poverty Spec, 18" Alloys. |
Posted By: fozzymandeus
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 19:34
| If anyone can find a red 147 with beige leather I'll buy it. |
Posted By: Nigel
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 21:26
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I sent a pm to an Alpha entusiast I mix with on AD UK, he seems to think most stuff has been covered : I think the major issues have already been covered in the thread, but I would emphasize the importance in being proactive with maintenance and always ensuring the oil is kept topped up. ------------- Best Wishes Nigel |
Posted By: nn_dd
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 21:51
Exactly, you have to be an enthusiast, the other half will drive, but you will have to be constantly looking after it. Very rewarding though. But, not all Alfa's use oil. Neither my one for 5 yrs, or any of my mates 4 previous alfa's (156's and GT's) have had an oil useage problem. Some cars will be maggots to run, others are a dream (as you normally expect issues and then don't get any). Make sure that your garage "gets them" as a lot of guys have a very bad attitude to them, probably because they know feck all about them....could tell you stories there. ------------- E39 530d Touring |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 18-March-2007 at 22:40
An Alfa is a car you buy with your heart, not your head! I think you should go with your heart judging by how lovely the example your looking at sounds. If it's 2003 that was when the 147 was 2 years into production so it won't have any of those early build niggles. It seems priced very well, just get a good mechanic to check it out and if it's legitimate you'll be laughing all the way to the bank!
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Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 19-March-2007 at 13:55
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I've ran a 156 1.8 for 7yrs and it has 82k miles on it. I've just had the timing belt, variator, water pump done last week so every 40k miles is good for these. (or every 3yrs regardless of mileage). I would guess TI Autos would charge about €500 for the full timing belt service and that includes all the bits & labour. As others have said, check the oil every 2 months and keep it topped up. It should use about 2-2.5l every 12k mile service. Others to check for are suspension, but if this car has had its belt changed twice in 50k miles, I would go as far to say that it has been well maintained. Check the service history and hopefully it was done by Gerry in TI Autos in Dublin. He's the best in the business when it comes to Alfas. Your wife will not be disappointed by it. ------------- Tom E39 1997 523i Oxford Green (Sold) ___________________________ |
Posted By: T.J.
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 09:21
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If I recall, I got a quote fo €450 for doing the variator, but that was a yr ago now. ------------- Mazda 6 MPS S1 Elise 135 Sport Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon http://www.bmwcarclubireland.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3254">
Formerly E39 TDS, E36 M3, E36 328i, E34 525i, E34 518i |
Posted By: dryle
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 09:37
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an ex collegue of mine had a 99 156, he always wanted a 3 series coupe and when his car was destroyed by flood water in dunboyne he bought a 3 series coupe, hated it and wanted to change back to alfa. like most cars you can be lucky/unlucky in the model. ------------- Dave Ryle  "The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." -- George Bernard Shaw |
Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 10:20
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I think its slightly cheaper on a 1.6 engine as it doesn't need one of the parts replaced. Not sure if this applies to 147, but check for erratic idling (common problems with AFM) and the temp gauge reads about 80deg (it might be a little lower in this weather) but if its below 70 after heating up, the stat has failed (Alfa stats fail open, well on the 156 anyway) - very common also ------------- Tom E39 1997 523i Oxford Green (Sold) ___________________________ |
Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 10:28
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Ivanovitch There's a bit of a gamble as far as reliability and cost is concerned with these but most people buying them go in to it with their eyes open on that score. For me the greater risk would be on a subsequent resale. Alfa's will always depreciate to banger money quicker than anything comparable. You've already had the experience of disposing of a car that the Irish market (rightly or wrongly) considers a bit of an orphan (the Compact). The real market selling price of that was a good deal less than you probably first thought and compared to a similar 3 saloon. For me it would be a question of whether you want to go down that road again? ------------- Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i. |
Posted By: T.J.
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 11:54
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I concur - our 2001 156 Sportwagon is worth peanuts. I got an offer of €2,500 from a Volvo dealership on trade against a new style V50! ------------- Mazda 6 MPS S1 Elise 135 Sport Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon http://www.bmwcarclubireland.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3254">
Formerly E39 TDS, E36 M3, E36 328i, E34 525i, E34 518i |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 17:58
Tis an issue alright. The reason I bought the Compact was because it seemed cheap by comparison to the asking price of others the same spec/age (even Alan in AC cars reckoned it had twelve months depreciation free in it at the price I paid for it) but the reality was demand was poor when I went to sell so I took a big hit just to shift it. My reckoning is that the Alfa is cheap to start with and is probably a more desirable car than the Compact was/is. She'll keep it three years and do twenty thousand miles in it and it will loose half it's value again. That's still only twice what the Compact lost in less than a year. ------------- |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 21:47
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I reckon if you keep it serviced on schedule, polish it every so often you'll keep it looking and going well, buying an Alfa or a FIAT may be a gamble, but if the car seems well looked after and you like it it might very well be worth it
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Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 22:12
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Yep, if you like it buy it. No-one in their right mind would run a E30 M3 on a daily basis - but some of us do for the same reason! ------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: Mick525i
Date Posted: 20-March-2007 at 22:51
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Even after my dreadfull experiance with the 156 id have another Alfa in the morning. But I am enjoying the BM and even the gti is proving reliable....... feck.... touch wood.
Mick ------------- Cheers Mick
BMW E21 318 1980 BMW E39 525i 2002 MTech VW Golf Gti 2003 |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 21-March-2007 at 21:27
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As Jeremey Clarkson said:"You can't call yourself a true car enthusiast until you've owned an Alfa."
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Posted By: Mick525i
Date Posted: 22-March-2007 at 08:54
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he said "petrol Head" to be padantic... ------------- Cheers Mick
BMW E21 318 1980 BMW E39 525i 2002 MTech VW Golf Gti 2003 |
Posted By: fozzymandeus
Date Posted: 22-March-2007 at 09:03
padantic is spelled pedantic, to be pedantic. 
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Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 23-March-2007 at 21:53
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nailed it on the head 635csi I bet my 156 would have been a crock many years ago if I hadn't kept on top of the servicing, but she still looks like new and is running better than ever 7yrs old. Treat the well and you get your rewards ------------- Tom E39 1997 523i Oxford Green (Sold) ___________________________ |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 23-March-2007 at 22:05
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[/QUOTE] nailed it on the head 635csi I bet my 156 would have been a crock many years ago if I hadn't kept on top of the servicing, but she still looks like new and is running better than ever 7yrs old. Treat the well and you get your rewards [/QUOTE]Yes, Alfa Romeo's are sort of like women!  ------------- |
Posted By: Mick525i
Date Posted: 23-March-2007 at 22:30
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I asked for that... ------------- Cheers Mick
BMW E21 318 1980 BMW E39 525i 2002 MTech VW Golf Gti 2003 |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 24-March-2007 at 13:19
First of all. The car that started this thread has been sold...but not to us! I'm not really getting Alfa pricing. Went down to see http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=273886 - this this morning, and came across http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=626508 - this. Either car can be had for €13800 cash. The 147 is in really poor condition yet the 156 is immaculate. There is 10K in mileage difference in favour of the 156, it's a year younger and the overall finish is much better than the 147. The dealers explaination for the same price is that the 147 is the Sportivo and the 156 is the Lusso. But surely condition has to be factored in. Have to say, I'd be far more interested in the 156. Any thoughts? ------------- |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 24-March-2007 at 16:13
Avoid both of them at all costs! That 147 looks in terrible condition and the 156 is poverty spec and the colour is horrible therefore harder to resell. IMO both of them are very overpriced I would only pay 14,950 for a Sportivo not a Lusso and the 156 is quite an old car now and in 2 years time it will be worth virtually nothing. The 147 you were originally buying looked like a sound deal, my advice would be to try and hunt down another one with similar spec and a similar price, it won't be too hard. By looking at most of Michael Barrable's cars they look quite overpriced. My advice is keep looking, well looked after Alfa's always pop up every so often for reasonable money. How about this?:http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=c ar&carID=582253 It looks in good condition and it has low mileage and it's a year newer than what your were looking at and I reckon you could get him down to around 11k because it says 'quick sale' but the downside is private sale therefore no warranty. ------------- |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 24-March-2007 at 17:22
Don't worry, won't be buying either. Was passing Barable so thought I'd drop in and have a looksee. I'm just really surprised at the price V's year/condition/mileage hence the post. Have to say, with depreciation & build quality issues think she might be better off with a late e36. The problem is that she finds it difficult to get a comfortable driving position with good visibility in most cars, something the 147 handled with extremely well. ------------- |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 24-March-2007 at 18:58
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[/QUOTE] Don't worry, won't be buying either. Was passing Barable so thought I'd drop in and have a looksee. I'm just really surprised at the price V's year/condition/mileage hence the post. Have to say, with depreciation & build quality issues think she might be better off with a late e36. The problem is that she finds it difficult to get a comfortable driving position with good visibility in most cars, something the 147 handled with extremely well. [/QUOTE] Well the decision is up to you, the 147 is a much more modern car than the E36 and will probably be better value but the downside is build quality and reliability. Some people have Alfa Romeo's and have never had a bother with them, it's all a case of how lucky you are so if you are going for an Alfa find the best one you can. ------------- |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 24-March-2007 at 19:27
Thats kinda the nail on the head, cept the decision is ultimately up to her. There is a really nice 1994 320 coupe which she sees parked in Trinity every day (I've seen it too). Virtually unmarked with nappa leather. Can't be worth more than 5K. I reckon something similar but newer would, on the surface, make a better buy. But then she'd have to put up with not being able to get truly comfortable in it. Decisions, decisions! ------------- |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 25-March-2007 at 22:00
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Okay...her search is broadening. Anybody lived with either a new shape Megan hatchback or a new Mini? Her budget will buy a 2003 Megan with all the toys or a pauper spec 2002 Mini. Thoughts welcome.....
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Posted By: Mick525i
Date Posted: 25-March-2007 at 22:11
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DONT BUT A MIGRAINE!!!! Please noooooooo. ] Buy the mini you know you want to. Drove a mini one and a Cooper S and both cars were a hoot to drive. Great car. Mick ------------- Cheers Mick
BMW E21 318 1980 BMW E39 525i 2002 MTech VW Golf Gti 2003 |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 25-March-2007 at 22:58
The Megane is known to be quite unreliable, they have bad electrical glitches and they are quite flimsily put together therefore they can be had for quite cheap very much like the 147, but it has none of the 147's soul. The MINI is quite overpriced for what your getting and I've seen 70,000 milers making 14 grand which in my opinion is ridiculous for what essentially is a supermini, although they do have BMW build quality and when you sell it on someone will always want to buy it. As you probably know the MINI specifications start off at One which is the bog standard version, then Cooper, then Cooper S which is the supercharged hotter version. I haven't seen a Cooper S for under 19k and the one's going for 19k are rather tatty. This is the cheapest Cooper currently on Carzone: http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car& ; ; ; ;carID=551139 This MINI One also looks quite nice and I'd say the price is negotiable: http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car& ; ; ; ;carID=575019 ------------- |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 26-March-2007 at 17:03
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can't get your links to work 635. http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=638072 - This is cheap by comparison to the rest. But it is the very first of the generation when they suffered probs with the build quality. ------------- |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 26-March-2007 at 17:57
That's actually a nice one. The leather in it looks lovely and I can tell it was purchased Maxwell Motors. The one I found was in Cork and it's a bit far for your to travel assuming you live in Dublin. If your willing to stretch J Donohoe in Eniscorthy have a Cooper S for 16k which seems like a very good price to me. No pictures as yet though, but I would definitely recommend at least enquiring about this one! http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car& ; ;carID=621247 You'll have to copy and paste that link because for some reason I can't give direct links on this computer. ------------- |
Posted By: Eoin_
Date Posted: 26-March-2007 at 20:18
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I'm not really adding anything new, but before my 320d I owned a 156 for 2 years. I got hit with one big service bill, as I needed new brake discs and pads all around. Apart from that, and a few headlight bulbs going, I did not have ONE problem in two years of ownership. On the other hand, my BMW has cost me easily €1000 in maintenance alone over less than a year (new MAF, general service, new relay switch etc). My dad has had his since '98, and he has not had any problems either, and he doesn't keep an eye on the fluid levels anywhere near as regularly as I did. Yes, they are nowhere near as reliable as a Japanese car, but by the same token, they are nowhere near as bland and uninspiring as most of the Jap saloons. On the depreciation - this may seem like a bad thing, but it obviously works both ways. It means you can buy a 2 litre saloon that handles like an absolute animal, and is probably as quick as the equivalent 3 series saloon for peanuts. You should factor in its excellent value into any potential repair costs (rumours of which are overstated anyway). |
Posted By: Toxic
Date Posted: 26-March-2007 at 20:31
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Eoin, the 156 service intervals are gonna be about 1k every 3-4 yrs. Just got my 2nd timing belt done on mine with a few other bits and it was just shy of the 1k. Having said that, its no more expensive than the E39 to maintain that I had for over 3 yrs. Problem with most of the 156's out there is that there are far too many basic spec ones. Most of the ones that were bought were rep mobiles and they were never fully spec'd. I bought mine as a private car new and spent a few grand on a few toys, so if you come across one with leather, etc, they are rare enough. There seems to be a few more 147's with leather. The Mini Cooper is a good alternative. ------------- Tom E39 1997 523i Oxford Green (Sold) ___________________________ |
Posted By: flyingalexf68
Date Posted: 26-March-2007 at 20:40
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Hi Eoin, welcome to the forum. You are one of the lucky ones mentioned
earlier. My mum has a 2001 156 Selespeed (2.0 litre). I've just ordered 900 euro worth of parts from a discount company England to service and fix her car up. New wishbone, drop links, themostat, lambda sensor, and shocks (these cars are so soft) amongst other things. And it's just had a main dealer service costing 742 euro as a valve had brocken and had to be replaced. Not to mension the new gfearbox it got last year with ANOTHER timing belt (every 30k???) and tensioners and some small stuff. That cost 3500 euro. But it's a great car to drive. (Well it will be when I fix it). And she does like it. But they are EXPENSIVE to keep. Only 70k on her car too! P.S. Having the brake pads changed by a dealer is the biggest rip off ever. Thats the one job I would insist on doing myself on ALL my cars. They're easy to do even if you're not mechanically minded. Front pads from an Alfa dealer are 80 euro or about 50 from an indy. Take 20 minutes per side to do. ------------- 1995 e36 3.0 M3 Coupe, Daytona Violet, AP Racing BBK, CCFL Angel Eyes, M3 Spoiler, M-Tec 3 Steering Wheel. 2000 530d Steptronic, Poverty Spec, 18" Alloys. |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 26-March-2007 at 21:01
The missus - who has been avidly reading these posts - is chuffed with the positive feedback on the Mini. Safe to say her initial attraction to the 147 is now officially dead in the water. . Going to take a trip over to Duffy on Sat and spin a Min and see how it grabs her! ------------- |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 27-March-2007 at 17:09
Selespeed's are known to be extremely problematic! They are supposed to be absolute rubbish. The 156 is a lovely car but I would definately stay well clear of the Selespeed. ------------- |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 27-March-2007 at 17:11
Joe Duffy wouldn't be my first choice for BMW or MINI or latterly Mazda. That's a shame she has no attraction for Alfa's anymore because secondhand they can represent brilliant value for money. ------------- |
Posted By: Dergside
Date Posted: 27-March-2007 at 18:23
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Just to throw a small dampener on this, I was talking with John Roche recently on this very topic because if the UK prices settle a bit it could be a contender for a replacement for Mrs D's 318Ci. The word from his pals still in the UK dealer network is that some can also be a little bit troublesome, mostly with minor but irritating issues. They've been known to munch an odd gearbox, on some the electrics can be a little bothersome, etc. I dare say that these comments should be considered in terms of the comparison against a similar age/mileage BMW levels of reliability and quality. I haven't quite decided if it puts me off the idea yet but his judgement is typically fairly sound on BMW related issues. ------------- Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i. |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 28-March-2007 at 17:33
The reliability issue has put her off. She takes trips down the bog to see her mum with the sprog in toe. The idea of being stranded at the side of the road is a bit of a worry to her...and rightly so. Joe Duffy won't be getting her business but they are an easy option for the all important test drive. ------------- |
Posted By: ivanovoitch
Date Posted: 28-March-2007 at 17:44
I've had a chat with a mechanic who I respect (and has a decent track record with BM's). He's had a few early non-TLC cars through his place and reckons that, if the car is right in the first place, it's as safe a bet as any BMW of the equivalent age. ------------- |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 28-March-2007 at 18:44
I would agree with that statement. ------------- |
Posted By: flyingalexf68
Date Posted: 28-March-2007 at 19:31
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Saw a really nice Mini Cooper today at the shops. Lady driver. The car was
pristine. Silver with black roof and nice alloys. It looked brand new and I went to have a look to see what the differences there are but it was a '01. Couldn't believe it. These cars are aging incredibly well. Probably the best choice for a small hatch at the moment. Hope you find a nice one. ------------- 1995 e36 3.0 M3 Coupe, Daytona Violet, AP Racing BBK, CCFL Angel Eyes, M3 Spoiler, M-Tec 3 Steering Wheel. 2000 530d Steptronic, Poverty Spec, 18" Alloys. |
Posted By: 635CSi
Date Posted: 28-March-2007 at 20:46
Yes but they don't come cheap, and the rear seats are strictly for kids only! ------------- |