I am just after your advice. I really like the 147 and think it is
one of the best looking hatches on the market. I am interested to
know though if you have had many problems with your 147 or other Alfa
model? And if you have had the odd issue, how much has it hurt you in
the wallet to get it fixed?

Are Alfa main dealers really poor when it comes to servicing and
repairs? And do you just go to an independent place to get any
repairs/maintenance done?

How many MPG on average would you get from a 1.6 litre 147?

I don't have a car at present but am looking to get something a few
years old very shortly. I am considering a 1.6 petrol 147, an Ibiza
Tdi, a petrol 1.4 or 1.6 Civic and a diesel Corolla D-4D. Budget
between £5k and just over £7k.

These are examples of what I have been looking at so far:

147 (£5k to £7k)
http://tinyurl.com/ca6n3

Ibiza Tdi (Have seen 130hp Tdis for just over £7k)
http://tinyurl.com/bogs7

1.4 Civic (R-Type bodykit) £5500
http://tinyurl.com/avwb2

Corolla D-4D 2.0l (Just over £7k)
http://tinyurl.com/b9xao

What would you go for if you were in my shoes and were choosing
between these? And what about if you were in your own shoes? What
cars do you personally like at the moment that you would realistically
consider for yourself if you were on the market for a new or used car?

Thanks for your advice.

John

 

> How many MPG on average would you get from a 1.6 litre 147?

Not sure but around late 30's very early 40's

> I don't have a car at present but am looking to get something a few
> years old very shortly.

> I am considering a 1.6 petrol 147

Slow and chuggy

> an Ibiza Tdi

Guzzler but fast

> a petrol 1.4 or 1.6 Civic

I get a 1.6 civic SE from work. £40 and 300 miles to the tank (unless you
drive everywhere at 55mph... dont beleive the 44mpg.

>diesel Corolla D-4D. Budget

Never had one ad cannot comment

> between £5k and just over £7k.

If you are willing to stretch to 8k I can sell you a 55mpg 1.9JTD Alfa with
full cream leather. a couple of years old and full service history finished
in black. You can still see it here...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...e=STRK:MEUS:IT

> What would you go for if you were in my shoes and were choosing
> between these?

Alfa 1.6 is not the best performer, even though it is an alfa I reckon you
will dissapointed with the drive/handling (or thats the feel I get from 147
courtesy cars I drive) i'd stear clear of the civic unless you are looking
at the Type-R Never heard any bodys opinions on a corolla - is that good or
bad? Granny car me thinks like the civic 1.6. Seat TDI would be fun but dont
expect luxury.

>And what about if you were in your own shoes? What cars do you personally
>like at the moment that you would realistically consider for yourself if
>you >were on the market for a new or used car?

a two-three year old Alfa 156 would be top of my list in your boots. Decent
car, better than the 147. You should also consider the Mini - thery're
coming down in price now, and maybe the new fiesta - thats looks kinda cool
in a full kit. The new civic is out soon so you might want to wait a wee
while. That look hot !

 

Domestos <never.you@mind.net> wrote:

> > How many MPG on average would you get from a 1.6 litre 147?
>
> Not sure but around late 30's very early 40's

Lol.

If you drive it like a nun, maybe.
>
> > I don't have a car at present but am looking to get something a few
> > years old very shortly.
>
> > I am considering a 1.6 petrol 147
>
> Slow and chuggy

No, slow and revvy. They need revving like hell to get anything out of
them.

> > an Ibiza Tdi
>
> Guzzler but fast

You have a funny definition of 'guzzler' - my mate has a Passat with
that engine and has just done a steady motorway run at 69mpg average.
His normal more rapid use sees over 50mpg.

> > a petrol 1.4 or 1.6 Civic
>
> I get a 1.6 civic SE from work. £40 and 300 miles to the tank (unless you
> drive everywhere at 55mph... dont beleive the 44mpg.
>
> >diesel Corolla D-4D. Budget
>
> Never had one ad cannot comment
>
> > between £5k and just over £7k.
>
> If you are willing to stretch to 8k I can sell you a 55mpg 1.9JTD Alfa with
> full cream leather. a couple of years old and full service history finished
> in black. You can still see it here...
>
>
>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=4568948554&ss
>PageName=STRK:MEUS:IT

When are you going to take the hint that you're asking too much money.
You've been touting this around for several weeks with not a sniff of
interest - that's sort of a hint that you're way OTT with the price.
>
> > What would you go for if you were in my shoes and were choosing
> > between these?

Get a 156 2lt TSpark. You'll pick up a very nice 5 year old example for
around £3k with a bit of shopping around (our 99V cost us £2800).

--
Steve H 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
http://www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - MZ ETZ300 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 2.0 TSpark Lusso - Passat 1.8 Turbo SE - COSOC KOTL
BoTAFOT #87 - BoTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

 

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 00:46:31 +0100, John wrote:

> I am just after your advice. I really like the 147 and think it is
> one of the best looking hatches on the market. I am interested to
> know though if you have had many problems with your 147 or other Alfa
> model? And if you have had the odd issue, how much has it hurt you in
> the wallet to get it fixed?
>
> Are Alfa main dealers really poor when it comes to servicing and
> repairs? And do you just go to an independent place to get any
> repairs/maintenance done?
>
> How many MPG on average would you get from a 1.6 litre 147?
>
> I don't have a car at present but am looking to get something a few
> years old very shortly. I am considering a 1.6 petrol 147, an Ibiza
> Tdi, a petrol 1.4 or 1.6 Civic and a diesel Corolla D-4D. Budget
> between £5k and just over £7k.
>
> These are examples of what I have been looking at so far:
>
> 147 (£5k to £7k)
> http://tinyurl.com/ca6n3
>
> Ibiza Tdi (Have seen 130hp Tdis for just over £7k)
> http://tinyurl.com/bogs7
>
> 1.4 Civic (R-Type bodykit) £5500
> http://tinyurl.com/avwb2
>
> Corolla D-4D 2.0l (Just over £7k)
> http://tinyurl.com/b9xao
>
> What would you go for if you were in my shoes and were choosing
> between these? And what about if you were in your own shoes? What
> cars do you personally like at the moment that you would realistically
> consider for yourself if you were on the market for a new or used car?
>
> Thanks for your advice.
>
> John


LOL! Since you posted to a Toyota group, you should realize that my answer
will be to go for a Toyota.

Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away from ANY
Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has their ****
together on Diesles!

 

SteveH wrote:
> Hachiroku <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote:
>
>> Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away
>> from ANY Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has
>> their **** together on Diesles!
>
> You've obviously never driven a Fiat/Alfa JTD or a VAG TDI, then.

<what he said, from a 16V JTD owner>

 

Hachiroku <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote:

> Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away from ANY
> Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has their ****
> together on Diesles!

You've obviously never driven a Fiat/Alfa JTD or a VAG TDI, then.
--
Steve H 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
http://www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - MZ ETZ300 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 2.0 TSpark Lusso - Passat 1.8 Turbo SE - COSOC KOTL
BoTAFOT #87 - BoTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

 

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 01:23:37 +0100, SteveH wrote:

> Hachiroku <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote:
>
>> Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away from ANY
>> Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has their ****
>> together on Diesles!
>
> You've obviously never driven a Fiat/Alfa JTD or a VAG TDI, then.

UGH!!! YOU SAID FIAT!!!!!

Had a GF that worked at a Fiat dealership as a salesperson. Called 'em
Ratburgers.

Sorry, but there's a REASON Fiat left the US and never came back (well, I
guess they do sell Ferrarris after all...)

Fix It Again, Tony!

Had a Fiat 124 spyder come in for an inspection, 1971. Immaculate.

Ya know, here in the US I watch the History Channel, and they do a lot of
shows about cars.

Now, really, when it comes right down to it, the marques that made their
names did so by breaking speed barriers in, what, the 30's? Audi, Fiat,
Alfa, etc. All did their thning back in the Dark Ages of the automobile.
What have they done recently? I suppose the Audi Quattro rallye car is an
exception, except it gets it's *** handed to it by Subaru STis.

The glory days are gone. Audi is a glorified VW, and that ain't good. Fiat
has been on the brink of going out of business so many times it's
unbelievable, ditto for Alfa. Lamborghini and Ferrarri are awesome, but
not affordable for anybody without a 7-figure salary.

if there ARE any nice, solid, dependable Euro cars, we AIN'T getting them
over here!

i WILL give you that Euro design is awesome!

 

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 01:23:11 +0100, cupra wrote:

> SteveH wrote:
>> Hachiroku <Trueno@ae86.gts> wrote:
>>
>>> Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away
>>> from ANY Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has
>>> their **** together on Diesles!
>>
>> You've obviously never driven a Fiat/Alfa JTD or a VAG TDI, then.
>
> <what he said, from a 16V JTD owner>

I ain't called 'Hachiroku' for nothin'...

 

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 00:46:31 +0100, John <speedyg@nzales.com> wrote:

<snip>
>147 (£5k to £7k)
>http://tinyurl.com/ca6n3
>
>Ibiza Tdi (Have seen 130hp Tdis for just over £7k)
>http://tinyurl.com/bogs7
>
>1.4 Civic (R-Type bodykit) £5500
>http://tinyurl.com/avwb2
>
>Corolla D-4D 2.0l (Just over £7k)
>http://tinyurl.com/b9xao
>
>What would you go for if you were in my shoes and were choosing
>between these? And what about if you were in your own shoes? What
>cars do you personally like at the moment that you would realistically
>consider for yourself if you were on the market for a new or used car?

The 147 is based quite closely on a 156. Some time ago, I saw running
cost figures (can't remember where - motoring mag probably) that
indicated that a 156 would cost the same to run as a Porsche Boxter
when main dealer serviced. My experience has led me to agree with that
finding..they can be frighteningly expensive come service time. If
you're on any tight budget, do yourself a favour and get something
else.

As I can cope with the running costs, I'd get what I've had for over
four years now...best looking and best car I've ever had..

--
Z
Scotland
Alfa Romeo 156 2.4JTD Veloce Leather
'Oil' be seeing you..
(Email without 'Alfa' in subject are auto-deleted..sorry!)

 

In article <pan.2005.09.20.12.22.53.340414@ae86.gts>, Trueno@ae86.gts
says...
> Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away from ANY
> Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has their ****
> together on Diesles!
>
Europe is a totally different ball game for oil burners.
They are the biggest sellers in the non-luxury large car markets, making
grounds in the luxury large car markets, and the medium family car
markets.
Even some of the "Hot Hatch" small hatch back models by
VW/Seat/Skoda/Audi have the best performance model being a turbo diesel.

With petrol in europe being so expensive, performance diesels are just
as popular because of the better fuel consumption. Oh and some of them
"run fine" of Veg oils and bio diesel fuels.
--
Carl Robson
Car PC Build starts again. http://smallr.com/rz
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

 

In article <pan.2005.09.20.12.57.44.675290@ae86.gts>, Trueno@ae86.gts
says...
> if there ARE any nice, solid, dependable Euro cars, we AIN'T getting them
> over here!
>
Thing is.
I'm selling my Celica GT4/Alltrac. It has 147k miles on it. It is too
thirsty and expensive to maintain.

I've bought a Saab convertible. 2 years newer, 212k miles, body is in
about same condition maybe better. Big ends were gone. So the last owner
totally rebuilt it, fitted a recon box and turbo at the same time.

The suspension is fine, the steering is good, because it is a
convertible there is more rattle and scuttle shake, but it drives great,
and uses far less fuel. Oh and they are reliable.
--
Carl Robson
Car PC Build starts again. http://smallr.com/rz
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

 

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 13:22:38 +0100, NeedforSwede2 wrote:

> In article <pan.2005.09.20.12.22.53.340414@ae86.gts>, Trueno@ae86.gts
> says...
>> Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away from ANY
>> Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has their ****
>> together on Diesles!
>>
> Europe is a totally different ball game for oil burners.
> They are the biggest sellers in the non-luxury large car markets, making
> grounds in the luxury large car markets, and the medium family car
> markets.
> Even some of the "Hot Hatch" small hatch back models by
> VW/Seat/Skoda/Audi have the best performance model being a turbo diesel.
>
> With petrol in europe being so expensive, performance diesels are just
> as popular because of the better fuel consumption. Oh and some of them
> "run fine" of Veg oils and bio diesel fuels.

Yeah, I know diesels are a lot more popular in Yurrip, but our experience
over here is that, unless you're running a Kenworth or something with a
Cummins in it, stay away.

The exception being the Rabbit ('75-82 Golf) diesels, esp the little
trucklet they made. Those seem to run forever with about the same
maintenance one would put into a Corolla...sometimes, that is. I've seen
them with a half a mil on them!

Thanks, Skoda-Sleeker-NeedFor...

I guess the meatballs are ON, eh?

 

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 13:26:09 +0100, NeedforSwede2 wrote:

> In article <pan.2005.09.20.12.57.44.675290@ae86.gts>, Trueno@ae86.gts
> says...
>> if there ARE any nice, solid, dependable Euro cars, we AIN'T getting them
>> over here!
>>
> Thing is.
> I'm selling my Celica GT4/Alltrac. It has 147k miles on it. It is too
> thirsty and expensive to maintain.
>
> I've bought a Saab convertible. 2 years newer, 212k miles, body is in
> about same condition maybe better. Big ends were gone. So the last owner
> totally rebuilt it, fitted a recon box and turbo at the same time.
>
> The suspension is fine, the steering is good, because it is a
> convertible there is more rattle and scuttle shake, but it drives great,
> and uses far less fuel. Oh and they are reliable.

Saabs, and most Euro cars over here, seem to be a 50/50 proposition for
some reason.

The most you ever see a Euro car over here is sitting outside the repair
center...

Even the Big Boys, M-B and BMW spend more time on the lift than on the
road.

BTW, I saw a NICE, REALLY NICE 2002 yesterday. Some young lady owns it,
says it's her second.

i am trusting she will park it before the first snowflakes...

 

In article <pan.2005.09.21.01.37.06.994328@ae86.gts>, Trueno@ae86.gts
says...
> On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 13:22:38 +0100, NeedforSwede2 wrote:
>
> > In article <pan.2005.09.20.12.22.53.340414@ae86.gts>, Trueno@ae86.gts
> > says...
> >> Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away from ANY
> >> Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has their ****
> >> together on Diesles!
> >>
> > Europe is a totally different ball game for oil burners.
> > They are the biggest sellers in the non-luxury large car markets, making
> > grounds in the luxury large car markets, and the medium family car
> > markets.
> > Even some of the "Hot Hatch" small hatch back models by
> > VW/Seat/Skoda/Audi have the best performance model being a turbo diesel.
> >
> > With petrol in europe being so expensive, performance diesels are just
> > as popular because of the better fuel consumption. Oh and some of them
> > "run fine" of Veg oils and bio diesel fuels.
>
> Yeah, I know diesels are a lot more popular in Yurrip, but our experience
> over here is that, unless you're running a Kenworth or something with a
> Cummins in it, stay away.
>
> The exception being the Rabbit ('75-82 Golf) diesels, esp the little
> trucklet they made. Those seem to run forever with about the same
> maintenance one would put into a Corolla...sometimes, that is. I've seen
> them with a half a mil on them!
>
> Thanks, Skoda-Sleeker-NeedFor...
>
> I guess the meatballs are ON, eh?
>
>
Yep.
Yep, topless, leather and a fine old girl
All in a car related topic.

Thing is, while I'm trying to sell it, I take the Celica out for the odd
quick run to make sure that the battery stays charged etc. And while it
does my back (Sciatica and yes it can get you in your 30's), it feels so
tight and flat cornering, and drives so well.

The Saab is wallowy (in comparison) and rolls through corners, but isn't
actually that much slower. It actually hangs on very well for a fwd soft
convertible cruiser.
--
Carl Robson
Car PC Build starts again. http://smallr.com/rz
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

 

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 15:00:08 +0100, NeedforSwede2 wrote:

> In article <pan.2005.09.21.01.37.06.994328@ae86.gts>, Trueno@ae86.gts
> says...
>> On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 13:22:38 +0100, NeedforSwede2 wrote:
>>
>> > In article <pan.2005.09.20.12.22.53.340414@ae86.gts>, Trueno@ae86.gts
>> > says...
>> >> Unless you're really strapped for cash, though, I would stay away from ANY
>> >> Diesel! I don't think there is a company out there that has their ****
>> >> together on Diesles!
>> >>
>> > Europe is a totally different ball game for oil burners.
>> > They are the biggest sellers in the non-luxury large car markets, making
>> > grounds in the luxury large car markets, and the medium family car
>> > markets.
>> > Even some of the "Hot Hatch" small hatch back models by
>> > VW/Seat/Skoda/Audi have the best performance model being a turbo diesel.
>> >
>> > With petrol in europe being so expensive, performance diesels are just
>> > as popular because of the better fuel consumption. Oh and some of them
>> > "run fine" of Veg oils and bio diesel fuels.
>>
>> Yeah, I know diesels are a lot more popular in Yurrip, but our experience
>> over here is that, unless you're running a Kenworth or something with a
>> Cummins in it, stay away.
>>
>> The exception being the Rabbit ('75-82 Golf) diesels, esp the little
>> trucklet they made. Those seem to run forever with about the same
>> maintenance one would put into a Corolla...sometimes, that is. I've seen
>> them with a half a mil on them!
>>
>> Thanks, Skoda-Sleeker-NeedFor...
>>
>> I guess the meatballs are ON, eh?
>>
>>
> Yep.
> Yep, topless, leather and a fine old girl
> All in a car related topic.
>
> Thing is, while I'm trying to sell it, I take the Celica out for the odd
> quick run to make sure that the battery stays charged etc. And while it
> does my back (Sciatica and yes it can get you in your 30's), it feels so
> tight and flat cornering, and drives so well.

Yeah, I've had it since my 20's!

All it takes is bending the wrong way ONCE! Then it's an
on-again-off-again thing for therest of your life.

I work it out riding a 10 speed.

Why sell the Celica? Run it into the ground if you can.

>
> The Saab is wallowy (in comparison) and rolls through corners, but isn't
> actually that much slower. It actually hangs on very well for a fwd soft
> convertible cruiser.