Gt 2.0 jts vs Brera 2.2 jts

[Nikola78]

Hi there.Being thinking of selling my 2.4 159 since ive got a company Nissan x-rail (boooring).Im not driving much my Alfa lately, and really dont need a daily driver, so was thinking to change to something bit more sporty ( 2 doors ) for the weekends.As much as my car has served me well for a year (16000 km done in 10 months)dont think is worthy keeping diesel car just for the sake of having it.
Im browsing last couple of days on carsales and found a GT that caught my attention. Its a 2.0 jts engine manual transmission Im going tomorrow to take it for a spin at a dealer so just wanted to know your opinion.
Other car that comes into consideration is 2.2 brera.Just curious what you guys think its the better option considering economy, pleasure and maintenance costs.Any pros and cons for both engines?
If they are as near as reliable as 2.4 ill be happy with either of them.I know everyone will go for V6 but they are out of my budget.
Went today in Alfa essendon and set in Giullieta but I dont think ill be ever thrilled to even start one.Its far worse inside than I expected. Plastics and everything its terrible.If I dont find a decent GT or Brera might go for a second hand MiTo just for sake of having Alfa in front yard, until Giulia comes over.
So any advice will be helpfull, and Colin , I know you are doing far better with petrols than diesels so im expecting your input too please (you ve been a great help for me from the beggining

[colcol]

Just go and drive the JTS GT and put your foot down and see what you think, i drive around my JTS and its smooth and torquey, but it always suprises me when i give it the beans how good it goes and as stated before i have got 827 klms from a tank.
The GT also has a manual transmission, so thats a good start, fun to drive and no Selespeed worries.
The Brera is heavier and slightly bigger than the GT, the GT was a sexy body on a practical 147, the Brera had 159 underpinnings which was a good thing also.
The GT JTS motor is a Fiat based engine used in Alfa Romeo's, Lancia's and Fiat's.
The Brera is a General Motors based engine used in Alfa Romeo's, Vauxhall's, Opel's and Saab's which were General Motors underlings.
The 2.0 Fiat based JTS has a cam belt that has to be replaced every 3 years or 50,000klms or whichever comes first, this is not negotiable.
The 2.2 GM based engine has a chain drive which has to be replaced when the chain stretches and you loose performance leading on to engine error messages that go into limp mode.
Drive the GT and Brera and see which one you like best.
The Fiat based diesels are bloody rippers, thats part of the reason GM purchased part of Fiat, [15%],  to get their hands on the Fiat diesel engines and in exchange we got the GM petrol engines in the 159 series.
The GT will return better fuel consumption, due to its lower weight, Colin.

[Garibaldi]

Nikola 78. I would have to agree with you on the quality of the interior of the Guilietta. I also sat in one and couldn't get excited, hard, cheap looking plastic everywhere. I'm sure that they are reliable and drive ok but they just don't exude the upmarket quality feel that Alfas used to have. It just doesn't feel that special inside. I really don't know why, are they now being built to a price or are we starting to see a gradual decline in the qualities that once made Alfas great cars courtesy of Fiat - Chrysler's attempt to market them to the masses. 

[Nikola78]

Went today at a dealer.Its a red 2007 GT with 95000 km.Looks ok from outside besides that it has to be taken for detailing (stone chips and marks as usual)I havent really got a time to take it for a spin (maybe tommorow) but there are couple of things that concern me before I drive it (just in case not to fall in love straight away)
1.Vehicle has come from Newcastle. First stamp in the book is on 40000 km  .Afterwards all the services are done every 10000.
2.One of the receipts said that there was a rattle from the engine and becaouse it was driven on low oil 1st cilynder has been changed (part ordered from UK-service done in Newcastle).
3.Big plastic pipe that comes right from the engine laying vertical was taped about 40 cm.Is that normal?
Apart from that everything seemed good, belt with tensioner and water pump has been changed couple of days ago, new rotors and pads fitted, tyres were ok.Car comes with rwc but not registered and the dealer is asking $16000.
I need help because I like the car in and out, but I dont want to put thorn in my healthy foot.Just anxious about selling my perfect 159 for worst.
What you guys reckon?

[Nikola78]

Nikola 78. I would have to agree with you on the quality of the interior of the Guilietta. I also sat in one and couldn't get excited, hard, cheap looking plastic everywhere. I'm sure that they are reliable and drive ok but they just don't exude the upmarket quality feel that Alfas used to have. It just doesn't feel that special inside. I really don't know why, are they now being built to a price or are we starting to see a gradual decline in the qualities that once made Alfas great cars courtesy of Fiat - Chrysler's attempt to market them to the masses. 

If they continue this trend in Giulia it will be definite end for Alfa.(at least with us true followers) For the mainstream drivers they'll go well if they keep the prices down.

[colcol]

In my JTS i change the engine oil every 6 months or about 6,000 - 8,000 klms due to the JTS well known problems of oil contamination, i would get this one checked out thoroughly and have the camshafts checked for wear as they are the first thing to go with contaminated oil.
The engine has been run low on oil and it has nipped up a bearing on no 1 cylinder, hopefully it has been fixed properly and not a cheap job and then sell the car.
Big plastic pipe is a weak spot in the JTS, when i purchased mine, i looked at it, and thought to myself it will leak and it did, they are about $150  from EB Spares plus about 3 hours???, labor to change it as the airconditioner compressor, serpentine belt and hoses have to come off to get to it, get quote from Alfa Service Provider when getting it checked over.
I would want the dealer to register it as it may be a write off that has been repaired and not registerable, there was a GT that appeared on the forum for sale that wasn't registed due to being a write off and sold for repairs only.
At those klms it will most likely need 4 new Lambda senders and top wishbones and pivots and the sway bar may need looking at, also JTS's and twin sparks eat thermostats, check to see that its warming up.
My biggest concern is that it isn't registed, if the dealer won't register it, as it has a roadworthy, then walk away from it, Colin.

[Joe Garra]

Nikola 78. I would have to agree with you on the quality of the interior of the Guilietta. I also sat in one and couldn't get excited, hard, cheap looking plastic everywhere. I'm sure that they are reliable and drive ok but they just don't exude the upmarket quality feel that Alfas used to have. It just doesn't feel that special inside. I really don't know why, are they now being built to a price or are we starting to see a gradual decline in the qualities that once made Alfas great cars courtesy of Fiat - Chrysler's attempt to market them to the masses. 

I'd like to defend the Giulietta QV - great car to drive! 

[pasey25]

why not a V6 GT?

the busso engine is a real delight

I'm not sure how much more expensive these are though.

[Nikola78]

I know its a much better option..Ive had 156 with busso and I know how it feels.Just have to spend about $10000 more for a good one and after comes maintenance, , insurance etc

[Nikola78]

Im also looking at couple of 350z by the way..hard choice to be honest