Assistance buying a GT

[chalon]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum.  Have been into jap cars in the past and recently sold a V36 Nissan Skyline 350GT Sedan with the intent of trying an Alfa Romeo. 

I guess Jeremy Clarkson's comment about not being a true motoring enthusiast unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo is getting at me!

Anyway I've been looking at a few GT's and would like to find out more about one in Queensland, just south of the Sunshine Coast.  This one has apparently had an engine rebuild.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=0&R=SSE-AD-2226813

Does anybody here know any history of this car at all?  Or does anybody know of any reputable Alfa specialists in the area I could get to do a pre purchase inspection?

Thanks guys.  I'm keen to get into Alfa Romeo ownership but obviously trying to do a bit of homework first.

[Alfapride]

Welcome to the forum! I'm not in your area, but if you are looking at GT's few points you may want to ask the seller to assist your decision.
1- When was the timing belt last changed? From what I've read these should be changed every 100,000 or 5 years whatever comes first (on the V6 model). The 4 cylinder is every 3 years or 60,000km.
2 - Who has serviced the car?
3 - Has the q2 diff (upgrade) been done - it is highly recommended on the v6 that the q2 diff is installed rather than the standard.

Hope this helps and good luck in your search!

[chalon]

Thanks for your tips Alfapride.

I've been doing a bit of research before joining the forums and posting.

I am aware of the diff issues and will be sure to check whether an upgrade has been done on any GT I'm looking at, or be sure to follow through and do the upgrade if I go ahead and purchase one.

I've looked at JTS' as well; still undecided on whether to get a newer JTS and not worry about diff issues, get a bit better mileage and still have the same looks.

All reports say the V6 sounds really good so this is what I'm leaning towards initially.

[Two Dogs]

First and foremost, get the V6,otherwise you will be very dissapointed.

If you don't believe me go for a drive of both. Secondly a Q2 will be essential once you get it.

Belts every three years or 30,000.IMHO.

[colcol]

Belts in the JTS every 3 years or 50,000 klms, whichever comes first, originally 4 years, 60,000 klms, JTS, good on fuel, V-6 glorious sound from the Busso V-6, but fuel use is high, if possible drive both and make a decision.
Have the car checked by an Alfa Romeo service provider to find out the condition of the car, the GT is a sexy body on a practicle 147 body, Colin.

[Meng]

Belts last 3 years or 30000km on the conservative side.
Water pump with a metal impelor.
Make sure a Q2 differential is installed.
Check if wishbones were changed or bushes replaced.
Check to see the state of the radiator.
Standard things e.g. CV boots etc
If all these things haven't been done it's not a problem per se, just take it into account when negotiating.
Check oher people's experiences:

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-and-gt/154485-alfa-romeo-gt-3-2-v6-good-i-want-and.html

[gtv19]

Hello Chalon, the car is too far from us in Adelaide to comment but as the other contributors have said an Alfa mechanic review is essential. If you see one in SA talk to AROCA SA life member Peter Axford at Eurosport 83622333. You could also join our Club where the Pres, VP and past Pres all drive V6 versions of the GT and love them.
I go mine in Melb 2 years ago and at 60ks (now 92ks) I have done Q2 before we needed to, clutch and brakes.


Drive one and love it!

good luck

Laurie
VP AROCA SA

[chalon]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your comments.  I've been doing further searches on these forums and online to find as much information as I can.

Just out of curiosity - what sort of fuel economy have you guys been getting on the V6 GT's?  When you say bad, exactly how bad is it in terms of L/100km?  I sold my last daily V36 sedan which averaged around 13-14 L/100km daily driving duties.  My 376 rwkw R32GTR gets around 17L/100km daily driving.

If I want to get the only SA manual GT currently advertised on Carsales checked out I will certainy contact Peter to arrange an inspection.

Cheers

[poohbah]

Chalon, may not be direct comparison, but my 2001 2.5L V6 156 (6sp manual) typically averages 11-12L/100km, including daily 70km round trip in peak hour traffic. If I don't drive to work and just use it for freeway/country driving, it drops to around 10L/100km. 3.2V6 in GT might use a bit more, but I doubt it.

[Meng]

http://www.ausalfa.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8784

For some comparisons...

[chalon]

OK, a black GT 3.2 V6 with red interior has popped up on carsales

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?Cr=0&R=AGC-AD-14627670

I've put an enquiry into the dealer and got a call back.  They didn't have much history on the car apart from the service books.

I'll call Lance Dixon and see if they're willing to give me any history on the car.

Anybody here know the history of the car by any chance?

[Nikola78]

I had a chance to drive it today.Its going well, suspension is a bit stiff, think it might need new shockers, needs detailing, door handle missing, passenger seat is very damaged, boot is very dirty.From my opinion car is ok (dealer will sort out all the above issues togetherwith road worthy)
Im not that familiar with GT's but had 156 busso manual so I can say that engine seems that is in perfect condition, apart from that no idea.
I wanted to trade my 2.4 159 but he wants $4500 and both me and my wife are saying big NO to that.As for me 159 is much strongly built car and much morr reliable than 156, GT, 147...
I know. ..Mr.Busso does the difference
Let me know what youll find out from Lance Dixon and check Zagame too, cause cqr has been serviced in both places.
Good luck !

[oz3litre]

Just out of curiosity - what sort of fuel economy have you guys been getting on the V6 GT's?  When you say bad, exactly how bad is it in terms of L/100km?  I sold my last daily V36 sedan which averaged around 13-14 L/100km daily driving duties.  My 376 rwkw R32GTR gets around 17L/100km daily driving.

I am currently getting 13.8 L/100 km around town from my 3.2. On the open road it gets 10-11 L/100 km. The car is an absolute joy to drive and the Busso V6 is an awesome thing. Nothing sounds better. They are one of the finest engines ever made. They are amazingly flexible and will spin to the redline very quickly. I am the ex club president Laurie mentioned.

[chalon]

OK, spoke to Josh at Lance Dixon today.  They've done the majority of the work on the car.  I must say Josh in the service division was very friendly and extremely helpful to a guy who's unlikely to do much business through them as I'm in Adelaide and they're in Melbourne as you know.

He couldn't give me much information on the record as for customer privacy they're not allowed to provide information from invoices.

But Nikola78 - Josh did mention it's a little rough around the edges but mechanically and engine wise it's pretty good; had the timing belt changed already.  Didn't look like it had the diff replaced so that's one thing that needs attention.

There are various little suspension bits and pieces that will need to be replaced so I'm hesitant to move forward unless the the dealer will sort these issues out.  I'm probably better off holding out for one that's a little nicer, pay a little more but end up having to spend less on repairs.

BTW thanks everyone for their input and comments around experience with fuel economy etc.

I had a chance to drive it today.Its going well, suspension is a bit stiff, think it might need new shockers, needs detailing, door handle missing, passenger seat is very damaged, boot is very dirty.From my opinion car is ok (dealer will sort out all the above issues togetherwith road worthy)
Im not that familiar with GT's but had 156 busso manual so I can say that engine seems that is in perfect condition, apart from that no idea.
I wanted to trade my 2.4 159 but he wants $4500 and both me and my wife are saying big NO to that.As for me 159 is much strongly built car and much morr reliable than 156, GT, 147...
I know. ..Mr.Busso does the difference
Let me know what youll find out from Lance Dixon and check Zagame too, cause cqr has been serviced in both places.
Good luck !

[Nikola78]

Thats what I thought too.I wont be swapping my perfectly clean 2.4 159 for a 'cat in a bag' car .If it was good enough for the price (by my standards) it would've be gone yesterday (Im on market for busso too).
Look around, therr are plenty of perfect GTs driving around and just matter of time when theyll come on market.
Good luck again..if anything come along in Melbourne I can have a look and let you know on the condition of the vehicle.
Cheers