Need info on 147 selespeed- 1CFC-275

[saintsman]

For sale at Barbagallo...2004 model
89,567 kms
Leather seats are impeccable. No puckering- they appear brand new!
One incongruous sign of high wear- on driver's door handle- multiple scratches from rings.
I say incongruous as it's at odds with the rest of the interior.
Duco- very minor chipping, still quite glossy (kyalami black) but would benefit from 3 hours with
Meguiars products.
It's got service history, but no time to look at them, (in office, not glovebox) quick look at the car only.

Please help guys/girls:

- Would this need new timing chain at about 80k (unless already done?)
- does anyone know this vehicle and its history?

I feel certain Barbagallo's wouldn't put a lemon in their yard, reputation at stake,
but I am worried about selespeed issues, accumulator/actuator, could this be the reason such a beautiful car was kicked out of the household?

Such a sexy car, obviously fun to drive, so WHY the hell <9k per year?
"If it's too good to be true, it usually is..."
Insurance for me (RAC) is only $61.95/per month, same as Foxtel
so I am trying to find reasons to NOT buy this, and buy a boring 4 cyl car instead.

[colcol]

The twin spark 147 doesn't have a timing chain, it has a timing belt, these need to be replaced every 3 years or 50,000 - 60,000 klms, have the tensioners and balance shaft belt replaced at the same time.
The selespeed needs to be serviced once a year, skip a service and it will break down and leave you stranded.
The car may have been traded for a new Alfa Romeo.
Have a full check done on it by an Alfa Romeo Specialist, to try and find out what hasn't been done, Colin.

[saintsman]

Thanks for the reply, Colin.
I spent 2 hours reading about the "sillyspeed" on this forum before I actually joined, and I am impressed by your posts here. You are very generous with your time and knowledge, salute, signor !

The car was serviced by Barbagallo's (but only since the 60k mark), they are an Alfa dealer, so I would hope the correct EOL calibration was performed.
They can sell me an extended warranty (actually 3 choices)
1 year- $2375, 2 years $2875 (umm wtf)
Covers:  cooling system, engine, transmission (don't think clutch is included, as that is expected to wear)
electricals, and I think suspension.
So a car costing $8990 will now set me back $11,865.
- Actuator/accumulator being high$ items, the warranty could be a great investment.

My lady friend had dropped me at the car yard and, disinterested in matters automotive, she went for a coffee.
I saw the car, rang her and insisted she come for a gander.
She approached the car from the front, and the look on her face was priceless. Walking around it, and inspecting the interior, I could see her wide eyed gaze through her sunglasses.

This is a watershed moment for us, as I need a "reliable" car to get to work at 5:30 am and I am smitten  with this gorgeous beauty. Not sure, have to mull it over.

Sticking points are the $200 for spark plugs, and the risk of throwing molto lira at this bella macchina to keep her on the road.
Watch this space.
Thanks again, Colin.

[colcol]

$200 for spark plugs, there are 8 in a twin spark, the genuine plugs are Japanese NGK, they should last a long time, i am nostalgic for the $1 spark plugs at Bad Auto Disposals, but those days are over.
I personally wouldn't worry about extended warranties, they are just selling you an insurance policy.
My 156 JTS hasn't broken down in 5 years of ownership, always starts at 4-30 am every morning, look after your car and it will look after you, not to say i haven't had issues, but i have worked through them and its reliable, if car makers build cars with shabby quality, they go broke,...remember British Leyland?, Colin.

[saintsman]

Barbagallo's service dept rang me.
-They have changed the timing belt at 60,000 kms
- they didn't perform EOL or Clutch Rod Length adjustment due to very low mileage- car is a 2004 model-  83,000 kms (average 9k per year)
so didn't feel need to encumber the owner with a bill for work that would not be needed.
Does this sound plausible?
They also said "it's been well-cared for, etc"
but suggested I get the extended warranty "for your own peace of mind"
Hmm  I have gone cold on this car, much as I like the look of it

[colcol]

Get a pre purchase check from an Alfa Romeo Indy Service Provider, don't use one of the motoring services breakdown organisations, such as here in Victoria, the R.A.C.V., as they only know mainstream cars, the Indy's know Alfa Romeo's as they service them, the dealers always push extended warranties, its up to you, Colin.