Advice on first alfa

[deanjc]

Hey everyone,

I've always loved alfas and recently I've decided I've waited enough and will be a owner of one. At the moment I'm looking around for some options. I've come across a 2004 MY2004 Selepeed JTS 4cyl Alfa Romeo, which ill be looking at next week.

Is there any red lights I should look for when testing the Alfa for a test drive. Obviously if it skips any gears or stalls its a warning, but is there anything else I should look out for?

I'm a little concerned regarding selespeed, I've heard great feedback and some bad feedback. Alot of people say its amazing when the selespeed has been looked after, but hell if its been abused and also costly. How often should the selespeed be serviced and how to you maintain it so you prevent any future problems. I've tried looking it up myself but there all different views and advice.
Car has full service history which is a good thing, at 125,000 kms, I'm from vic

Appreciated,

Djc

[colcol]

Check to see that it has a service history and have it checked out by an Alfa Romeo service provider, have a look at the supporters page, they have years of Alfa Romeo experience and know what to look for, don't use the RACV, as they only know mainstream cars.
The timing belts on these cars are a 3 year or 50,000 - 60,000 item, check the revised servicing bulletin on this item.
The oil is 10-60 fully synthetic, if it hasn't been changed on time or has been contaminated, then the camshafts will be worn out, bet the RACV wouldn't know that one, but an Alfa Romeo specialist would.
I have an opinion on Selespeeds, but google selespeed and see what you get, and talk to Alfa Romeo places about the servicing of these.
Check to see that it gets up to 90c on the temperature gauge as the thermostats are a serial offender, and they are not a $10 item from Repco.
The front suspension will get a little rattly by about 80,000 klms, it is usually the top wishbones, Colin.

[Alfapride]

Personal view is the twin spark engine is more reliable and economical to maintain than a jts as is a manual transmission vs a selespeed. If you want to spoil yourself get a 156 v6 2.5 best compromise for power handling and reliability and affordability

[colcol]

I have often said you don't buy a JTS over a twin spark because of the motor, but because it has a slightly better aircondtioner, more airbags and curtain airbags and stability control and a cruise control.
The manual gearbox is less complicated than a selespeed and there is less to go wrong and cost in servicing, Colin.

[poohbah]

Agree with all of the above as regards to service history, and get an alfa specialist to check it out (not an Alfa dealer). Just steer clear of the selespeed, and hunt for a manual. They are out there. And as a V6 owner, I'd say hunt a bit harder and try and find a 6sp manual 2.5. Once you've heard the sound of that magnificent Busso V6 you will be hooked. And they are probably the most reliable transmission/engine combination.

[Craig_m67]

Put aside the purchase price again to fix issues, replace worn parts and do major services that have been missed by the previous owner who thought owning and running an expensive car was cheap.

[Cool Jesus]

Can't say I totally agree with your view Craig about 'running an expensive vehicle'. They are an import, and as pricy as many other marques. I do whole heartedly agree that people purchase an Alfa, believing that servicing is something you do if a problem occurs, if at all. Alfas as most italian marques are born and bread from a racing background. With that comes a design ethos of performance, technology and ever advancing evolving design. That's why we get such a buzz from our cars when they're running as they were intended. But with this servicing is critical, it's not a Hyundai elantra or old Toyota, were you just top up the oil when the warning light comes on. If it has no service history, then buyer beware. As Craig says, expect to cough up the purchase price again to sort out its hidden demons. I was amazed at the prices people were expecting with little to no service history (and receipts!). Don't believe sèrvice stamps, call the mechanic and ask what work was performed. I went through 6 147s before settling on a run down example, only I knew I could bring it back to life and at what cost.
Even run down Alfas can put a smile on your dial during a test drive, but you need to give it some stick and it should have no issue with that. Of course ask the owner first and the engine oil should be at temp, but gear changes should be checked, suspension response, and engine response. If anything is notchy, noisy or just not right then walk away or negotiate appropriately.

[Cool Jesus]

Sorry dean, went on a bit of a rant there. More on point to your post, it's a good start that it has a full service history. I would follow up with the service provider to see what major items have be serviced. On a personal note, I keep away from the selespeed mainly because I like the control of a manual box. Even so selespeeds need regular service and maintenance which I would only trust with an Alfa mechanic, no the local independent. It needs calibration, scanning diagnostics and prior experience to keep these running as they should. A 2004 build suggests it should have had 3 timing belt changes, the last one being fairly recent or the owner is holding out on that cost for the sale. Although the JTS also came out with a chain, though I'd guess you'd be looking at a belt. Chains last longer FYI. Now timing belts aren't an exclusive cost to Alfa, any and all over head cam engines have this cost, but it can give you some negotiating leverage if not done (@ 60K or 3yrs). The problem, if you can say that, is that the Alfa engine is an interference built chamber, ie the valves and pistons occupy the same space within the combustion chamber. Hence, if your timing belt let's go, the valves and pistons go at it UFC style and your up for a replacement engine.
Anyhow, good luck with your search and welcome aboard.

[colcol]

The JTS G.M. based 2.2 motor came with a chain and they can stretch and cause the timing to go out.
The JTS Fiat based 2.0 motor came out with timing belts that have to be renewed every 3 years.
Swings and roundabouts, chains and belts have to work harder these days due to 4 valves per cylinders and variable valve timing.
Chains last longer than belts, but cost more when they finally have to be renewed, Colin.