New to Alfas - After some advice

[witchhammer92]

Hi folks, I'm looking at picking up a 159 2.4jtdm, 110,000 on the clock. It's red, has lots of aluminium inside and after a test drive I'm not far off being in love...

BUT, I want to check with you fine folks before I get in over my head. In particular I'm curious about servicing. I intend to take the car to a specialist rather than a dealer for servicing, most likely Automotion in Enoggera due to my location. Would anybody know what kind of costs I'm looking at for your average minor service through either them or another Alfa specialist?

Secondly, though I know the logbook says the timing belt is due at 150,000km, but I saw down the bottom it's also every five years. The books seem pretty well in order but I'm unsure this has been done. I'll have a 1 year warranty on the vehicle if I go ahead with the purchase but for peace of mind I'd like to budget for a timing belt change within the next year. I've seen anywhere between $800-1500 floated around online so I'd like some local guidance about how much I should budget.

Thirdly, should I do it haha? I'm a sucker for Italian stuff! Thanks in advance for any help,

James

[bazzbazz]

James, go buy it, it will be one of the few things, that when your having a REALLY bad day, will get you to drag your sorry ass out of bed, take it for a drive, and make life seem so much better and put that smile back on your face.

And as for servicing I sent you a PM, there's a chap on the forum here that might be able to help you out.   

Baz

[witchhammer92]

Thanks for the reply Baz, and for the message. I've already informed the dealer I'll be doing it, I just keep thinking back to those glorious seats...

[witchhammer92]

Well, I did it. I feel this will either be the best car I ever own or the worst haha. But damn it looks good.

[bazzbazz]

Congrats, you'll love how it pulls like a D9, runs with the fastest and STILL gets you to Sydney on 3/4 of tank.

Baz

[witchhammer92]

I took it for a blast up Clear Mountain today after work, gee it hugs the road nicely and the steering is just great.