2007 Alfa Romeo Brera V6 Auto

[ricardo]

Hello all,
I don't profess to know a great deal about Alfa Romeo's - so I guess you have deduced already this is why I am here.
(1) I presently own an Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT (1.4 Lt 2014) which is solely driven by my wife
(2) I was looking to upgrade to Alfa Giulietta TCT (1.7Lt 2017) for my wife
(3) I happened to come across a [2007 Alfa Romeo Brera V6 Auto) which I think is an absolutely beautiful car
(4) Would such a car be suitable for a lady in her sixties. I mention this since her one and only demand is that it be dependable. that is, a mechanically reliable car.
(5) I believe this car gave trouble with the auto transmission, timing belt and other parts/facets of the car. Is this so?
Any advice would be appreciated - thank you

[Citroënbender]

The Brera gearbox would be an AWTF80-SC which is common to a wide range of cars, worst case scenario is that somewhere between 100K and 200K it requires a new valve body - but in reality light usage and regular fluid changes will quite possibly see you good.  Issues of ingress/egress and visibility may be of greater concern. 

[poohbah]

Timing belts are definitely not an issue in the V6 Brera - it uses a timing chain. Not sure what the 4 cylinder has.

And the Brera sure is beautiful. Was looking at one myself today when in the workshop picking up my GTV.

Provided the car has been properly serviced at an Alfa specialist according to log book (and you have the service history) and it is well maintained, you shouldn't have any more issues than with any other car of its age. But get a check first.

[bonno]

Other factors to consider between the Giulietta and Brera
1.   Brera having 2 doors might be at a disadvantage for reseat passengers
2.   Giulietta has better fuel economy 6.8 L/100kms .
3.   Brera V6 has more power 191kW/  than the Giulietta177kW.
4.   Giulietta has better access and egress.
5.   Giulietta would have better resale appeal based on greater new car sales.
Definitely if planning to purchase the 2007 Brera ensure it has a good service history and log books are upto date.
Find attached links to the following car reviews
Brera
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/alfa-romeo-brera-used-review-2006-2012-27955
Giulietta
http://www.caradvice.com.au/owner-reviews/2016-alfa-romeo-giulietta-veloce-tct-review/

[poohbah]

We forgot one other thing - you might want to show your wife both cars first to get her preference.

You pick the wrong one and you'll never hear the end of it!  (And then if the one she picks has any issues  - her fault...)

On a more serious note though, if your intent is actually to upgrade from the 1.4 Giulietta, and you go for the Brera you will be buying that is older than what she already drives and is no longer in production. The Brera is arguably lot more car: prettier, wider, heavier, thirstier and more powerful (but no faster), so unless she falls in love with the looks and beautiful interior, the 1.7 Giulietta is probably more practical.

Of course if it was for me, I'd choose the Brera every time.

[As the day goes]

1.   Brera having 2 doors might be at a disadvantage for reseat passengers

Only amputee children should sit in the back