Opinions on this 156 please

[vjr]

Hi all, new to forum, second post

I've just looked at a 2001, Monza Twin Spark SeleSpeed*.
103K on the clock
Service books show first service around 10 then next one at 46  Then 60 and 80 roughly. The 100k service has not been done and will be done by me if I buy. He said it's about a $1000 job?
The A/C didn't blow cold air.. just a re-gas or are there known issues?
It has leather in ok condition, needs a clean
Tyres look evenly worn
I didn't check under the bonnet.. I'll leave that to a pre-purchase check.
I didn't know about cam belts needing to be replaced every 50k, so I didn't check the logs. Edit: i recall an 'unscheduled' service around 50k.. must be that.
Didn't notice any engine noises.. seems to rev smoothly.

He said the passenger front door was replaced  due to a scraped door, not an accident as such.

I mentioned $8,500 and he has now called me back to agree to this price (pending inspection for further issues). He was originally asking > $12000 I believe.

The car seems to drive ok, although it's the only one I've driven. Not sure on the SeleSpeed. It slurs upchanges a fair bit, or is it just my technique (first one I've driven).

Sorry for the long winded post, but any opinions appreciated!

Thanks

*Edit: I've just noticed that according to Redbook there's no such thing as a 'Monza Twin Spark' with SeleSpeed, just a 'Monza SeleSpeed'  or a 'Twin Spark SeleSpeed', so it's been advertised wrongly. Either way, still interested in opinions

[Simon Aarons]

Hi there,

I would walk away from this car. The service history is too vague and to leave a gap of around 30,000k's between servicing just shows that the owner doesnt seem to care to much for this car. If the car has now done 103,000k's and the last known cam belt change was at 50, knowing what Alfas can be like this belt could slip/break anytime causing thousands of dollars of damage to the engine.

Already there seems to be a small list of problems with a relatively new car, this small list could easily turn into a very large and expensive one. You could probably wait it out and pick up a facelifted 03' model which will have the JTS engine (much better than the twin spark) and a better, smoother Selespeed gear box.

Though $8,500 is very cheap, make sure you get the car inspected by an Alfa specialist/dealer...not your average mechanic as Alfas (even new models) are very different to an average car.

I could be completley wrong by saying walk away and this could be a great buy. But i would recommend to spend the extra money and get a car that has been well looked after, it will save you in the long run.

[Sheldon McIntosh]

Yeah, tricky one.  It's pretty cheap for one of these, and while it seems like a good deal, I'd be suspicious that he agreed to come down over 3k on the price.  How long did it take him to agree to that?

A/c never blows cold air on these from all I've heard.

Selespeeds are always a bit slow on the upchange.

For the price it would be worth getting it inspected (by a marque specialist), you may just get a bargain.  But Simon's right.  There'll always be another one, and a bad one is very bad.

You say you didn't check under the bonnet.  Are you sure you want an Alfa?  Just teasing mate.  Always good to look under the bonnet, even if you know nothing about it, it's a good way to tell how well the car's been looked after.

Good luck with it.

[vjr]

Yeah, tricky one.  It's pretty cheap for one of these, and while it seems like a good deal, I'd be suspicious that he agreed to come down over 3k on the price.  How long did it take him to agree to that?

Before I even made an offer, he said I could have it for $9500 (his advertised price is $10,990 reduced).

A/c never blows cold air on these from all I've heard.

This wasn't cold in the least. In fact it was 30c outside, and felt cooler than inside.

Selespeeds are always a bit slow on the upchange.

Yes, been doing some reading on this... many differing opinions on ss driving techniques!

For the price it would be worth getting it inspected (by a marque specialist), you may just get a bargain.  But Simon's right.  There'll always be another one, and a bad one is very bad.

The car is at least 1.25 hours from the city.. not sure how I could manage to get it to one of the few specialists around?

You say you didn't check under the bonnet.  Are you sure you want an Alfa?  Just teasing mate.  Always good to look under the bonnet, even if you know nothing about it, it's a good way to tell how well the car's been looked after.

Yes I always check under the bonnet... not sure what got into me this time. I'm not a backyard mechanic in the least though..

Thanks for the response!

[vjr]

Hi there,

I would walk away from this car. The service history is too vague and to leave a gap of around 30,000k's between servicing just shows that the owner doesnt seem to care to much for this car. If the car has now done 103,000k's and the last known cam belt change was at 50, knowing what Alfas can be like this belt could slip/break anytime causing thousands of dollars of damage to the engine.

Really that gap between 10 and 45 or so is the only issue (apart from needing a service right now). The current owner has only had it a year and was purchased for his inlaws while they were staying with him (he paid $18000 12 months ago--i saw the receipt). I get the idea he is definitely not an enthusiast. Doubt he would have thrashed it either.

Already there seems to be a small list of problems with a relatively new car, this small list could easily turn into a very large and expensive one. You could probably wait it out and pick up a facelifted 03' model which will have the JTS engine (much better than the twin spark) and a better, smoother Selespeed gear box.

I'm really buying as an interim for 1-2 years max and need one in the next week or so.

Though $8,500 is very cheap, make sure you get the car inspected by an Alfa specialist/dealer...not your average mechanic as Alfas (even new models) are very different to an average car.

I reckon he just wants it out of the way, and that I could get it for even less... $8000 definitely and maybe even $7500 if the pre-purchase check shows anything. He is in a very affluent area and I just don't think he cares about a few grand to get rid of the thing (he's been trying for 3 months).

I could be completley wrong by saying walk away and this could be a great buy. But i would recommend to spend the extra money and get a car that has been well looked after, it will save you in the long run.

Excellent advice.. now I just have to decide whether or not I take it 

[Sheldon McIntosh]

1-2 years max can be a long time in Alfa-buying hell, I wouldn't rush into buying one of these.  If you need a car quickly, buy a 10 year old toyota or something.  It won't break down or lose value, while you wait for a good Alfa.

Where is the car located?

Again, sounds like it could be a bargain, or a piece of Project Car Hell!!

I'd go for it, but then again I am an idiot, look at what I own.

Good luck buddy, any pics that went with the ad?

[John Hanslow]

The car should have been serviced regularly, so that's a warning.  However if you are buying it at a discount, then you have to way up the benefits. I have learnt that a cheap car can cost a lot more in the long run.  There are plenty of cars out there so the choice is yours.

The selespede was updated on the later models and what Simon says is on the money.  Also, you have to get this checked out byan Alfa Specialist (refer our sponsors page - link on top right) for a prepurchase inspection as they know what to look for and the costs. Cost of repair is a negotiating tool on price.  Plus they can give you a professional opinion about the car and advice.  eg. did you know that the selespeed can be reset (when serviced) on the Alfa Analyser.  So you should look at one of our sponsors for this.

Some people suggest that as it is a robotic clutch, you take your foot slightly off the accelerator when changing up. 

Even if you get a few cars checked out it is peace of mind.

Good hunting !

[vjr]

1-2 years max can be a long time in Alfa-buying hell, I wouldn't rush into buying one of these.  If you need a car quickly, buy a 10 year old toyota or something.  It won't break down or lose value, while you wait for a good Alfa.

Where is the car located?

Again, sounds like it could be a bargain, or a piece of Project Car Hell!!

I'd go for it, but then again I am an idiot, look at what I own.

Good luck buddy, any pics that went with the ad?

What the heck, here's the ad. If someone gazumps me, so be it.

http://tinyurl.com/687anh

in summary...

Pros:
low k's
low price
engine feels and sounds sweet
SeleSpeed seems to work fine
body good apart from door replacement which looks fine

Cons:
service gap from 10-46000 (why serviced at 10??) Edit: seems 10k is the initial service.. is that right?
passenger door replaced (car was dusty so couldn't check paint matching well)
air-con not working at all
due for major service + cam belt ($1000+ ?)
not sure if I want SeleSpeed..