Pros and Cons of Owning a 2001 147 alfa 2.0 ?????

[jordothegreat]

Hi everyone Iam thinking of buying a 2001 147 16v 4cyl manual. It has 226,000kms mileage and the bloke that is attempting to sell it to me has stated that he gets the timing belt done every 60,000kms? also has informed me that the car is using 15-70 grade penrite?

I really am excited about the prospect of getting my very first alfa but Iam unsure what is really true and whats not please help me. What do you guys think?

[Colin Edwards]

Hi,

We had a 2006 147Ti Selespeed for about 5 years.  Travelled around 45000klm.......no problems whatsoever. 

Like any car, a fully documented service history is critical.  New timing belt every 3-4 years regardless of use is a must. 
15W70 oil may be a tad thick?   Seem to recall we ran 10W50 or thereabouts.  I have heard of 15W60 being used to control oil consumption. 
Have the vendor start the car while your watching the exhaust.  Then have the vendor drive away from you while you watch the exhaust during gear changes.   

Colin

[bazzbazz]

Timing Belt is to be done every 60,000 km or 3 years, whichever comes first.

Correct oil is 10w60 Full Synthetic.

[alanm]

Hi there,

In my experience the 16v TS 2.0 is a reliable engine with few issues as long as you change the timing belt and the oil at the prescribed intervals. A common issue is a failing variator, a part that is fitted to the end of the inlet camshaft to alter the duration of the valve opening at high RPM (someone can correct me if I have this wrong).
If a 16V TS has a noisy rattle on start up (sounds like a diesel) , then it is most likely that it needs the camshaft variator replaced. Not at all a deal breaker, but should be factored into the price of the car.

Another common part failure is the electric window switch. Now this might not seem like a big deal but the switch must work to pass a roadworthy inspection and a new part for the 4 door car (2 door of course is different) if you can find one is about $400. Good second hand ones are about $250. Once again, not a deal breaker but should be factored into the purchase cost. If the car has a good drivers side window switch, be gentle with it, they break easily!

Apart from the above, 147s are great little cars – highly recommend!
Cheers,
Al.

[bonno]

I take it from your other post dated 22 Oct 20 @ 12:37AM you have purchased the car. If not,  then just several more checks that are worth considering;.

1.   Operators Manuals available.
2.   2 x sets of keys avaialble
3.   Radio code available.
4.   Check for accident damage front and rear, in particular boot well and front apron.
5.   Evidence of oil leaks engine and gearbox (look under car and see it is dry).
6.   Check engine oil cap for any sings of milkiness (condition of head gasket).
7.   Check all lights operational including blinkers.
8.   Check Air Conditioner working cold.
9.   Check electric windows working
10.   Engine accelerates well with no hesitation throughout the rev range.
11.   Shift gears smoothly, (syncos in good order).
12.   No warning lights remaining on, ie; Air Bag/ EMS.