Issues with 156 Selespeed...ideas?

[yassmina]

*sigh*...I should have known this was coming

Just bought a 156 selespeed -- got it a few days ago, and the mec check on it before I bought it was fine -- though it was done by RACQ (or the Canberra equivalent).   When I took it to Alfa (Brisbane) to have its first service, they said that the actuator was leaking and would need to be completely replaced -- costing me 5 K, half the price of the actual car -- and thats on top of undersized brake pads and a number of other small things.  All, naturally, costing an arm and a leg.

Does any one have any idea on whether this is something that can be done any cheaper (I visited a transmissions place and they said the only ppl that could do it would be alfa)?  I realise it can become a bit of an issue -- but I have the belt change in a couple of thousand K anyway, which will be pricey as it is.

If anyone has any ideas, expertise or advice, it would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

[alfagtv58]

May I suggest you have a look around this forum first.  This topic has been covered......many, many, many, many times 

There is some good advice (and some very strong opinions too!) etc in those other threads that you should find most useful.

[L4OMEO]

Hi Yassmina

Firstly, ouch. None of us would wish that on any Alfisti. Firstly, did you buy the car off a dealer or privately? If it's the former there may (underline MAY) be some recourse for you, maybe more on moral grounds than legal, but it's worth a crack. You'll have less luck with whoever did the mechanical check, they normally ensure there's little chance of comeback on whatever they report ... but gain, I'd still raise the issue with them, never know how they might respond. Secondly, while I don't have experience with this actual fault I'd be surprised if Alfa Brisbane are the only people that can do this work. Others on the forum might share their own experiences in this regard, but if there are other options around there's a high chance they will be considerably cheaper. I think Evan posted something on this recently, do a search, will be worth your while. Shop around, do your research, don't act quickly or until you're well informed.

Best of luck, hope you get a good resolution.

Cheers and beers!
Rory

[spieret]

Hi Yassmina,

Contact Dave Noble at Motorvation. The number is 3257 7755. He is a post 1996 Alfa specialist. He was the head mechanic of Alfa in Brisbane when they returned to Australia. He was the previous owner of my GTV and when working on newer Alfa's his labour is normally 2-3 hours less than other classic Alfa specialists. He knows his stuff and will get it done as cheaply as possible.

Cheers

Tony

[John Hanslow]

We always advise for a pre-purchase inspection by an Alf Specialist.  You have to remember that if the sellor got it checked for you then you may not have been given all the facts.  That's why you take a car away and get it checked out independantly.  If they will not let a car be independantly checked, they are of dubious character and you should walk away fast.

I heard of AlfaMotive in Brisbane, and in fact a prepurchase inspection was free for a club member.

Contact them and discuss.  Some Alfa specialists (and dealers too) do give discounts to club members so that is a saving.  Ring around and check out the contact with your local club for benefits.  Up to you.

Good luck.