Alfa 33 - Should I buy one?

[Andiroid]

Hi all,
I have a 147, but my wife drives it all the time!

I have the opportunity to buy a 1986 33 Boxer, I have limited knowledge of this model and was wondering if I could have any pointers on what to look for, or be aware of.
Parts, serviceing, main problems.

All info will be helpful!

Thanks

Andrew

[luca]

By no means an expert but:
Under the bonnet/car

General engine condition - leaks anywhere they shouldn't be?
Radiator â€" leaky?
Coolant/fuel pipes - not perished/split
Power steering reservoir ok?
Wing mounting bolts ok? Accident damage?
Oil leaks? - check around sump gasket and nut
Coolant & brake fluid levels - normal?
Screenwash bottle - ok and level? - it takes 9 Litres!
Strut brace - condition/present (my paint was flaky)
Wiring and ECU â€" visual check

Electricals

Seat memory & slide/tilt mechanism (both seats) 1, 2 & M
Electric mirrors - folding (6 o'clock posn) and adjustment
Heated seats working? (both sides)
Windows working? (both sides)
Auto dim mirror (cover front sensor on mirror nr windscreen)
Headlights (auto?), foglights F/R & indicators inc. hazards
Wipers ok inc auto mode
CD Changer â€" operation - take some CDs!
Radio/cassette and stalk controls
Any error messages on central panel/warning lights on dash?
Sunroof operation
Lock/Deadlock from key plip
Total closure (see threads for varying operation)
Alarm (lock using plip, unlock using key and get in to set off!)
Follow me home function
Keys in ignition/lights on warnings
Fusebox (fuses correctly seated)
Air conditioning and fan (hot/ice cold)
Trip computer (operation - using right hand stalk end button)
Remote Headlight adjust mechanism (right and down from ignition)

Drive

Starting ok? (from cold) check it’s not been warmed up!
Idle â€" smooth?
Drive â€" Engine & power delivery smooth?
Clutch â€" ok?
Gearchange â€" ok?
Brakes â€" squeal & feel?
Suspension & Engine mounts cornering/start & stop â€" knocks?
Handbrake â€" good?
ESP â€" functional and off switch works
ABS â€" functional and stops in a straight line
Cruise control â€" functional? - setting varies depending on model
Power steering - operation
Fan/s working when up to temp?

Exterior

Paint condition & Rust (particularly inside door shuts)
Condition of light lenses and bodywork in general
Alloy wheel condition
Tyres â€" good quality & condition?
Brembos?
Wheel nut covers - all present?
Headlight wash function
Boot badge condition
Bumpers â€" condition/cracks?
Panel gaps â€" all correct particularly bonnet to front wings, doors to chassis and boot to body
Overspray/accident damage apparent?

Interior

Any leaks obvious - misting up etc?
Radio crackle?
Leather condition particularly driver's seat bolster
Lumbar support operation
Sat Nav & remote (CD present in boot Satnav CD player?)
Locking wheel nut removal tool present?
Wheel nut cover removal tool (yellow) present?
Headlining condition
Mats present?
Storage spaces & glovebox condition?
Ski hatch/armrest condition
Spare wheel & tools present?
Boot â€" ok?
CD Changer cassette present?
Rear windows â€" ok?
Rear headrests â€" present?
Rear coat hooks - present?
Steering wheel reach/rake adjust operation
Vanity mirror lights working?
Petrol flap release mechanism operation
Map light working?

History

Last serviced… FSH? Stamps etc…
Mileage listed tally with display in car and car age (approx 10-12k/yr)?
Owner’s manual
Dealer/servicing stamps?
logbook
Tax?
MOT?
Spare key?
Receipts for work/servicing?
Radiator changed?
Cambelt changed?
Engine mounts changed?
Coil packs changed?
Suspension components?
Oil used? â€" semi/fully synth?

[Andiroid]

Thanks mate! Quite informative.

[Simon Aarons]

Not too sure about a 33 having Heated seats, or Sat nav or ESP or ABS.... hahaha!

Best bet is to take it to a specialist so they can put it up on a hoist and check the car over. Might cost you $50 but could save you thousands.

[lombardi]

THE 33 with the twin webber carbs boxer engine is a classic,engine bullet proof,awesome car,just make sure its been looked after,electricals a bit dodgy,but i am sure car will be cheap as chips,highly recommended,especially if its the ti,awesome.ciao