Advice for a new Alfaian - re GTV and 156

[Splinter]

Hi All,

I'm on the market for a replacement car. I've always been an avid Jap car fan, but after looking at a few of the Alfa's on the market currently, i've been fascinated by them.

Currently i am looking at a GTV that seems like a decent buy, but i need to do more research as my knowledge on this make of cars is very limited. I have trolled these forums and other sites a fair bit and there are some generic answers/knowledge whichi have gathered and am feeling a bit more confident about buying one, however just a coupel of lingering questions specifically re the GTV:

My general knowledge of the GTV:
- higher running costs being a V6, reasonable reliable if looked after well,

* Advice re pricing - i'm looking at buying a used one....have seen an 80k one for around the 13-14k mark...is that reasonable? the car seems in good nick. Can i expect it to last at least another 20-30k in reasonably good condition?;
* How are the longevity of the engine's? i know generally they have a good life if looked after. But i'd rather not run into MAJOR problems in the next 1-2 years if possible (i don't plan to thrash it, and i do plan to maintain it well). Particularly once it passes the 100k mark,  as i would like to keep the car for a number of years;
* My current mechanic has tried to dissuade me from Alfa's with the general comments that expensive parts, unreliable longevity, general care and maintenance. I do understand that being a relatively 'luxury' car there are increased costs, but i want to avoid UNREASONABLY high costs etc;
* My major requirement is reliability, longevity, reasonable costing

I'll stop here and see what you guys say and then i'll ask/comment more.

Cheers

[MD]

Splinter,
You may care to look at the Queensland section of this forum for some ideas or alternatively speak to Richard Andersen at Avanti Spares in Toombool. To some degree it depends on the age and model of the car which you have not specified. ie which GTV?

[Splinter]

Splinter,
You may care to look at the Queensland section of this forum for some ideas or alternatively speak to Richard Andersen at Avanti Spares in Toombool. To some degree it depends on the age and model of the car which you have not specified. ie which GTV?

Thanks MD.

I'd completly forgot about the Qld section! ...was focussed on the main section of the forum only so far.
going to troll through it now as well.

Thanks for the contact info as well, will give him a call.

Cheers

[Gary687]

Hi there

I currently run an 02 GTV V6 and it has been amazing! Ignoring the looks and fun driving for the moment, this car has not cost me a single penny (other than the 'usual' consumables) in almost 2 years and it has never missed a beat despite a daily commute and weekend driving too - it has been a joy to own. Admittedly mine comes with low kms and a similarly fastidious previous owner but there are other cars and owners out there like this so just choose carefully I'd say.
As for higher running costs, well fuel as it's a 3.0l will be higher than a 2.0l - especially with some spirited driving - but it's brilliant fun and other than that, my last service was $250 from Automotion in Bogan Street Albion which was cheaper than my previous car, a Mazda 3! Also parts can be obtained at very reasonable prices locally or if it's something big, from overseas and shipped which can save money so I don't think that should be too much of an issue as long as you buy wisely...

....the problem with buying wisely is that good ones cost! I see there is a concours one for sale at $30k and good ones you must expect to pay mid to late teens and more so anything much cheaper than that you'd need to buy wisely - or take someone along who knows what they're on about (Chris or Cam at Automotion for example) as that could save a lot of heartache and cost in the long run.

In a nutshell, I LOVE mine and it has been super-reliable, seems to be able to go on forever and has cost no more than an 'ordinary' car to run - and this is NO ordinary car!!

Good luck

Cheers

Gary

[njh1964]

Hi Splinter,

Welcome to the wonderful world of Alfa Romeo... sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding. How about a picture of your new baby?

By the way, and only a small correction , but you're not actually an "Alfaian"... unless you want to be. A better description is an "Alfista"... or "Alfisti" when you're enjoying the company of a group of likeminded Alfa fans.

Cheers,


Nick

[Davidm1600]

Hi Splinter, just as per the experience of Gary, I too can confirm the reliability and cost maintenance for modern Alfas.  I have an '03 JTS 156 Sportwagon, have had it for 2 years now.  I paid $20K for it back in Nov '07. It had 89,000Km, it now has 102,000km and so far the only problem being a engine management systems sensor died.  Cost for the part $200 plus $40 labour to fit it.

I have no experience with Jap cars, having only owned all my life Alfas and Fiats, but I have driven heaps of cars from all countries over the years.  Italian cars communicate in a way no other cars seem to.  Well that is how I see it. 

The JTS engine is sufficiently powerful (though the V6 engine sound is to die for), and it is very economical.  In terms of what you get re features these modern Alfas are loaded and so represent excellent value for $$$.  The major types of costs come if you buy a poorly maintained example and/or if the belts fail resulting in engine damage.  That can be costly.  However, the key to it is to get the car checked by an Alfa specialist and specifically look at when the belts were last changed.  It is very important obviously to keep an eye on oil consumption, and make sure it is topped up. 

I am very happy with my 156 and if I were to replace it at some time in the future would be looking at a 159 wagon for sure.  Good luck in finding the Alfa for you.  Dave