Brera advice

[Sandrust]

Hi all,
I'm looking to become an Alfa owner for the first time and am actively scanning the classifieds for a 2nd hand Brera.
I've a budget of around $30k and was wondering if anyone had any tips or advice.
Any years better than others? Mechanical faults to look for? Known dodgy dealers?
I live in Ferntree Gully and was also wondering where the best Alfa garage near me was for servicing.
I'm an absolute newbie, and mechanically inept, and advice extremely appreciated.
Cheers,
Sandy

[Evan Bottcher]

On the front page of the Vic club website (http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/) there is a list of club sponsor logos.  The nearest independent specialist garages to Ferntree Gully would be Monza Motors in Bayswater, or Mauceri Motors in Clayton.   The nearest official dealer/service would be Lance Dixon in Doncaster.

I don't know much specifically about the Brera sorry, I'm sure someone else will pop up soon.  I do suggest you get the car inspected prior to purchase by either one of the dealers or one of the independent specialists - as long as they have the Fiat Examiner diagnostic computer (which I believe all our sponsors do).

It may be worth scanning through the UK forum at http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-159-brera-and-946-spider/ as they have a lot of Brera/159s and a couple of years older than ours, you'll hear about what problems are being faced.  IMO for the Brera/159 very little really goes wrong, so a lot of the discussion is about tyres and taillights - more consumables than major issues.

And do join the Alfa club as the club has a lot to offer including advice and fun events...

[Sandrust]

Thanks Evan,
I'll have a trawl through UK forum.
I've been amazed at the negativity I receive when I mention I'm looking to buy an Alfa. Hence my more thorough research than normal.
Monza motors is very close so that's a bonus.
Cheers.

[shiny_car]

The 2.2JTS and 3.2JTS, manual vs auto....all very different cars.

I can only speak from having an auto 3.2 159 2008, but have read plenty about the others.

For your budget, I figure you'll either get an 'older, higher km V6' or a 'newer, lower km 2.2'. What do you have in mind?

Running costs aside, I would choose the 3.2, and preferably an earlier manual, IF you're wanting a more 'sporting' car (NB: not 'sports car' cos the Brera isn't one of these). The auto is a good auto, as far as autos are concerned. A guess a 3.2 auto is thus a 'cruisy grand tourer' of a car.

To me, the 2.2 fails in terms of performance. But people enjoy them for what they are: a 'different' (cf other marques) and great looking coupe. It is not a performance car. Hence, if you value 'Alfa Romeo' as a marque (and why not!), great looks and something unique on the roads, but don't care for performance, the 2.2 is worth considering. Some report intolerable 'hesitancy' under acceleration at around the 2.5-3K rpm zone; try and see for yourself. An ECU remap (eg: to Autodelta mapping) can solve and improve this, but another $1K may not seem good value.

[Sandrust]

Thanks for the reply.
It's a tough call. I commute to St.Kilda road each day in peak hour, so an auto would make it less of a hassle but I figure the 3.2 would be thirsty.
I'll admit to being seduced by the looks, performance is secondary. (Also have desired an Alfa since the original GTV came out in my teens. Been a long wait) 
A newer 2.2 is where I was leaning. There's currently a 2006 with 38k on the clock in Melbourne that I hope to look at this week. Asking $29,900. It's pushing my age limit as I'd prefer under 4 yrs.

[shiny_car]

Fair enough.

Autos are only in the newer V6 models AFAIK. Most 2.2s are manual; only a handful are Selespeed. I would choose the manual 2.2, though Selespeed is something owners 'get used to' (they feel jerky at first), and 'learn to drive properly'.

I guess you need to drive one to ensure it's what you want. So long as you're not wanting or expecting a hard-accelerating car, you shouldn't be disappointed. The 2.2 I drove briefly was still pretty brisk.

The rest of the car is well built. I love the leather interiors and glass sky roof. A low km version, with full service history at a reputable workshop/dealer, should be a reliable car, no issues. Just the usual wear and tear applies, as with any car: 'car park' dents, tyre quality and condition, wear on driver's seat leather/steering wheel/door inside grab handle, etc.

[bix]

I'm not so sure about the "intolerable hesitancy" of the 2.2. Before buying my 159 2.2, I too read some of these articles from UK owners and I believe it has something to do with their ECU mapping for UK roads. I find the 2.2 pulls brilliantly from low revs, although I'm left wanting above 4000 rpm's (completely different beast from my 156 TS which tempts you to ring its neck in every gear). I've also found that whilst the 2.2 is no record breaker on the quarter mile sprints, the handling comes alive on the country twisty roads and is really a pleasure to drive on the highway. No one has mentioned the new 1750 motor which is supposed to be a cracker!

[shiny_car]

Yeah, it seems some people say their 2.2 'suffers' from hesitancy, others don't notice it or report any issue. Good to hear from your point of view, cos I've not owned a 2.2.

TBi is way over the budget, which is why I made no mention of it.

[orgigeorgie]

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10952066&__Qpb=1&Cr=9&__Ns=pCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime%7C1&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294967249%204294951136&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=29&__sid=132AF114FE36

What about that? I'm sure you've seen it, but it's only 4 years old, and it has lower k's than most.

[massiveluvbuddy67]

Hi,
You are very close to Hugh in Bayswater (Monza Motors). I recommend you pop over for a chat with him. Hugh (and his wife Wendy) are Life Members of the club and will provide wise advice and guidance. As per earlier post, Bruno at Marenello Motors in Brunswick (another Life Member), Mauceri Motors in Clayton etc will all be able to assist with advice and pre-purchase inspections depending on where the car is located.
The clubs sponsors are very experienced with these cars.
I agree, the Brera is an absolutely beautiful car!
Best Regards
Phil
Secretary AROCA Vic. Inc.

[Sandrust]

Thanks for the advice Phil. Went past Monza Motors on Sunday, it's not far from home at all. Will definitely drop by for a chat as purchase time draws nearer.

Have seen that blue Brera for sale. He's only recently dropped the price. Looks very tempting.
One I've been watching and am quite keen on is this one:
http://carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10964729
More difficult logistics unfortunately.

The bonus for me is I'm in no hurry and am learning more about them each week.

Cheers.

[Doug Gould]

I have a 2.2 JTS Brera. Its nearly 5 years old, bought it new. Both engines use too much fuel. The 4 cylinder would be better with more power but has better balance and better turning circle. The V6 uses an outrageous amount of fuel and goes like a cut cat. Visually they are identical. Your choice. Like most of the new Alfa's, tyre choice is critical and they suffer from eneven wear and excessive tyre noise with the wrong tyres. The tyres are an odd size and cost a fortune. I put Conti's on for the second set at nearly $400 a piece. Servicing is easy, mine is now going to Hugh. I've owned a 156 JTS, 159 2.2 JTS and the Brera. I think I liked the 156 best, but after 5 years I still love walking up to the Brera, its beuatiful. The 159 was a disappointment (but I bought before the Ti model was released).

[Sandrust]

Thanks for the reply Doug.
Speaking of servicing, what are the service intervals on a Brera? Average service cost?
Will factor that in on the sales pitch to SWMBO.
Cheers

[Doug Gould]

30k service interval, but you should do oil at 15k.

i can't recall service cost, but pretty standard. service cost is not really a factor.

Doug

[Joe Falcone]

Hi Sandy

got an 07 2.2 brera selespeed from new and loving it. So far no dramas whatsoever. Pirellis were stuffed at 35k and went for the kumhos at 280 each, they're not as grippy but quieter and hopfully more kays. Chain driven 2.2 has plenty of go and is getting better now reached 43000kms. Quality is a big improvment from previously owned 156 and black paint on red leather is gorgeous. I think german electrics has helped too as everything still works fine. Gearbox is so much fun in sport mode and engine makes a nice note especially comin back down the gears. This car seems to be well balanced, handles ok although i haven't tried it on a track yet. Averaging 680 kays a tank. Id still go for a manual cause reduces the amount of components and probably less service bill, (misses doesnt drive manual). Hope ive helped

Joe