Help With GTV6

[AgeG]

Can someone please help me???

I am a happy owner of a Citroen C4 but i am contemplating doing something very silly. I want to sell it and buy a GTV6. Please try and talk me out of it because I have managed to stay Alfa free for 6 years since owning a 33 1.7ie.

Seriously though any help on what especially I should be looking out for would be appreciated. Should I avoid sunroof models due to the risk of rust in the drain holes? Any other hot spots which could prove troublesome?

If you cant talk me out of it, then you might as well convince me!!! (I am actively looking for something immaculate or close to with low Kays, if you know of someone thinking of selling please let me know).

[Scott Farquharson]

Nah, buy one!

[AgeG]

Ha yeah i know i dont think i can be talked out of it now seeing as my car is now advertised and all.

Scott you got any advice on what I should be looking out for?

Sunroofs an issue?

[shane wescott]

Just take one for a spin. If you don't buy one after that I am afraid there is no hope for you.

Check all the usual spots for rust (hatch, bottom of doors, around windows) I dont have any rust around the sunroof area so based on my experience, that is not an issue.

If you can get one with a sunroof I would take it as is only enhances the engine sound on a lovely day.

Get someone who is good mechanically to have a look over it from an engine/gearbox point of view, or even take it to one of the club sponsors for a once over.

Catch ya

Shane

[Scott Farquharson]

Rust isn't a huge problem in these cars unlike earlier (pre 82) 116 cars, but you still should check all the usual spots. 

Sunroof drain holes block and will result in a lap full of water at the first corner. 

They can be prone to "undiagnosed mystery non-starting syndrome" - heppens to a lot of v6 transaxle cars when they just won't start and then 20 mins later just do.  Variously described as a relay/ecu/injector/electrical problem. 

Normal gearbox syncro problems (2nd/3rd), electric window motors can be very slow - can't think of much else - best to get one of the sponsors to check the car over for obvious things.

I've had about 6 of them and they are just great - can't go wrong.

[Davidm1600]

Hi AgeG,  I noted that all the responses you got were from owners of Alfetta GTV6 but I wonder were you after one of these or a late model GTV6.  They are two completely different cars.  The Alfetta based GTV6 is obviously rear wheel drive, most without power steering, few with sunroofs, most now have well over 130-200,000 on the clock, and came with the 2.5V6.  Sweet !! The modern GTV6 is front wheel drive, 3L V6 smaller cabin, tiny boot but nice trim (momo leather etc) inside, sweet gearbox and all the toys and safety items one gets with modern cars.  I havn't driven the old GTV6 though would love to sometime.  Going on the prices listed on Carsales and Carpoint.com.au, there are plenty to choose from $6K to $35K.  I have driven the modern GTV and GTV6 and despite being front wheel drive was most impressed.  Kind of like a modern 105 coupe.  I have had a 1750 for the past 11 years.  I have owned both a really nice 1.8 Alfetta Gt and sedan.  Nice cars but hate the early gearbox.  Even with my excellent condition Alfettas changing gears was like using a stick in a bowl of custard and hoping to find a gear.  Later model Alfettas I believe had a significantly improved gearbox.

Rust definitely an issue on older Alfettas, I have seen the odd Alfetta GTV6 with some minor rust in Aus but generally thats not a problem as others have said. Problems that occurred when the car was new included head gaskets and also clutches. Most should have had these things fixed by now.  The only other thing with these cars is if in completely standard condition, the suspension is fairly soft and with the V6 engine understeer can be an issue.  Well that is what the literature says.  Having watched a number of Alfetta GTv6s in hillclimbs let alone Targa, such issues can be sorted with thicker roll bars, Konis, better bushes etc.  Talk to the specialists listed in the Alfa sponsors page, including Vin Sharp.  Am sure they can sort that out. 

With the new GTV6, the front wheel drive can be a limiting factor, but that is when taking it to the limit.  Both engines sound great when being revved. Prices for modern GTV6 are falling rapidly, but can be had from as little as $12K to over $30K   Around the $18-25K should get you a low Km car with full history etc.

Would I like either, yes !!  But since I needed a practical car went for a 156 sportwagon. A GTA sportwagon would be nice but not available in Aus.

Cheers Dave

[AgeG]

THanks guys,

yeah looking for a mid 80s one, willing to go interstate to get a really good one so i am on the hunt, hopefully it wont take too long to sell my citroen, but definately committed now.

[Sir Lancelot]

Here's my somewhat bias take on the situation. I bought a GTV6 (1986) about 6 years ago and have never looked back. First up, I have never had a problem with the engine itself, and this includes several track days! The only mechanical work I've upgraded was the suspension - shocks, torsion bars, as well as matching shocks to spring rates for a perfect ride - handling improvement is fantastic. However, maintenance is certainly more than a modern car - but this goes for any older model cars. I have had to progressively replace and fix many bits on the car including fixing the heater core recently as I finally got the a/c working, which then broke the heater core (another thread for that story).

I do have a sunroof model, and in the summer, I love it! Unless your going for a track car, get one with a Sunroof; Shane is right on with the sound. 2.5L engine one of the best sounding engines of all time. Personally I love the look of the GTV6, a work of art.

To sum up, depending how much you buy it for and how well kept it is, I would expect to be paying towards 10k or just over if it is seriously immaculate - less if it's not. Keep in mind the latest GTV6 cars is the GTV6GP, which I actually don't know much about, but they're more expensive. Either way, I'd take it to a reputable mechanic to look over - I take my car to Hugh Harrison at Monza Motors in Bayswater, but there are many other excellent mechanics around, just check this site. Perhaps get someone who has driven a GTV6 to take it for a drive.

So, engine has been brilliant, never failed me, but I have had to replace many items over time - so many $$ spent. But put it this way - I'd spend it again. Even got my first tat thanks to this car! I've yet to come across a car I enjoy driving more than this one. I can't sign off without saying that at some stage, you'll probably run into electrical quirks, but once there are enough of them to make it annoying, take out the dash and begin diagnosing the problems - I recently did this and solved 90% of them.

Goodluck on your car shopping! Post back here with updates!

[shane wescott]

I agree with Alex on the last bit "I've yet to come across a car I enjoy driving more than this one"

I've had a brand new 1999 GTV which was a beautiful, lovely car to drive, but it wasn't rear wheel drive and didnt sound anywhere near the 2.5 l sound.

I have always been of the opinion (and expressed it many times) that to me, Alfa's are 4 cylinders or nothing. The GTV6 has changed that for me. Alex is also right around the mark with price, anything more than $10K would want to very good.

The GP's in good nick are around $25K asking price (not many buying at this level from what I can see). They have a special body kit and lots of special trim etc - a very special car.

Hopefully you will find one soon and bring it on some club runs.

Catch ya

Shane

[AgeG]

Thanks Alex and Shane,

Looing at one at the moment and cant wait to get one now, only looking for something immaculate so i am being patient.

Shane i think i saw you on wednesday night driving along nicholson st fitzroy. I was eating in Pizza Farro and noticed the zender kit! Car looks real nice.

Anyways i will let you guys the minute i buy, and will definately come on the first run afterwards.

Ciao.