Buying a 147 this weekend

[tony8028]

Hi Folks

I am looking at 147s this weekend - saw 4 today and one yesterday, but still have not found the one for me. Looking at more tomorrow.

The first one I saw was a Selespeed which had a new selespeed unit recently fitted and I was tempted, but I just cant risk it. I have seen too many horror stories so I am strictly looking at manuals now.

My price range fits with the 2003 - 2005 models that are on the Sydney market - and there a plenty around at the moment.

The common thing I have noticed is that the paint on all the cars i have seen has been looking a bit thin and cracked, especially the non-metallic colours i have seen (maybe these colours hide the imperfections better?).

I was also looking at 156s but I read some reports about them having poor a/c. In fact, one 156 seller very honestly told me over the phone that "the a/c wasnt very good!"

How is the a/c in the 147? Living in Sydney, its a killer in Summer without it.

I have owned  75s and 33s and accepted that cold air was never going to happen, but I thought Alfa would have sorted that out by the early 2000s ?

Also, is there such a thing as a mobile mechanic in Sydney who knows a bit about Alfas ?

thanks Tony

[pep105]

Hi Tony,

The air con in the 147 works well in my experience, dual zone climate control was standard on all models.

I had mine for 3 summers and it coped well, even in sub 39 degree heat with 5 people in the car no problem.
On very hot days with extended use in stop start traffic, the twinspark engine really suffers, it begins to feel lackluster and laden but then most 4 potters do.

Early 156 air con is useless, at least thats the feedback Ive heard, JTS models had a similar dual zone system to the 147 so as a result are supposed to be improved but have heard the 147 system works better

The paint is thin and chips easily, and when it does on dark colours the white undercoat stands out like dogs balls. Try and garage it if you can leaving it outside can really affect the paintwork.

Still a nice car the 147 but buy wisely coz like a beautiful woman owning a 147 could drive you crazy

Lets hope you find a good one

So I take it your not buying a 164/75/33 then ?

[tony8028]

No not buying the 33, 75 or 164 any more !

A big factor in all of that is the a/c. I know it shouldnt matter but i need it as an every day driver and you'd die in sydney during summer without it.

Have decided to spend some more money and get either a 156 or 147.

I saw no less that 6 147s over the weekend and drove a 156.

Really didnt like the 156 i have to say. It felt heavy and a bit like driving a boat after zipping around in these 147s.

I also prefer the cloth interiors - seems more comfy to me and unless you get the black, the colours can be a bit leary.

I did make an offer of a very low Kms 147 today  - a 2003 - guy is asking 14k and it needs rego. Given that the first thing i will do is change the timing bely (regardless of what the books "say") it was just too much.....my was for a couple of K under that. Looks like its been rejected anyway.

I will keep looking. Most seem to be in somewhat average condition. The paint, as mentioned, really hasnt held up on most of the cars i have seen.

Will keep you posted ! Thanks for the info.

[Alfa_alchemist]

Tell that guy he's dreamin' if he thinks he'll get 14k for an '03 147. You can find a good condition '03 156 JTS for that money if you're looking at private sellers. Just give him an offer and walk away - he'll probably call back soon if he really wants to sell the car - he won't get a higher offer.

[tony8028]

Tell that guy he's dreamin' if he thinks he'll get 14k for an '03 147. You can find a good condition '03 156 JTS for that money if you're looking at private sellers.

Funny you say that. I test drove a mint 156 TJS which was priced at 15K but I just found the car too big and floated a bit too much for me.

Just give him an offer and walk away - he'll probably call back soon if he really wants to sell the car - he won't get a higher offer.

I did that and he contacted me today and dropped the price by $200 ! Wow, thanks ! So I wont be buying this one

[wankski]

yep, thats the problem with many private sales.... too many are space cadets regarding price...

147 vs 156 is a hard choice... 147s have retained value so much better cos its still a current model, whereas the 156 has really nose dived...

for similar outlay and insurance premium, 156 makes a convincing choice as agreed value can be as high as 25k on an 05... good economics should the worst happen!

the 147 is worth 15k max to the insurance co and u pay nearly as much for a car that can be had 35k new, vs 50k for the 156...

but yeah, know what ur talking about... test drove a 147 last weekend, selespeed, and my gawd, what a handful, but it sure was fun... chalked up 3 156s to test this coming w/e, mix of sele and stick so hopefully i like them too and they're not vague and soft compared to the 147... freakin' go kart that is!

keep us posted - obviously i'm in the market too, interested in how you're faring!

word.

[Sheldon McIntosh]

Hold off for 6 months and get a GTA for the same price.....

[pep105]

Hold off for 6 months and get a GTA for the same price.....

Your not wrong  GTA's start from just under 20k, a lot of car, performance  & torque steer for your money

If your not fussed about the number of doors then the 147Ti is a nice little package, had some minor suspension setting revisions & higher spec brake pads (no doubt long gone now ) nicer alloys, rear spoiler, blacked out treatment on the headlights etc, first released in 2003 and starts from 12 ish, theres one on carsales in Manly for $9900

Anyway can we stop talking about 147s, you've got me looking at them again  

Every time I see a 147 I don't know whether I want to caress it or kick its doors in, bit like Monica Bellucci
lifting her skirt and flashing some skin at you from across the street tempting you to have another crack once you've been burnt the first time........

[pep105]

Ohh and by the way, just a bit of useless trivia, the 147 had a feature where if you hold the unlock button on the key fob all the windows and sunroof (if you have one) would open simultaneously, same if you kept the lock button depressed windows/sunroof would close. Great on a hot day or when locking the car.

Thing is this feature was removed from approx June 2003 as part of a cost cutting venture by Alfa, along with the rubber grips on the seat adjuster bars and some rubber inserts in the storage pockets.

Anyways good luck with the search

[wankski]

LAWL, just spoke to a used dealer today who spent 2mins warning me off selespeed... obviously he has a stick in stock, but i thought that was very forthright and perhaps an omen....

[L4OMEO]

Every time I see a 147 I don't know whether I want to caress it or kick its doors in, bit like Monica Bellucci
lifting her skirt and flashing some skin at you from across the street tempting you to have another crack once you've been burnt the first time........

Awesome!!