To buy a 147, few problems with it...Help?

[dominic]

Hi All,

Sorry if this is in the wrong place. I'm a newbie!

So I'm toying with buying an Alfa. (Again)

Its a 2001 147 2.0 selespeed. I have owned a 147 before and love her! But i then went off around the world with work so she was sold.

I'm now selted in Oz, and have seen a 147 that needs some work...

The Selespeed strugles to get to 3rd and fourth, and when in city mode it pops out when it gets to 4th.

The guy selling it says he got qouted $600 to have it fixed. He doesnt use the car as he has a brand new Merc!

It has some body damge, needs to have the back bumper either pulled out or a new one.

Has a FSH, Timing belt etc has been done.

He isnt asking alot for it...

Help? Should i?

Thanks

Dominic.

[colcol]

If the guy has a qoute for $600, i hope it is wriiten down and signed, these selespeeds are great when they are working, but can turn into a money pit when not, and it is an early 147, so the selespeed is not as simple or reliable as a late one, it maybe only a sensor that needs looking at, go to an Alfa Romeo specialist and get them to have a look at it, make sure all the correct serviceing has been done correctly, with no skipped oil changes, the oil in twin sparks is fully synthetic 10-40, anything less will reduce engine life, if possible take it to an Alfa Romeo body shop to get a qoute on the bumper repairs, just so there are no nasty shocks, if you buy it, as you know the 147 is a great car and was actually 2000 European car of the year, take that Ford Mondeo and Toyota Prius!, Colin.

[branko.gt]

as you know 147 is a great car and great fun.
selespeed problem can be a simple readjustment. On the other hand it can be more serious and costly.
As Col said, i would take $600 quote with a grain of salt. Same with the bumper, is it a bumper only or is there some body damage?

In the end it all depends on the price, if the giy is "giving it away" and you like fixing things then go for it, otherwise look for another. ON the oher hand we are talking about 10 years old car and they will all have some problem.

We have a 147 selespeed and i like it. So far I have replaced pump, accumulator and position sensors. These wear out and i take that as a part of the deal with selespeed of that vintage.

[John Hanslow]

Dominic, ensure that you buy a car subject to (Or after) you get a pre purchase inspection.

For the cost of approx $100, you get the facts and more accurate idea of what you are buying - and what needs to be done.

Any cost to repair or for roadworthy certificate can be used to negotiate price.

Takes the risk out of the purchase and creates more certainty with vehicle ownership.  $600 could be $3,00 for a replacement gearbox.

Refer sponsors link for Alfa Specialists who can put car on an analyser.

Re: Bumper - check out Monza Spares for replacement - they are plastic and you just replace them for about $900.  Ring around and get some facts first before you buy.

Cheers

[dominic]

Sorry for the late reply, lot on with work at the moment. 

So after doing some research I feel it's best not to buy the Alfa :-(

On the other hand in looking at at a GTV....