selection of problems with a 147

[Michael Millar]

Heh guys and gals,

I let my heart rule my head and bought a 2002 02 147 2.0 T-Spark with 112k on the clock for the bargain price of £750.

Now I knew when I parted with cash despite it having a years MOT it was going to need a bit work minor things nothing serious other than a new timing belt

But I have noticed two things which are worrying me

Fuel Economy is not great 26.5mpg
Performance aint great either it shifts not bad but runs out of puff at 100mph
(now I'm not interested in those who talk nasaly and say "aw well the speed limit is 70mph) what I want to know is what top speed should a car like this achive and because its not is it just needing a good service or does anyone have any similar experience and can advise of something more serious

thanks in advance

mike

[amfalconer]

Fuel economy isn't great, but the average would be about 27-32mpg. The 2.0 should be a fairly nippy thing, but they're high geared, so you need to rev it to get the most out of it.

I'd unplug the MAF sensor, it'll idle rough, and cause the management light to come on, but its a cheap way to see it that's duff. Expect it to make a huge change if it's unplugged.

Failing that take it to a specialist who can read the codes, you could even set yourself up with a cable for less than a tenner.

[DaveAlfa147]

Economy sounds about right if booting it. As for top speed 110 is most I've achieved. I've always believed that with Alfa's the thing is not the top speed but how it gets there. The 2.0 is only 150 bhp which is a bit on the low side.

[Michael Millar]

I previously had a Punto and was used to trying to eek every drop of fuel 26.5 is just tootling about its down to mid teens if i seriously boot it

in my previous cars mondeo 2.0 and Laguna 1.8 I'd get 125mph so thought I'd get the same from this but if a 110 is the average then thats fine

I think I'll give it a good service and check the maf

[liquidman]

I've got 1.6 and hesitate to admit having gotten it to 120 mph (indicated) on the english Autobahn... I'd have thought the 2.0 would go a bit quicker.

A

[gp3000000]

I've had my 147 1.6 to an indicated 125 on the German autobahn.

I changed to a 2.0 a few weeks ago and it definitely doesn't run out of puff at indicated 100. I haven't reached a point in normal driving where it runs out of puff yet

My best fuel consumption (on the 2.0 litre) on a run of some fast A roads, driving smoothly, (speeds between 50-70) is 38mpg

If driven carefully around town it will almost reach 30mpg.

Booting it results in 25-27mpg

[DaveAlfa147]

I need my licence for work so may have bottled out at 110.

[Michael Millar]

well I believe the maf needs cleaned and the car is needing a good service plugs filters etc so we shall see if that makes a difference