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A reliable Fuel efficient alfa?

11K views 64 replies 27 participants last post by  Cuore_Sportivo_155 
#1 ·
Hi guys, very tempted to buy a giulietta in the next six months for my daily driver and after some advise. The main reason for the purchase is I have a 54 mile daily Commute, so around 13k miles a year.

I currently use my alfa gtv v6 and as much fun it is the miles are take it's tole on the old girl, I'm forever spending out on maintenance and every other weekend I'm working on her. The fuel bills are rather big too £65 a week, around £350 a month. Don't get me wrong it's a great car and I will be keeping her but I fancy something newer, a car I don't have to repair all the time (£2.5k) on the v6 last year and seem to be getting the spanners out every other weekend. Also new cars seem so much better equipped, better ride quality, longer service intervals and most importantly good mpg.

Now all the alfas I have every owned have been high on maintenance

I have had a.......
1996 spider ts
2001 Blue Alfa gtv ts
1997 Red alfa gtv ts
2005 Grey alfa 156jtd sport

And currently have a Red ts spider 1997 and black alfa gtv v6 (both cars will be tucked away) when I buy my Commute car.

So you can see I have never had a new car or newish car so all my cars have required lots of tlc, under a bit of pressure from the mrs to buy a "sensible fuel effiecient car" but as you can tell I love alfas.

So are theses new models any better? I borrowed my days audi a1 and it was so nice to just get in a car and drive it, although a little dull being a audi that everyone else drives lol! Like I said before I have never had a new/newish car and I have seen a 2013 guilietta with just 23k miles for sale in Chesterfield alfa romeo main dealer. It's £8799 and a 2.0d and looks very tempting. Also a 1.6 sportive with red leather at £11k, both low mileage.

I'm will confess I'm a bit of a magpie, I'm a sucker for nice wheels, side skirts all those alfa treats, For example the spider I upgraded to blackline wheels and tan leather interior and the v6 I fitted cup kit, Autodelta and other goodies. This time round I would like to buy a car with them ready fitted, well nice wheels and part leather at least. so can anyone help with what spec level am I looking at? Parkers is confusing, there are so many different specs, best to get the sportive?

I also like one at available car (yeah all three are white) but two things put me off, it's being sold at available car and it's the £110 tax, would love a £30 a year car :)

So it's needs to be cheap to run and tax and look cool without costing the earth to maintain. What diesel is better 1.6 or 2.0, most days I cruise on m1 between 70-80 and boot it the odd day.

Is a second hand guilietta something to concider? Any help, tips or hint very much appreciated, also where is the best places to buy them, alfa main dealers? Budget between £8-£10k

Appreciate any advise

Thanks Jon
 
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#2 ·
Not saying the 2.0 170 jtdm is the one to go for because I've not driven the 1.6 or the 2.0 140 but I do a similar commute and I've always enjoyed driving so getting the fastest diesel seemed to make sense. I'm around 60 miles daily. I average about 45 mpg daily, with my sometime competitive driving style lol, saying that, managed 52 mpg there and back today!

I've put around 6k on mine since I bought it last September and touch wood, it's not given me one single issue so far. Most people seem to suggest that the Giulietta is the first reliable car that Alfa have produced for a while, but I've not the knowledge to comment on that! That said, it's 10 times more reliable than my Volkswagen.
 
#3 ·
My first Giulietta was a 1.4 Multiair TCT and I now own a QV TCT. They are the most reliable cars I've ever owned and I've owned loads. The Giulietta had a long gestation period and it shows. They are a million times more reliable than anything VAG produces. To put your mind at ease go look at owners reviews on sites like car buyer.co.uk. Most owners rate their cars 4 or 5 out of 5 for reliability. Don't listen to the motoring media, if you do you'll end up with something a lot less reliable than an Alfa.
 
#4 ·
£350 a month for 13000 miles works out at 9mpg at current prices (£1.20 per litre), 15 if you use £1.10. My Cloverleaf does 24 around town so although its not particularly cheap on tax (£240 per annum) it would nigh on halve your fuel bill - saving £2100 on fuel.

I've had a few Giuliettas and they have all been great cars - even What Car? said all the engines are strong and won't disappoint. I've had all except the Multiair (which everyone else says is the pick of the bunch). The 1.6JTDm is quite quick, but may leave you wanting just a bit more. The 2.0 much quicker. Because they are both basically the same engine mass is similar and they do feel a smidge heavy - try a 1.4 petrol at the same time and you'll notice it straight away. Petrol is inherently more responsive as well as being lighter so may feel better to drive. I've had a 1.4tb (not an MA) and it is a lovely engine, very underrated on here, but don't forget that newer engines are designed to produce torque low down (small turbo providing it's hit lower down), so it will feel sprightly around town, a little less competitive at the top end (above 4000rpm). My driving is very urban and short trips so mpg whether diesel or petrol is very similar 1.6 (39mpg, £30 road tax) 2.0 (36mpg, ) 1.4 (37mpg - 33mpg depending upon wheel size, £140 road tax) 1.75 (24mpg, £240 road tax). Which then leaves you with the QV. It costs a lot more to run, but in my eyes it is by far the best Giulietta out there (everyone thinks their current car is the best!!) The choice is yours, but road tax at present is only a small proportion of the amount you spend on fuel!

Reliability: 1.4tb I had never went wrong. 2.0JTDm had a pair of front dampers, and a new EGR as that split. 1.6 blew the turbo hose off. All of these were bought second hand at about 12 months old and kept for 24000miles/18 months. Other posters mention rear hatchback wiring loom failure in rubber boots between body & tailgate, gear selection in 1st. DEKRA in Germany analyse second hand car reliability and whilst it isn't a Honda or Focus, it's up there with the very best.

Be aware that these are 'new Alfa' so from the models you have owned, we've been through the remarkably substantial 159 that felt weighty and lost some of the Alfa nimbleness, and come back towards Alfas of old with the Mito/Giulietta. They feel very solid cars, not quite as much as a 159, but to the point where they make a 147 feel flimsy, but then they also feel much more nimble than a 159 but not as nimble as a 156/147/GT.

Spec wise, Turismo is basic, '13 Collezione is based on this so beware, Lusso tends to have tech (auto lights, wipers & mirror) Veloce 1/2 leather, big wheels, skirts. Sportiva was introduced with lots of kit, big wheels, leather and looks like your kind of car! Trim levels then went to Progression, Distinctive (sort of lusso without the tech), Exclusive (sort of veloce with tech) & Sportiva eventually became QV line.

If you like playing with your car, you can make a Lusso into a Veloce, but you can't make a Veloce into a Lusso. If you want it done for you look for a Sportiva/QV line
 
#6 ·
I've current drive a 2016 1.6JTM and previous a 2011 1.4TB (non multi air).
Reliability I agree as per the above, they are good cars, although I have read some of the early TCT can be expensive to fix.
It is a tradeoff between the great Fuel Economy of the diesel vs the better handling of the petrol variant.
I just found the 1.4T a nicer car to drive overall. Faster to warm up in the morning, light handling, and almost un-noticeable Turbo lag.
In term of options: Brembo brakes and big tyres look nice and work well but have a big influence on Fuel Economy.

I'd also ask what sort of road is the commute? A 54 mile daily commute is 27miles each way, is it Stop/Start driving or steady cruising on the Motorway/A-road?
 
#7 ·
If you get a 2.0 170bhp and get it remapped you will have similar power to your GTV V6 but with 45-50mpg

Sadly not as nice sounding though.
 
#9 ·
I've just completed a year with my 170 MA TCT with no issues at all apart from an occasional refusal to fire up the starter motor. A second turn of the key has always worked and the dealer hasn't found anything wrong. This was after two trouble-free years with a 170 diesel. My previous car, a Saab 9-5 Aero, was always needing something attended to, usually expensively. On my experience the G is a very reliable car, and fuel consumption is usually mid thirties or better on the twisty Dales roads hereabouts.
 
#10 ·
Got a 170MA after commuting 100miles a day in the GTV v6, it is a really nice engine in D mode.

Car feels very nibble and nice have something less crashy over the poor roads.

Whilst the power is good, I do miss the smoothness of the v6 and that it picks up in any gear when feeling a bit lazy or want to overtake on the motorway. Also there is a noticeable turbo lag but then a nice shove so get you there but in a different way to the v6.

My journey is mostly motorway so can get 28MPG from the GTV if constant traffic whilst the 170MA gets about 40MPG.

Surprisingly things like auto-wipers, boot release on the fob, AUX and nicer headlights are things that I didn't expect to enjoy so much and is why I use if over the GTV.

In early ownership of the GTV is cost a fair bit (q2, oil radiator, powerflexing, clutch) but now it's just the odd suspension bit, tyres and rust prevention.

Only problem I've had with the G in the last 12k is the rear demister stopped working last week.

Fuel and maintainance costs alone I'm not sure if getting a new car over a v6 is worthwhile, the v6 won't depreciate and if something breaks probably cheaper to fix at an indi. Will take a good few years to re-coup the outlay.

The 170MA is good for me as offered greater comfort on my 100miles commute, less noise and pollution. Good and faster climate control and the practicality of the boot. Its goes well went I want it too and looks nice too.

Miss the v6 noise on the slip roads and country roads, also nice when get comments on the v6 a the petrol station and the Momo leather seats are still great.

Glad I've not sold the v6 yet and just booked Brands Hatch for Feb, wonder if the 170MA would be good on track....
 
#13 ·
I love my 2.0 jtdm 170bhp car, I got here from a 115bhp 147JTD and both cars have been so reliable I couldn't call the marque. From what others say I might have to have a go in a petrol but the diesels feel so planted because of the heavier nose weights. Just wish I could turn off the traction control in the G!
 
#14 ·
I find the diesel drives really well. My main gripe with the engine itself with it is the relative lack of refinement.

It is louder than many other modern Diesels, and it does make itself known especially when cold or when giving it beans.
 
#15 ·
There's not a bad engine for the Giulietta range. Even the entry-level engines aren't like your typical entry-level engines. I'm a bit hesistant about the MultiAir (170 & latterly 150) engines because of the MultiAir unit failures that've cropped-up on here, but they are otherwise very impressive engines (performance, tax & fuel economy) & I dare say reliability is leagues better than the horror stories I've read regarding VW TSI engines.

The 1.4 TB 120 (non-MultiAir) is a hidden gem & will probably be cheaper to buy because it's seen as the 'entry engine'. It does have slightly dearer tax than the MultiAir though. The 1.75 TBi is like a bigger 1.4 TB. Genuinely rapid, but make sure you're all over the oil changes and let the turbo warm-up & cool-down, as a few have failed. It's not the cheap-to-run option.

The 2.0 JTDm's have a lot of shove & are dependable, but they are noisy beasts. The original Giuliettas had 2.0 140 & 170 engines, this was changed to 150 and 175bhp (TCT only) with the 2014 facelift. I'm getting a new 2.0 JTDm 150 but that's mostly down to getting a good deal - the 1.6 JTDm is often said to be good enough that you don't need to spend the extra on the 2.0. The 1.6 JTDm had 105bhp until the last couple of years when it was upgraded to 120bhp. The torque is very impressive for its size & it's also less raucous than the 2.0.

If you want a compromise between pace & economy, the 2.0 JTDm 140 is possibly the one to go for. It's plenty quick enough, but seems only marginally less economical than the 1.6. It also sits in the £30 road tax bracket like the 1.6 diesel - some 170bhp JTDm's are in the £110 bracket and the petrols higher than this. The only thing to check out is the refinement - as has been mentioned before, they're abit rough, especially when cold or when pushed.

Trim wise I'd avoid base Turismo/Progression spec & aim for at least Lusso/Distinctive, though if you want a real treat (nice wheels, leather) then a Sportiva is just about within reach for your budget. Failing that a Veloce/Exclusive is a nice compromise (part leather, side skirts etc).
 
#18 ·
Hey guys thanks so much for all the info and advise, I'm getting a better understanding of the Giulietta now and also appreciate the spec advise so with what you have said, it's got to be a veloce or sportiva :)

I do like playing and tweaking my cars but this being the work car I would like it already done for me so I can continue to tweak and play with the spider and gtv as I won't be selling them they will be taken off the road to tinker with and rotate as weakend car.

The petrol multi air just Doesn't seem fuel effecient enough for me and that's one of the main reasons behind buying this car. So its between the 1.6@2.0jtdms

Again with what you have said if their isn't much in between the two engines in terms of mpg then of course more power :) I do drive rather quick sometimes and it's nice to have the extra power hence the gtv v6 :)

Going to head to alfa specialist in Nuneaton this weakend as they have a white sportiva 1.6 and white 2.0 veloce. They seem a fair bit high priced than non alfa specialist but I'm guessing it's the 12 month warrenty you get your paying the extra for.

I missed out on the one at Chesterfield it sold and quickly but was just what I was after, shame as it was in budget and low miles with nice interior and alloys http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/252741081379?NAV=HOME

And the one at available cars gone aswell! Wow didn't realise they sold that quick!

This is the 2.0jtdm but 50k miles? what are the clutches like on these good for 100k?
Used ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA in White for sale in Nuneaton, Warwickshire | Alfa Romeo UK

And this is the 1.6 sportiva, ticks all the boxes and nice red leather but £1500 over budget lol!
Used ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA in White for sale in Nuneaton, Warwickshire | Alfa Romeo UK

Cheers Jon
 
#21 ·
Of the two, if you're happy with the performance of the 1.6 and can come to a deal re the £1500 over budget, I think you'd find it the better all-rounder of the two. build quality should be a tad better and it's only done half the miles of the 2.0

My first G was a 2.0 170jtdm (2011) bought second hand at 16K miles. At approaching 60K miles I had EGR cover and valve replacement costs to bear :cry:

Just my experience. Hope you get sorted with the one you like best soon :thumbs:
 
#19 ·
I researched them and I couldn't see a weak point. No indication of clutches or fly wheels giving up the ghost early but obviously, it is directly related to how the car has been driven. My jtdm 170 has 48k on it now and still feels tight. Feels new to me still, tbh. Plugged a tuning box into it a couple of weeks ago too. Around 200hp and not far off 400nm torque. Feels lovely and the mpg has genuinely improved if driven sensibly.

I enjoy driving a quick car. Always have and I struggled to enjoy the 1.6 when I tested one. Felt nippy, but not quick and I wouldn't be able to have fun with it.
 
#28 ·
28 MPG of course is terrible, but is is based on the current run since I've filled her up at the gasstation.

She has been at a tuningcompany for a full week trying to sort out the problems of a catless Giulietta MA, so there have been plenty of testdrives and WOT runs which obviously is not very efficient. :rofl:

Anyway, I reckon I'm usually around 36ish.
 
#30 ·
Yes I did allow them to as all they have done was free of charge, we were hoping to eventually both gain from it. Me the fast car and they the knowledge.

I already removed the cat months ago but it caused quite some problems with turbo spikes followed up by the ECU either opening wastegate or partially closing the throttle valve. Long story but somehow noone can get it right on a Giulietta where the Abarths have no such problems whatsoever. :depressed:
 
#31 ·
thanks agian for all your advise, well i know what im after a now a cross between the two........... A 2.0 sportiva lol! its just finding one in white.....with red leather..... under 50k miles from a reputable dealer lol! might have wait for one to come up and increase the budget.
 
#32 ·
When I was looking for mine last year, there was a white sportiva with the red leather interior for sale at a local dealers. I was in love with it and I'd go up to the dealers in the evening to look at it trying to convince myself to go the extra couple of thousand over the budget I had set. Glad I did hold out. Mine (red fully kitted Veloce 170) cost a little less and is a lot better equipped except for that lovely interior.
 
#33 ·
I think you have to decide what you want, what you need and what you like and then start looking and be prepared to compromise other wise you'll never buy one.
 
#36 ·
wow clutch gone after only 75k...... what happened with the lease company Julian?

going to look at this tomorrow its the 1.6 but ticks ever other box, white sportiva with red leather plus only 33k miles so going to give it a drive out and see if that engine can be quick enough.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTDM-2 SPORTIVA 5d 105 BHP

its 2012 so five years out of manu gtee, been serviced twice would it be due the cammbelt change?

this is the other one it ticks every box being 2.0 at the £30 tax + heated seats and cool wheels, but it has 66k on the clock thats putting me off......although being sold by alfa specialist (Love alfa)

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 Veloce ALFA TCT 5dr

what do you guys think......
 
#38 ·
Hello JonAlfaSpider... think I remember you from the 916 section of the forum :)

I think you'd be happiest with a first-series QV model. Obviously after a Gtv you can drive a manual and as long as the particular QV you get doesn't have the gearbox problems that are known to affect some cars, you'll find the performance 'sparkling' and the fuel economy satisfactory as it will use about half the fuel that the V6 does.

Equipment inside the car is likely to be disappointing compared to any new car, such as there being no Bluetooth audio streaming and the seat materials feeling on the cheap side, but maybe you won't mind that.

The first thing you'll notice is the convenience of having a relatively large hatchback to put people and things in - it's a much bigger, more useful car.

Anyway, the first-series QV is a lot more readily available and a lot cheaper than the second-series, and I think that while the 1750 engine is no substitute for the V6, it has a character all of its own that will make you wonder whether a diesel is necessary.

Servicing and maintenance of these cars is more like looking after a Punto compared to working on a 916; it's a much more practical proposition for a regular-use car.

-Alex
 
#39 ·
I was in exactly the same situation as you GTV TS and GTV V6 where the V6 I think has the world record for the worst fuel consumption ever.

Then I bought my GQV and it is brilliant. It is so much more modern than the older cars. The comfort levels are in another world altogether and it goes just as vast as my V6. Also its much newer so theres no rubber trim falling off or fuel pumps or this and that to fix up that will break with old age.

Only downside is I miss the silky smooth Busso V6. I now have to put up with a 4 Cylinder with turbo lag where there is nothing down low and it hates to get away at the lights without alot of revs.

But the trade off is worth it to keep my sanity. I would rather be sitting around on my couch doing nothing than constantly spending time and money on my V6 fixing it up
 
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