V6 upscaling?

Howdy!
I've owned a v6 GTV for nearly two years now and although she's been one of the love's of my life, an 8 month old baby and the missus crammed in the back all the time have taken their toll.
The fact is I've dreamt about a 156 GTA (sportswagon preferably)
as a replacement for quite sometime now, but the only thing is getting one at a reasonable price, (i.e selling my GTV and not spending too much more for the latter). Thing is I'm not really rich and the fact that GTA's are still around 8 grand upwards means I've got to HP it and hope that not much goes wrong and the missus allows it, otherwise I'm in trouble.
The big question I'm asking is...... should I sell my GTV and go all silly and practicle and reluctantly buy a 5 door German hatch or should I have a good look at a few GTA's and try to beg and borrow to get what I really want?
I know most people would say why not wait until they drop in price a little more, but the thing is if I go all goody two shoes and get a souless car I'll end up stuck with it for years, I know I will. And everytime I'm on the open road or a country lane I'll be constantly thinking should've got a GTA!! I've considered a 2.5 V6 156, but they're getting on a bit now and choosing a descent one could end up being tricky. Plus they're not as fast or plush so.......
What the hell do I do? dilemma or what?.....
please help me and give me your opinions. I'd really appreciate it,
Italian car nut in need

The GTA is quite practical although be aware (as I wasn't until someone pointed it out) there is less room in the back than the normal 156 due to the bigger seats. It's a tough one. I bought a GTA for 8,700 but had to spend 1500 quid getting various things sorted. Since then, no major issues but they are not necessarily cheap to run. I would say consider it but be careful - if funds are limited, make sure you get one that has no issues brewing (ie belts have been done, no suspension knocks etc). Best way (unless you are very knowledgable) is to go to a reputable specialist Alfa dealer (like Black & White) or get an inspection done beore you buy by someone that really knows GTAs. Also, get an insurance quote as well!

Cheers,

Nigel

A 2.5 is a good compromise, I am chuffed to bits with mine, but I can see age and condition is a problem, what about a 2.4? Loads of power, available in the later cars, and the facelift front end is sooo nice IMHO, and a lot cheaper on fuel...
Only downside is the soundtrack, but you can't have it all ways.
Another sideways choice is to buy a cheap family car and keep the GTV for ever, for those selfish moments of pure fun?

I'm v pleased with my gta wagon I bought to replace my ageing and on the small side Lancia Evo... The mrs likes the boot, although its not huge in the back (the standard 156 is roomier) but there is room for 2 child seats and a pram in the rear with luggage so how much bigger do I need it?

There's one for sale currently on ebay at around £6.8 bidded which I considered but I never got to see it.. Seems OK - belts and clutch replaced so shouldn have aything major upcoming immediately - under 50k miles I think

Generally speaking though - wagons are fewer and far between and see to sell at bit higher prices than saloons but if you are patient others will come up

Cant comment on maintenance... but I could easily spend a grand on mine changing clutch arb and other bushes and getting a couple of tyres !!

On my second GTA wagon, I have to say I think they might cost a bit to run, but I can't see it being worse than a GTV 3.0.

Get a warranty as piece of mind to act as a safety net just in case. Both my last and current GTA are under Alfa warranty and they have been used extensively. I've two child seats in mine and the wagons have more room than the saloon (rear seat design is different) - I think now is about the very best time to buy a GTA. I can't see them staying this cheap for much longer.

We've got one of each, I would have to say that the wagon is more practical generally. We have two girls below 10 and don't really struggle with boot space. My wife goes everywhere in the SW and absolutely loves it. It was my car first then she nicked if off me. For a girlie that used to rib me constantly about Alfa well I now get to smile occasionally when I catch her 'zooming' around town in it.

They are not the cheapest, but then just stand at the back when it is your time at the bar a bit more often! Ours have been very reliable and just go on and on, but things like the correct oil you can't just pop down to those bandits at Halfrauds.

I would get one checked out and buy the best that is within your budget. Soooo much nicer that a boring BMW.

Cheers for the replies guys. I've now got to decide wether to trade in mine or sell first, then shop! more dilemma's but hey?

How about a 166 3 litre or 3.2? Certainly big enough and look great too.

Nah tah! I see you've got a 147 gta, would you trade for a 166?
me niether...

Originally Posted by Joe Hall

Nah tah! I see you've got a 147 gta, would you trade for a 166?
me niether...

The man has a point..

Although the final facelift 166's are nice

No offence to the 166 by the way, but it just doesn't have the steroidal look (if that's a word?) of the GTA's or the punnch!