Am i Mad???

Hi Chaps

Long time no post...well at least since the idiots at my local dealer put me off buying a GTA.

I've been lurking for a while still keeping a look at the messages about the GTA as even with the dire experience I've had I love the car.

I currently drive a 2003 BMW 330d Sport which has a tuning box on it taking it to 245bhp and 370lbft. I've had a few problems with the BMW so I'm I'm thinking of getting rid of it.

The question is am I mad to be considering looking at a year old GTA?? The BMW is surprisingly quick and I haven't driven a GTA since the dealer messed me about so I don;t know how I'll find it anyway.

Steve

Yes indeed you should get a 147. The only trouble i've had is the dealers shoody workmanship, which you can't blame the car for...
It seems like the mulijet diesels are getting a few people switch over from their twin sparks.
What issues have you had with the 330 ?

Indeed welcome back. I can remember your posts as if it was yesterday...

I think you should go for the 156 GTA like you wanted in the first place. Benji90 is selling his 156 GTA Sportwagon, maybe you can send him a PM

Anyway we have a couple of GTA owners in our midst these days and they will probably reply to this thread as well.

I bought mine new and only a few months ago so I cannot speak up for a year old car. The few minor problems Ive had though wouldnt suggest any issues. in fact you may even get a car with any minor initial faults sorted out.

As for the car itself though you really want one!! Ive just started to give it some welly (used to it and worn in) and what ever you want out of it its there. i have to drive through the city every day which it copes with beautifully. Evenings and weekends its off to play golf so lots of country roads

I prefer the 156 over the 147 (styling, size etc). And dont worry about styling updates the GTA looks so good that it still looks like a new design.

DO IT!!!!

Welcome back, Jinxy.
Now... go get that GTA!

I'm gonna have to go and find one to drive back to back with the BMW because the engine is just so strong in it...

Just a shame the only GTA dealer near(ish) me are the idiots who I dealt with in 2002...and typically Alfas second hand car search thingy is down at the moment. Will have to have a think, its gotta be a 156 GTA what ever as need the space.

Steve

Go for it! Mine is now 17 months old and has been fine. A couple of minor niggles were sorted at first service, although I think the brake discs have warped again! But it is a special car, and every journey turns into a very pleasurable experience

Jinxy this is exactly the move I made from 330d Sport to 147 GTA (year old demo car). Yes the 330d is pretty special, but the Alfa pulls just as hard from low revs, as the torque to weight ratio is pretty identical between the two cars.

When you finally get to drive one, you will be surprised how refined it is compared to the Beemer, and you will never find yourself in the wrong gear, as I consistently did with the Beemer.

The noise the Alfa makes is something to behold, widely regarded as one of the best engines in the World, and some jorno's have even said that is better than the current crop of Ferrari V8's !.

Originally Posted by Jinxy

Hi Chaps

Long time no post...well at least since the idiots at my local dealer put me off buying a GTA.

I've been lurking for a while still keeping a look at the messages about the GTA as even with the dire experience I've had I love the car.

I currently drive a 2003 BMW 330d Sport which has a tuning box on it taking it to 245bhp and 370lbft. I've had a few problems with the BMW so I'm I'm thinking of getting rid of it.

The question is am I mad to be considering looking at a year old GTA?? The BMW is surprisingly quick and I haven't driven a GTA since the dealer messed me about so I don;t know how I'll find it anyway.

Steve

why would u be "MAD"???

u mean considering the purchase of a GTA from ur current ride is considered as MAD??

regardless, my opinion is tat ur current ride AND the GTA are both NOT "MAD" choices IF its within one's budget...

but for sure the GTAs have a certain flair and attraction to it that the BMW simply cant muster up... wats more, everyone else has a BMW (in my country at least!) so if ure gonna get a niche & exclusive car... the GTA is it.

as for reliability, i have me 147GTA for 6mths already and have only the air conditioning to complain abt... it works well.. BUT it makes growling noises when revving ur engine hard on a hot day.... likely the blardy AR agent overpressurised the system causing the compressor to go bonkers... happened on othr GTAs too, but was settled when the right pressure was used.

stock brakes on me GTA sucked too so i upgraded them - but new ones now shld all have the REVISED BIGGER 4 pots and BIGGER ROTORS.. blardy unfair i say

stock suspension on me GTA sucked IMO so i also upgraded them...

stock exhaust sound not aggressive enough so i also upgraded them...

problem i find is that AR was PROBABLY too concerned to make the GTA a "refined" every day road car that they compromised too much on its performance level... tat is why i find the stock car slightly lacking (EXCEPT THE ENGINE...).

IF they had went & manufactured the GTA wit the same mindset the EVOLUTION 7 & 8 were built then i dare say there was little compromise in terms of performance... e.g: things like super-rigid chassis, built in strut bars, REAR BREMBOs ALSO!! , lightweight 17" rims, ALUMINIUM LIGHTWEIGHT BONNET etc... if they have all these as stock standard on an EVO 8, whey cant the GTA which is SUPPOSED TO BE A GRAN TURISMO ALLEGERITA (GRAND TOURER LIGHTWEIGHT??) not have it??!! easily could have shaved off anthr 30kgs shld they really put in more effort to lighten the car...

anyways, tat goes to show tat the GTA is indeed a very driveable & FUN car to own stock standard and NOT hardcore tat it wrenches ur nerves... but if u want to UP the FUN FACTOR & performance... the GTA is more than ready happy for u to do so...

jus me 2 dinariis...