Just picked up my new 156GTA

sa-gta · 04-03-2005

It's a 2003 '03 with 13k miles in Pewter grey with Xenons.

All I can say is what a car - absolutely awesome. Who said the ride was bad, I 've just done a slog from South to North London over some cr*p roads and the ride was much better than expected. Bear with me and I'll take some pictures soon.

By the way I bought the car privately and it's due a service. I'm thinking of booking it in at Desira in Southgate. Anyone got any experiences or can someone reccomend a good frnachised dealer say 30 mins radius from Brent Cross.
Thanks

Steve20 · 04-03-2005

Glad you like the car .Many owners rave about them.
Desira in Southgate not for me I know some good indies but as for travelling 30mins thats a tall order. Alfa main dealer out near Chesham/Aylesbury way comes recommended (but not cheap-who is)

PR · 04-03-2005

Congrats! If you dont mind telling me, how much did you pay for it? Im curious because of my insurance claim and that is the same year mine was (Or PM me if you dont want to tell everyone!)

Ta

TOX1C · 07-03-2005

Congrats about the GTA (trying to convince himself that he actually likes the sound of the JTD), but NOT Desira Southgate! I used to work nearby and they NEVER got it right on a 1.8 SW so I would not let them near your GTA.

There are several posts on other model lounges that recommend indie specialists in N. London. I used to travel to SGT in Maidenhead, I lived in Ruislip and it gave me a reason to "work from home" for the day.

Simes · 07-03-2005

Congrats on the GTA - hope you enjoy her as much as I do mine...

If you're in Brent Cross:

Autodelta is only a stones throw away, they are a good independant, problem is you
end up getting tempted by Jano's tuning wares...

And of course there is Italian car night up at Ace Cafe!!

Simon,

sa-gta · 07-03-2005

Picture attached - I think ?

Hunter · 07-03-2005

Originally Posted by sa-gta

Picture attached - I think ?

Very nice sa-gta!!
Hope you get loads of enjoyment out of her!

PR · 07-03-2005

Very nice! Might I recommend the clear indicator lenses? I put them on my (RIP

) silver one, looked the biz......available from Alfaowner shop!

selespeed · 08-03-2005

Very nice. Now go and make some miles

And don't forget to take your camera with you

GTACharlie · 08-03-2005

Originally Posted by sa-gta

Picture attached - I think ?

Very hot! Treat her well, and take more piccies when you can!

sa-gta · 08-03-2005

Originally Posted by GTACharlie

Very hot! Treat her well, and take more piccies when you can!

Thanks guys for all the kind comments.

Ruffian · 08-03-2005

Originally Posted by sa-gta

Picture attached - I think ?

I really like the pre-face lift models would have bought a wagon GTA if it was available in Aus.

GTA77 · 11-03-2005

[ Autodelta is only a stones throw away, they are a good independant, problem is you end up getting tempted by Jano's tuning wares...]

Congrats. I live in central London have brought my Alfa's to Jano for three years. I could not imagine obtaining better service and expertise above Autodelta and strongly agree with Simon's comments. Its more than tempting when going to Autodelta for service as you'll see amazing Alfa conversions going on especially the 156 GTA AM. All the staff there share a passion for Alfa.

I've had alot of work done there, out of choice not need, and I could not be happier with the experience.

Regards,

Terry

sa-gta · 11-03-2005

Originally Posted by GTA77

[ Autodelta is only a stones throw away, they are a good independant, problem is you end up getting tempted by Jano's tuning wares...]

Congrats. I live in central London have brought my Alfa's to Jano for three years. I could not imagine obtaining better service and expertise above Autodelta and strongly agree with Simon's comments. Its more than tempting when going to Autodelta for service as you'll see amazing Alfa conversions going on especially the 156 GTA AM. All the staff there share a passion for Alfa.

I've had alot of work done there, out of choice not need, and I could not be happier with the experience.

Regards,

Terry

Thanks Terry. As it happens spoke with Autodelta yesterday. I'm thinking about getting the coil-over suspension mod. I think you have already had it done. Are the benefits significant over the standard suspension in your opinion. The roads are really crap where I live so would get this done more for the ride comfort than handling. Cheers

Reuven · 11-03-2005

Originally Posted by Ruffian

I really like the pre-face lift models would have bought a wagon GTA if it was available in Aus.

GTA Wagon is avaliable here from what I know , have to place a special order

Green Cloverleaf · 11-03-2005

I was going to say something nice, but at the moment I am too jealous for words...........

Enjoy your new purchase - she's a beaut!!

LaTiNo · 11-03-2005

I'm jealous too! But still, congratulations with your beautifull car! (color is awesome)

sa-gta · 11-03-2005

Originally Posted by LaTiNo156

I'm jealous too! But still, congratulations with your beautifull car! (color is awesome)

Thanks the engine is even more awesome. Definately getting the suspension mod by autodelta, probably in the summer. I just loving riding the gta through the gears.

No real issues so far with the car, apart from a clonk/knocking noise from nearside. I think this is a common problem ? Will get it sorted at the service soon.

Ruffian · 11-03-2005

Originally Posted by Reuven

GTA Wagon is avaliable here from what I know , have to place a special order

true? no discounts then?

Reuven · 11-03-2005

Originally Posted by Ruffian

true? no discounts then?

Don;t know Ruffian but a wagaon GTA would be great to see here on Aussie Roads

Stef · 11-03-2005

Give those RS4 and RS6 Avant's a run for their money

http://hvtm.totalcar.hu/car/m/audi/334416.jpg

http://www.allcarpictures.com/pictur...-rs4-avant.jpg

GTA77 · 11-03-2005

Originally Posted by sa-gta

Thanks Terry. As it happens spoke with Autodelta yesterday. I'm thinking about getting the coil-over suspension mod. I think you have already had it done. Are the benefits significant over the standard suspension in your opinion. The roads are really crap where I live so would get this done more for the ride comfort than handling. Cheers

The suspension change was the last modification I've had done. It should have been the first. The car is slightly lowered, it rides more smoothly over rough surfaces, I can feel all the wheels in my seat and the handling has improved quite noticably.

Best luck.....

GTACharlie · 11-03-2005

Originally Posted by GTA77

The suspension change was the last modification I've had done. It should have been the first. The car is slightly lowered, it rides more smoothly over rough surfaces, I can feel all the wheels in my seat and the handling has improved quite noticably.

Best luck.....

Sounds great! Only wish there was an AutoDelta in Japan.... Wonder how much the 3.7liter engine modifications cost.... (saw a video of the 147 GTA 3.7 flying through a few turns on a large parking lot - the thing moved and sounded like a guided missle!)