Sad Day

My GT is now into her third year and after reading all the horror stories about warranties we have decided its time to say goodbye.

I can honestly say that no car has ever got under my skin in the way she has and it was not a decision made lightly .

As a replacement the first car to come to mind was a Brera. If I'm honest it doesn't do as much for me as the GT but it does wear a scudetto so thats good enough for me .

Six aborted test drive appointments later I have decided to give up. If Alfa dealers can not be bothered to have a car ready for us on the day arranged to drive it then I can't be bothered to continue trying (this involved 2 seperate dealers, neither of which were exactly local, leading to an hour and a half round trip with NO test drive ).

If I, as someone who loves the marque and perseveres with it, can't get no satisfaction then what chance do Alfa have in getting new customers.

So it is with mixed feelings that I signed the paperwork today on a new B*W Z4 coupe, a great car but the wrong badge

I hope that this is just a temporary setback in my Alfa ownership (I'm really holding out for the GTAs) and if you don't mind I'll still hang around (albeit in the background in Alfa purgatory ).

Sorry to hear that dude !!

It is a rel shame but you can only try so much. I have to change the car by the end of the tax year really, and the way time flies I can't wait for Alfa this time .

I did have a Z4 Roadster and loved the feel of it. Im sure you will enjoy the coupe. Did you go for the 3.0L or the M?

For the money it would have to be the 3.0L for me.

When Im bored of the 147 or the M3 it will have to be a coupe.

good chicoe, I have always thought the Z4 Coupe was a pretty cool car.

Have to say that being in the same situation as you with only the dealer 3rd year warranty and my dealer who was very good no longer working on Alfas I wonder if I should make more of an effort to sell the GT, I can't stand dealing with inept dealers, the GT has been a cracking car but now have a 20 mile commute now no need for a diesel when I can have something with more poke.

Now I've got rid of some of my projects, returned the TVR ( 6 weeks ownership ) and only have my GT I should get another test drive.

sorry to hear that Stuart looks like Alfa have c**ked up again

Sorry to hear it

The Z4 Coupe is the only BMW that is not ugly imho, so you made a good choice. Apparantly the Alfa dealers in the UK are not bothered to sell Alfa Romeos at all. I wonder how long it will last before Alfa pulls out of the UK.

Hello All

I was going to be getting an Alfa GT 1.9 JTDm from auto lusso but that fell through as they kept messing me about with delivery dates (blamed it on computer system...whatever!!)

Instead I've got the beast below:

http://www.newlandpark.karoo.net/130i%20smaller.JPG

It was 21k, 55plate 7k on the clock, same as the pic in everyway. It goes like a rocket when the revs are allowed to climb and it sounds fantastic. It even does 30mpg....I kid you not

Only thing is I can't find a beemer forum such as this one or like the fiat bravo forum I was on that is a small community rather than just tech stuff. Do miss that......

But then BMW Wa*kers will not be in any community as they are up themselves!!

Still it is a supreme piece of engineering...

Originally Posted by stuart h

Six aborted test drive appointments later I have decided to give up. If Alfa dealers can not be bothered to have a car ready for us on the day arranged to drive it then I can't be bothered to continue trying (this involved 2 seperate dealers, neither of which were exactly local, leading to an hour and a half round trip with NO test drive ).

Sadly, you are not alone in this experience.....when will Alfa sort it's garages out

wrinx

I have to say my decision to sell my GT was also partly based on warranty issues. We only get a two year warranty in Ireland and even though I had no real fears my GT was going to fall to bits as soon as the warranty expired I was fearful of values declining rapidly on older GT's exactly because of the reasons you are selling your GT.

Sorry to hear about your dilemma, but the Z4 is definitely a great car.

I only have 14 months left on my warranty and know that I will face the exact same decision very soon. Although I have never experienced any major problems with my GTA and love her dearly - Alfa's service is EXTREMELY slow to fix the minor ones (am now in my thrid week of waiting for a lambda sensor replacement), they never have loaner cars, even when they take a week to do a 3 hour repair job, and I have just heard too many horror stories about how expensive repairs are once the warranty period is gone.

Here is Japan they spent tons of money about 2-3 years ago to make clean and modern showrooms which I thought was a sign that they were going to make an effort to compete with the more popular German cars, but nothing has changed --- Alfa showrooms close 2-3 hours earlier (6Pm vs. 8-9PM for BMW/Audi/Benz) and repairs and service are incredibly slow (usually have to make a reservation at least two weeks in advance for a simple oil change). It just makes me so sad because these cars have so much character and excitement - if they would just focus a little more on being helpful and nice to the customers, the cars would be going out the doors like hotcakes!

Sorry to read about the departure of the GT

Did you post about this on another thread Sandy, if not what was the problem (if it doesn't bring up too bad memories for you )?

Originally Posted by sandys

returned the TVR ( 6 weeks ownership )

Sorry to hear about your tale, Stuart



It has to be said, when you get people who are Alfa enthusiasts, determined to stick with the marque despite knowing the commitment this sometimes entails, who cannot even get a test drive on a brand new car, you have to wonder how these dealerships manage to stay in business.



Anyway, glad you have decided to stick around, Stuart - it will be interesting to see if your new Z4 will turn you into a BMW-owner like some kind of Jekyll & Hyde horror film!!!!!

Originally Posted by GTACharlie

Sorry to hear about your dilemma, but the Z4 is definitely a great car.

I only have 14 months left on my warranty and know that I will face the exact same decision very soon. Although I have never experienced any major problems with my GTA and love her dearly - Alfa's service is EXTREMELY slow to fix the minor ones (am now in my thrid week of waiting for a lambda sensor replacement), they never have loaner cars, even when they take a week to do a 3 hour repair job, and I have just heard too many horror stories about how expensive repairs are once the warranty period is gone.

Here is Japan they spent tons of money about 2-3 years ago to make clean and modern showrooms which I thought was a sign that they were going to make an effort to compete with the more popular German cars, but nothing has changed --- Alfa showrooms close 2-3 hours earlier (6Pm vs. 8-9PM for BMW/Audi/Benz) and repairs and service are incredibly slow (usually have to make a reservation at least two weeks in advance for a simple oil change). It just makes me so sad because these cars have so much character and excitement - if they would just focus a little more on being helpful and nice to the customers, the cars would be going out the doors like hotcakes!

Interesting followup on this - today I was at a major cartoon licensing event for our startup company and I ran into a guy who happened to be doing marketing and ad work for Fiat/Alfa Japan. I had met him before so he knows I drive an Alfa (in fact he parked his classic Porsche right next to me in the parking lot and commented on how it was the nicest looking Alfa he had ever seen ). He then asked me directly what Alfa should change if they wanted to do better in Japan and I basically told him the things written above (and a few more). His reply was basically "that's exactly the kind of opinion/advice these guys need to hear right now - would you like to meet them?". I said yes of course, so with a little luck I will be able to give them a little input on customer expectations in Japan (they just don't have a clue!). Will keep you posted.

Originally Posted by GTACharlie

so with a little luck I will be able to give them a little input on customer expectations in Japan

Awesome! Give 'em hell, the dealer network needs to raise its game massively

Originally Posted by GTACharlie

our startup company

Nice one! All the best with it!

Originally Posted by BigFoot

Awesome! Give 'em hell, the dealer network needs to raise its game massively



Nice one! All the best with it!

If they ask me to bring someone I will definitely give a holler!

BTW, Cool Avatar - when did you change that?

Originally Posted by Green Cloverleaf

Anyway, glad you have decided to stick around, Stuart - it will be interesting to see if your new Z4 will turn you into a BMW-owner like some kind of Jekyll & Hyde horror film!!!!!

I'm looking forward to telling you all why its a great car, but Alfas are better (if you could actually persuade them to sell you one )

If anyone reads this though who is considering buying a GT, dont let it put you off. I would have put up with a lot more from the dealers were it to get my hands on one, rather than a Brera. They really are that good .

Originally Posted by GTACharlie

If they ask me to bring someone I will definitely give a holler!

That'd be great!

Originally Posted by GTACharlie

BTW, Cool Avatar - when did you change that?

A few days ago, gramat prepared a few for some AOers. He's really good. Some day I'll go back to Konishiki though

Stuart, why didn't youjust get another GT?

I have to say the 130i and the Z4 coupe (plus I suppose the 5 estate as a family car) are about the only cars from Bavaria that I'd consider, good choices if you have to fly the nest. I bet people treat you differently on the road though, given the way the majority of your fellow owners drive!