Should I buy an Alfa??

Hello everyone, Ill get straight to the point I am unsure whether to purchase my first alfa in the form of a 147 and if so what engine to opt for. (GTA unfortunatley out of the question!)

The problem arose from someone writing of my megane coupe. Which before I get shouted out was bought by an 18 year old lad wanting something "sporty". The combination of 9secs to 60, 125mph top end, 40mpg and ig8 was too tempting! My insurance company gave me £1800 which i proceeded to spend some of on a mondeo st24. (I can hear the groans from here!) I needed something quickly and had always actually quite liked them. However as im now on average getting less than 20mpg and its not really that quick I need to change. I have always fancied an alfa but the running costs and performance figures always slightly put me off.

Im now 21 with 4 years no claims and have already payed this years insurance so that isn't a problem and I now want an alfa probably a 147. Should I get the 1.6 and remap it as I have spent hours reading all the posts and it seems some good gains in driveability can be achieved in combination with low running costs or should i get the 2l twinny? Is there a vast difference between the two? I test drove a stilo abarth yesterday so I know what to expect with the selespeed and although its quite slow to change gear i did enjoy it! Sorry to insult you diesel boys but I just don't want one. I know the blend of performance and running costs is the sensible choice I just have no desire to drive a diesel. Talking of running costs does anyone know what tax band changes are going to be enforced on the 147 petrol range and what that equates to in cost?

I have around £3500 plus whatever i get for the st24. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated as it seems there are a lot of very knowledgable alfa enthusiasts out there!

Thanks in advance

Hello mate and welcome to AO! I'm sure some 147 owners will be along soon to telll you how the car is. I would say go for the 2.0 Twin spark engine if you can, it is a really fun engine with a great sound and loves to be revved. Just need to check it has had cam belt changed within last 36000 miles, and FSH is good. I had a 2.0 TS engine in my GTV.

Actually, you have way more than enough money for a phase 2 GTV with 2.0 twin spark engine, if I was you I'd get one of those provided the insurance is not too bad. You can blast around in those and still get 30mpg. The 147 should get even more - 40mpg I would guess.

Originally Posted by Commanderfish

The 147 should get even more - 40mpg I would guess.

Welcome aboard. I have the 2L 147. Just yesterday I was playing the "how many mpg's can I get" game. Driving like an old fart I averaged at 37mpg, could of got it up to 40+ on a longer journey.

You get used to the selespeed. I find the combination of the sele, a big engine and the comfort of the cabin make me cruise around in it rather than release the hounds. I think I'd rag it a bit more with a manual.

I highly HIGHLY recommend the Bose factory fitted sound system if you can find one with it in, it's superb.

If you liked the Stilo Abarth you'll love the 147. I had an Abarth and whilst it wasn't bad, it wasn't as good a car to drive as the 147 (In my opinion of course). Arguably the 5 pot 2.4 in the Stilo is a nicer engine than the 2.0 litre 4 in the 147 but the Alfa unit is smooth and sweet and sounds great too.

Personally I'd go for a 2.0 manual rather than the Selespeed (been there with the Abarth and suffered the breakdown). Whatever you decide, take your time as there are plenty of 147s out there and make sure you get one that has been properly looked after.

Our 2 litre 147 cant even crack 30 mpg normally!

But personally, I would look for a manual 2 litre Lusso, with leather and 17 inch wheels for the look.

Originally Posted by cj romeo

Our 2 litre 147 cant even crack 30 mpg normally!

But personally, I would look for a manual 2 litre Lusso, with leather and 17 inch wheels for the look.

What he said, the 2 litre Manual lusso with big wheels is the pick of the petrols.

The 2 litre has stiffer springs and dampers than the 1.6 IIRC which makes it handle better and not bottom out as often. Thats as well as the increase in power and torque. Fuel economy wise the 1.6 is a bit better, but by only a couple of MPG's.

The 3 door looks slightly better than the 5 door as well.

Originally Posted by cj romeo

But personally, I would look for a manual 2 litre Lusso, with leather and 17 inch wheels for the look.

...and I know just the one for you with added re-map, CDA and new csc back box, all in a cracking metallic black package.....perfect!!!

Drop me a PM Kenzie and I'll tell you all about it

Originally Posted by symonh2000

The 3 door looks slightly better than the 5 door as well.

Pah!!! Rubbish... I have a 5 door... Looks just as good, and is more practical.

Anyways...

Mine's a 1.6 and I can get very reasonable fuel figures.

Set the Cruise to approx 58mph and you'll see 47mpg on the computer.

Even gives a "High 30's" figure if set at 80... (On the track obviously officer!!! )

I have no idea what mpg my cars gets. Never have known. I just drive it like it's meant to be driven then fill it up again. Don't get a 2 litre plus petrol engined Alfa if you are a mpg worrier

Thanks for all the responses most appreciated.

"Even gives a "High 30's" figure if set at 80... (On the track obviously officer!!! )" haha thats the sort of useful information I need to know!

I think im going to buy from a garage Graham thanks anyway, still unsure about reliability so I want a warranty.

By the sounds of it a 2l is the best option, the book says there is only a couple of mpg between them is this representative of 'real life' conditions? I can imagine the 1.6 has to be worked quite hard especially on dual carriageways and motorways compared to the 2l?
Whats the difference like between a standard 2l and rempped 1.6?
Its a shame that petrol prices are actually affecting what car I can buy!!!

Ive seen a 2l on autotrader with 25,000 on the clock in black with the black uprated leather for a tad under 4 grand does that sound like a good deal? Looks amazing!

Cheers

How does anyone get 37-40mpg out of a
2.0TS 147?! By getting someone to push
it around town?

Get the 2.0, check brake discs and suspension
for warping and creaking respectively.

Originally Posted by corbo

Welcome aboard. I have the 2L 147. Just yesterday I was playing the "how many mpg's can I get" game. Driving like an old fart I averaged at 37mpg, could of got it up to 40+ on a longer journey.

You get used to the selespeed. I find the combination of the sele, a big engine and the comfort of the cabin make me cruise around in it rather than release the hounds. I think I'd rag it a bit more with a manual.

I highly HIGHLY recommend the Bose factory fitted sound system if you can find one with it in, it's superb.

I get a lot more mpg from mine. On really long runs i get around 46-48, but it has been as high as 57!! The selespeed is fantastic, and i know they can be twitchy but i wouldnt trade it for a proper manual for all the tea in China. If i do push it, which i do quite often, then i get around 23mpg on average. That said, cruising at 80 will still retun 34mpg. I have the Bose fitted too, and can get the volume up to 50 but then my ears start to bleed!

Originally Posted by kenzie108

Ive seen a 2l on autotrader with 25,000 on the clock in black with the black uprated leather for a tad under 4 grand does that sound like a good deal? Looks amazing!

Cheers

That is a good price! I'm guessing it must be a 2001 model? Check it's had it's cambelt, variator, aux belt etc done. If it hasn't do not drive it away. Get the trader to get it done before you buy...or knock it off the price and take it straight to a dealer/specialist

Originally Posted by Nev

How does anyone get 37-40mpg out of a
2.0TS 147?! By getting someone to push
it around town?

Thye must only use it once every four years

Originally Posted by Graham P

I have no idea what mpg my cars gets. Never have known.

It's something I never really worry about too much either.

But I do have a little "Flick" about on the trip computer from time to time.
I make sure I reset it (and the "Trip" meter) everytime I fill up.
My best tank range yet is 458mi, from brim full to "Desperation" in search of the next petrol station.

Originally Posted by cj romeo

But personally, I would look for a manual 2 litre Lusso, with leather and 17 inch wheels for the look.

I agree - that's what I've got (well nearly) wish I'd hung on for the leather interior! But always on the look out for one

Get an Alfa 147 Ti JTDM.....You will have the best of both worlds then !!!!.........Roy.....

As a new owner myself I have to say of course you bloody should

i think if you have had a mondeo st you should go for the 156 2.5v6 like mine , loads more fun than the mondeo, i get between 350 and 450 miles to a tank depending on how hard i drive it, you will then have spare money to get it looking and performing how you want it to and getting things like the cambelt changed for peace of mind, either way whichever alfa you get you will enjoy it and reliability isnt a problem if you look after it and service it properly, owning an alfa will be the best thing you will ever do

Originally Posted by Commanderfish

Hello mate and welcome to AO! I'm sure some 147 owners will be along soon to telll you how the car is. I would say go for the 2.0 Twin spark engine if you can, it is a really fun engine with a great sound and loves to be revved. Just need to check it has had cam belt changed within last 36000 miles, and FSH is good. I had a 2.0 TS engine in my GTV.

Actually, you have way more than enough money for a phase 2 GTV with 2.0 twin spark engine, if I was you I'd get one of those provided the insurance is not too bad. You can blast around in those and still get 30mpg. The 147 should get even more - 40mpg I would guess.

Apologies for thread hijack but...

Err CF.. Shouldn't you be on honeymoon in some idyllic place. therefore MPG is not a worry right now? * lumbers off trying to find concerned smiley*

Back on topic 147's a great car just avoid the sillyspeed!