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Only half the service history?!

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half history
2K views 15 replies 7 participants last post by  scottyf 
#1 ·
Hi all, I've found a 147 06 plate with 57k on the clock, the only problem being that it only has service history up to 23.5k............

Would any of you experienced owners see this as a problem or would you take the plunge as long as the garage are prepared to service it and put a new cam belt, water pump and variators on it?

Last cam belt change was at the last recorded service 23.5K?

Answers on a postcard please
 
#2 ·
It's a tough one and it really depends on the price. I wouldn't because I'd be looking for the perfect car as I love my alfas, but my freelander came with FSH until it was sold to the guy I bought it from, but then I wasn't looking for the best example, I was looking for the cheapest td4 I could find and was willing to take a punt. Not so my Alfa which I had considerably more of a budget for.

I think I'm basically saying is the lack of history reflected in the price? If so, might be worth a punt, if not don't bother. Unless you're looking for the best example, in which case, walk away.
 
#4 ·
What engine are you after? I'm always more interested in condition than age. Apart from trim they're all the same car, so if you can't find what you're after with your budget, go older. My freelander was the first year they brought out the td4 as I wanted a td4 for as little as I could pay.

That sounds a lot of money for a 147. If you ignore age you could find a cracker for little more than a grand.
 
#6 ·
Badgers I prefer the facelift model and I'm looking for as new and little mileage as possible, Ive also heard that the later models 07 on are less problematic, ie the niggling electric problems have gone?!

Cheers male red, I know very little about cars though, and they can look clean and well looked after but its whats under the bonnet that counts, a bit like people really!
 
#7 ·
The dealer is unlikely to take the price of a genuine full service off that (especially if they are not an Alfa dealer). My last car the was "fully serviced" before I collected simply had an oil change and a stamp in the book. They didn't even swap the filter.
I've no idea on price but it certainly needs a cam belt now.
 
#8 ·
Some good advice above. Since the 147 came out alfa haven't changed to much with them. The facelift is just that, a few new panels bumper and lights.
They then changed the suspension setup I think to have a comfort option.

I personally went for a 5door. And wanted a cheap one. So 2002 model for me.
Which I got with a full alfa service history, 12months mot and 12 months tax for £1000.

Mileage shouldn't be the biggest issue on older cars but more how it's been looked after.
The electrics seem to vary from one person to the next and it's almost luck of the draw. Mine personally has no problems. But now it's on 108k the suspension has seen better days. Although it's perfectly working its getting tired.

I hope you find one. There are plenty about so don't jump at the first one that comes along. It's easy to do and you'll only kick yourself if the perfect one comes on 2 weeks later when you've took a punt on this one.
 
#9 ·
Cheers Rockhopper, I would only buy if the garage are willing to service, change cam belt and extend warranty to 3 months as opposed to the 28 days they are offering, I would gladly pay the asking price. What I'm trying to ascertain is whether I would be a mug buying an Alfa with only half the service history, I know there are no definitive answers but I'm just after the general consensus?
 
#10 ·
I wouldn't bother personally.

I can take a Punt on £1000. I wouldn't Punt £3000+

I saw a fiat 500 yesterday. Perfect spec, colour. Looked at the history on a diesel. Once it was services at 35k. It had 60k. An the intervals are 18k. Still it drove ok but I left it due to the history. Even the dealer was throwing everything at me to shift it.

There will be another one.
 
#11 ·
With no history it is best to assume the mileage isn't correct, although service histories are easy to forge as well.

With most Alfa's, especially older ones it is best to buy on condition and recent history (Reciepts etc) rather than mileage.

A 100k car that has been well looked after will be a better bet than a car with 20k that has been neglected.

It doesn't take long to ruin a TS engine by running it low on oil.

Similarly, a 57k car with no history of suspension work is likely need it doing in the very near future unless it has already been done.
 
#13 ·
TBH sevice history most of the time is done because the lease company/where you bought the car from require it and personally like most have said its not that important. I would rather a car have no service history but with alot receipts to prove the work was done ;) . Whenever I buy a car I do a full service( plugs included ) and cambelt and check the waterpump whilst its in bits. I keep the receipts of any work I do on the car with the mileage written on the receipt.

Also like others have said look for a cheaper one thats been looked after ;) instead of looking for one with FSH

You have more legal action with a garage than with a private sale but at the end of the day you could spend £10k plus and get a lemon so better to spend less money and hope ;) . But then private sale you can get a car for alot less money .
 
#14 · (Edited)
Another point worth making is that service intervals are 12000 miles apart.

IMO that is far too long, and it would be better if you could find a car that has had the oil changed more often.

A TS engine is also unlikely to make it between those services without needing the oil topping up, so reciepts for the odd can of oil here and there are also desireable.


I bought a 156 without any history once, and when I saw the car it was obvious it had been well looked after just from the general condition. The oil was full and clean so I went for it and changed the cambelt straight away.

It turned out to be one of the best Alfa's I have owned.
 
#16 ·
The point is a service history or receipts Show someone actually gave a hoot.
Most people here are enthusiasts that could spot a lemon. However some people buy Alfas not being as interested as people on this forum.

The choice is yours but if you do go for it get a the dealer to throw in as much as you can.
 
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