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What to look for in a 2003 147?

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2003
1K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  M4vr1k 
#1 ·
Good evening all.

I am looking at purchasing my first Alfa, and would really appreciate some info on what to look for when purchasing one. I have read through the known issues list, and they don't seem too daunting.

This is the vehicle in question

Alfa romeo 147 2.0 TS Manual 2003 | Trade Me

It ticks all the right boxes, low k's, manual, good condition, red leather seats (mmmmm, red leather seats). I am somewhat worried about the mentioned oil leak, as European cars are pricey to fix in NZ.

I am considering getting a pre-purchase AA check, but in my experience those inspectors don't know their ******* from their elbow. So what else should I look for?

Thanks in advance!
 
#2 ·
I'd investigate that oil leak much more closely before I made a bid. They tend to use a fair bit anyhow so I'd also be concerned that its been run low a few times.
Five door models are more desirable.
Can't really comment on the price but its expensive if it was on sale over here!
 
#3 ·
It's actually the cheapest one on Trademe at the moment. They generally sell for between 6-14k, depending on year and trim level. European cars are much more expensive, due to the market being absolutely flooded with Japanese cars.

Do they tend to leak from a specific place?
 
#4 ·
With 133k kms thats about the time a new clutch needs to be fitted. That minor leak means on the floor? Or around manifold exhaust cover? Could also be coming from the camshaft seals or sump even. It shouldnt leak any oil, i saw a model with 239k and never leaked.
 
#10 ·
Some 2.0L Twin Sparks are notorious oil drinkers, make sure levels are regularly and obsessively checked otherwise shell casing wear will lead to a very costly re-build. As said above, belts are the obvious, various suspension parts such as arms and bushes. This may sound trivial in the grand scheme of car maintenance but my 147 always had issues with the rear wash/wipe hose becoming detached and dribbling water into the rear luggage compartment.
 
#14 ·
Though rust isn't really an issue at all with these in NZ, that 147 is parked on the Petone foreshore every working day, so definitely worth checking carefully for any issues.

Cambelt and associated bits due every 60,000km as stated. I've just bought the parts to do mine, and the kit comes to $400+GST. If you need to pay someone to do it, Hutt City Euro quoted me $1200 inclusive. If you want to pay UK prices for parts, and they are cheaper, then simply order from the UK.

I wouldn't worry about the variator unless it rattles on startup. But you do need to suss out the oil leak.
 
#15 ·
I've arranged for it to go to Gazley's in Wellington for a pre-purchase inspection. They will know more than the monkeys who work for the AA. I've got a good Euro workshop locally who is an old customer of mine, so I ought to get good deals from him.

Have you had a look at that car up close? Does it seem in good nick?
 
#17 ·
Check the front upper and lower arms. You can do the upper by putting both hands around it and give it a good shake. Lower arms knock over pot holes. If it's had a oil leak could be a problem depending on how low the oil has been. 2.0 TS do drink oil. I put about a cup full in mine every week. Check for rust on tunnel and inner sills warn seats/smoke when cold. Over tappy top end. Not sure how many you get in NZ. But they are 10 a penny over here don't buy the 1st one you see.
 
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