Sensible choice Part 2

[driver33p4]

Considering a possible swap for our 2004 147 Lusso with a GTV (caught the GTV bug already after buying a twinspark last weekend)

Similar miles (mine is on 68K, the gtv is in 72K)and looks tidy but the only problem is that its a 1999 car.... am I looking at a lot of potential problems?) (it is also a V6 - but I can live with that )

Originally Posted by driver33p4

Considering a possible swap for our 2004 147 Lusso with a GTV (caught the GTV bug already after buying a twinspark last weekend)

Similar miles (mine is on 68K, the gtv is in 72K)and looks tidy but the only problem is that its a 1999 car.... am I looking at a lot of potential problems?) (it is also a V6 - but I can live with that )

If it's been looked after, then I would say no more than a 147 or any other car. My 1999 twinspark has just passed 142,000 miles and still runs well. Have a look on the gtv/916 spider forum. There is a sticky detailing all the usual things to look out for. These cars aren't as fragile as people would have you believe. Good luck!

[guiliasuper]

Originally Posted by driver33p4

Considering a possible swap for our 2004 147 Lusso with a GTV (caught the GTV bug already after buying a twinspark last weekend)

Similar miles (mine is on 68K, the gtv is in 72K)and looks tidy but the only problem is that its a 1999 car.... am I looking at a lot of potential problems?) (it is also a V6 - but I can live with that )

Sound choice Do check cambelt , idlers , waterpump etc have been done recently

[gleggzer]

Also check if the radiator and thermostat are good , has any work been done on the rear suspension ie polybushed, has the catalytic converter been replaced, has the oil cooler been replaced etc etc.


My GTV is 1999, so just thinking of the bits that i have had problems/fixed with mine. My car has 109K and it still drives perfect, oops touch wood!

And check out the buyers guide in the GTV lounge (if you havent already done)

Good luck.

Andy

[driver33p4]

It looks as if the deal has hit a snag.

The HPi check revealed that the gtv was a Cat D write off. What I dont quite understand is that this happened in May 2000 when the gtv was only 14 months old. Surely a car of that age would not be written off for minor damage.

Previous owner was unaware of the write off status but did say that the guy he bought it from mentioned that it had once been stolen. HPi cant provide details but have confirmed that it is not currently on a stolen register. What effect will Cat D have on value? Some websites are saying -20%

Given the time period and the current condition of the car I am not too worried about the car as such. What concerns me is that I may have problems should I ever decide to sell in the future. I would be swapping a 2004 147 jtd Lusso with 69K miles that I know to be HPi clear.

Maybe I need to look for another gtv but that would probably mean selling the 147 first.

[rcollie]

If it was stolen and they couldn't find it it would have been written off, and then it could have been recovered later and sold on as a cat D.

[driver33p4]

Sorted out insurance. Heading to Inverness tomorrow to do the deal - hopefully. I will miss the 147 if it all goes to plan - I really like it.

The better half thinks its not as good on the corners as her previous 145 and current gtv so doesn't really like it all that much.... Plus she thinks it sounds like a diesel (Obviously the Alfa petrolhead disease has spread)

I am not sure if she realises that the gtv I am picking up tomorrow is a V6. I am just waiting for the big smile on the first test drive!

[driver33p4]

swapped the Lusso for a Busso!

Needs a bit of tlc and fettling but happy - so far.

[guiliasuper]

Originally Posted by driver33p4

swapped the Lusso for a Busso!

[dinomito]

Great sound isn't it

[driver33p4]

The only problem is that my wallet is going to be hit again! The 147 sailed through the last MoT four weeks ago. It had a good exhaust and four good tyres and I had just done the timing belt.

The gtv on the other hand has two front tyres that need replacing asap (only just legal) and the exhaust looks pretty ropey as well. Timing belt is not due for another year or so but I need a new MAF (ordered) and the airbag light has come on. The dip headlight beam is like a pair of candles and the wipers are leaving the water behind (probably wax on the screen).

There is also a small bit of lacquer lifting and the rear spoiler needs a re-spray.

Other than that it should be fun! It is nice and red inside

[guiliasuper]

Originally Posted by driver33p4

The dip headlight beam is like a pair of candles and the wipers are leaving the water behind (probably wax on the screen).


Other than that it should be fun! It is nice and red inside

Bravo for going Busso

The Bosch aerotwin wipers have lasted several years and work great
Bosch Super Plus, Aerotwin & Multi-Clip Wiper Blades

Do check which bulbs are fitted, some are HB3 others HB4 , the 3 have a more limited choice :
ALFA ROMEO GTV/SPIDER*(94 onwards) Upgrade xenon car bulbs from Power Bulbs

The greatest improvement I found was to clean the lights
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-...ml#post2604441 (Headlight glass - murky inside.....)
A hairdryer helps separate glass from frame and keeps the caulking soft

[driver33p4]

Thanks for the tip on cleaning the lights. I will be doing both gtvs at the weekend - provided the belt change on the twinspark doesn't take too long!