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Looking for some advice on buying a used Giulietta

11K views 64 replies 20 participants last post by  symon 
#1 ·
Hi everyone

So right now I have a 1.4L Grande Punto, which I've had since I passed my test 7 years ago.

I'm looking to get another car, and the Giulietta is my first choice. I have a few questions though.

Firstly, I live in an area with a lot of hills, and often drive it around town. But monday-friday I also drive to work and back (12 miles each way). Not too fussed about speed really though. Should I be looking at the 1.4 (Multiair?) or a diesel version (1.6 or 2.0)?

Secondly, is there any particular year I should target? I see they updated the car in 2014, but not sure exactly what. Were these big changes? Just to the exterior/interior or to the actual mechanics as well? I was thinking about just getting an older one (11-12) with 60-100k miles, because most of the value has gone, and then expecting I would probably need to spend up to £1k to fix any issues straight away.

Which brings me onto my next question... is there going to be a huge increase in running costs? Not so much petrol and insurance, but things like servicing and MOTs? I use a mechanic who we know pretty well, and he is pretty reliable and doesn't overcharge. I would probably get most of the work done by him, not an Alfa garage.

Thanks for any advice.
 
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#2 ·
The Giulietta is pretty reliable so shouldn’t be any different in approaching the time when parts need replacing to any other car of the size. Any car takes a fall in value the day it becomes 6 years old for this reason but buying one that’s been well looked after should be a good bet. Check the tailgate wires and that the correct oil has always been used, especially the MA of which I had two from new with no problems. There’s plenty of info on here too.
 
#5 ·
Do you suggest paying more for a >2014 model?

We have a 170bhp diesel, and apart from being a bit noisy outside the car is a brilliant engine.

Huge amounts of torque and easily 50mpg + on a run.

Motorway driving is at around 2000 rpm and its very relaxing.

It is just coming upto 100,000 miles now and the engine seems to still be getting better and better.

Handling wise, if you have decent tyres fitted you can pretty much throw it into any corner and it will just stick with no drama.
Did you buy it brand new? What year is it?
 
#3 ·
We have a 170bhp diesel, and apart from being a bit noisy outside the car is a brilliant engine.

Huge amounts of torque and easily 50mpg + on a run.

Motorway driving is at around 2000 rpm and its very relaxing.

It is just coming upto 100,000 miles now and the engine seems to still be getting better and better.

Handling wise, if you have decent tyres fitted you can pretty much throw it into any corner and it will just stick with no drama.
 
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#7 ·
Given your location and general mileage, I’d suggest the 1.4 Multiair. Great engine, lots of fun of twists and turns and shouldn’t kill your insurance.
Higher miles and older cars wouldn’t worry me but full service history, especially regarding oil with regard to the multiair unit are critical, they are very fussy with the grade of oil, that said asssuming it is all in order, they are very reliable cars.
You shouldn’t have to expect a big bill buying old either, there’s re lots out there so buying carefully should ensure you get a good one.

I’d also suggest joining the AROC group and the alfabook enthusiasts group on Facebook too, tonnes of advice and there are often members selling theirs too, I’d have much more comfort buying from an enthusiast knowing how important oil specs are etc.

Good luck
 
#8 ·
I’d go for a 2014 facelift. Good unconnect touch screen infotainment system, more soundproofing, more comfortable seats and less problems with rattling internal door trims. Did 70000 miles in a 2015 175 tct diesel Exclusive. Still miss it - damn fine car!
 
#9 ·
As above, 2014 facelift if you can afford it; better seats and interior improvements. The diesel engines are strong if you're doing higher mileage but a bit noisy, the Multiair is a fantastic engine all round and more suitable than the diesel for shorter trips. Make sure it has a good service history but the Giulietta is a very reliable and under rated car, still looks good too! I'm about to buy my third one...
 
#11 ·
Bph

Sort of connected to this thread - I currently have a 2010 Giuiletta Lusso which is 170 bhp. Its done over 100K and I'm ready to trade it in. There don't seem to be many 170 bhp Giuliettas around. Would I notice much difference if I went for a 150 bhp? I love the car I have at present but feel now is the time to get a newer one and don't want to make the wrong choice. Any advice would be gratefully received.
 
#17 ·
I went from a few diesels to the 1.4 170 petrol, the cost of fuel for me is double but i'd never go back to diesel as the petrol sound and drivability is much nicer!

I have the TCT gearbox mated to the 1.4 multiair 2014 MY - love it
 
#14 ·
The main issue with the diesel is the horrible noise, which you can hear when you start up and when going slowly.

Once you are on the move you cannot hear it, and motorway trips are very refined.

Buy you will never get less than 40mpg no matter how you drive it, and they do cope with shorter trips pretty well as the DPF is close coupled and can regenerate at tickover speeds. Unlike some of the earlier generation of DPF equipped diesels like the 159 1.9 and 2.4 which need to be run at a decent speed to regenerate correctly.
 
#18 ·
I have a 2010 2.0jtdm2 with 84,000 miles on the clock and the car flies, I love the front end nose weight of the car and I had a 147 JTD before, it goes around corners like its on rails but others on here like the lighter front ended petrol cars. The 147 needed a new front antiroll bar and bushes around my G's mileage but we don't seem to have that problem yet? I've only ever driven a 2.0 Selespeed petrol 147 for about half an hour so don't really know what the difference may be, I loved the shifts though. Before the 147 I would have never considered buying a diesel, but fuel prices might also become an influence in your decision. You might even get a decent 147 GTA for the price of a low mileage 2014 giulietta and I know where my feet would vote on that occasion.
 
#21 ·
Be sure you take it for a proper test drive and really evaluate the "small" things that can annoy in the long run like seating position and how the car feels to drive. I'm going to sell my Giulietta because I'm tired of sitting in a poor driving position and banging my knee on the plastic under the steering wheel. I'm also tired of how the car is to drive when you set off (known "issue" on the 170MA).

Just going to do the 72k mile service first.
 
#22 ·
I must admit I find the driving position uncomfortable too.

It is fine on shorter trips but on a longer run it leaves my ankles in pain.

The seating position (Too high) leaves your ankles at an uncomfortable angle in relation to the pedals and there isn't enough room to get your left leg over enough either.

If I am being really picky the head restraints tip forwards too much as well, so you cannot get your head back far enough in some instances.

I still like the car though, despite it's niggles.
 
#26 ·
I’ve got a 2011 diesel 170 that’s on 56000miles. It’s mostly been plain sailing apart from a dodgy gearbox sensor and the cables in the boot. It’s nice and torquey and fast enough, but... of course I want the 1.75 petrol cloverleaf. Also, I’m 184cm and find the seating really good - although I like to be close to everything when I drive.
 
#27 ·
Interesting comments on seating position... I’m worried we’re going to wear out the adjustment mechanism given how much I need to change the seat after my partner has been driving it...

She likes it. She is only about 5 foot 9 but has really long legs and sits up quite high with the wheel low as that’s comfortable for her (despite me trying to get her to have the wheel higher for airbag deployment...). She does lose sight of the top half of the dials though. But she is comfy.

I’m only an inch taller but I have the seat a lot lower and further forward and the wheel up a bit but I’ve never quite found it good. I don’t get the knees against the column, for me it’s the left leg/knee jammed up against the centre stack...

In short, it’s a slightly off arrangement and it’s absolutely worth making damn sure it works for your body dimensions!!

It’s been ok on long drives though. Worst car I had for that was a Renault 25 back in the day that I drove the 3800kms Melbourne to Perth over three days in with no cruise control. I could hardly walk for a week after that from the throttle pedal position...
 
#28 ·
I have a 14 plate 2.0JTDm2 with the 150BHP engine. (Has a ECU map so a bit quicker)

Biggest difference between test driving this and a 2011 170 diesel was the refinement and low down torque, felt much better to drive and not any slower. And IMO better sound proofing the engine is perfect the only negative the gearbox its a bit stiff. Mine is on 68k miles and have done a gearbox oil change which has improved this a lot.

Driving position is the only bad thing about the Alfa. You have no foot rest and a very confined footwell space resulting in a not so pleasant long distance driving experience, strange as it has a 65L diesel tank so I guess it was marketed as a long distance driving car. Also the hand brake is on the other side of the arm rest which is frustrating.

Everything else is perfect, handling steering feel driving involvement.

I paid £9995 for my Sportivanav and couldn't be any happier ?
 
#31 ·
I’ve driven a few. What seems to be a pet-hate is the way your foot is positioned whilst holding the clutch in. It feels like you’re straining your ankles heel.
There’s not much to really like about the car, as it’s interior build quality is built down to a price. It’s not as bad as the Mito though


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#34 ·
Is this a joke....global warming....buy a bike and get off this forum if your thinking of making a difference....why we are at it why not look at kimjongyung and all the pollution from little rocket mans balistic missiles...anyway i have a polluting 1.75 cloverleaf but i do recycle my plastics and cardboard to balance it all out.lol
 
#35 ·
Lol, well at least you’re thinking about it now ;) Yes other options are also not awesome, but diesel is just particularly bad - why not do what you can you make life a little more pleasant for everyone? We all have to get along.

But besides all that, if you’re doing short trips a diesel will suck and just cost a bomb in upkeep.
 
#36 ·
Our Diesel has done loads of short trips and rarely does more than 10 miles in one go.

We have done 40,000 miles in it since I bought it, no issues whatsoever with the engine, DPF, EGR etc...

But it never does less than 40mpg (normally averages 45mpg + so think of the money we have saved in fuel.
 
#43 ·
Test drove a 2L Lusso today (61 reg)

I like it. Felt nice to drive. Driving position seemed fine, but I am only 170cm (5'7).

The clutch felt extremely heavy compared to my Grande Punto, is that normal?

61 reg, 72k miles. Can't find anything saying that the cambelt has been changed or clutch replaced so not sure if that's why.

Also there was an engine warning light on. The girl told me pretty much as soon as I got there that someone had been in to buy it, but was denied credit. During their test drive, the engine light came on, and she said it was the "oil solenoid or something" which had been ordered in and was at the garage ready to be replaced after the bank holiday weekend.

Does that sound right? No idea what an oil solenoid is
 
#44 ·
The clutch shouldn't be heavy.

I put a new clutch in ours about 2 years ago and it wasn't heavy before either so something sounds wrong.


Sounds like you might be better off giving that one a miss, at least there is no shortage of them around.
 
#45 ·
The problem is, there aren't many near me :grumpy:

Most of them seem to be in the Manchester area around 40-50 miles away. Most people here get VWs and Audis instead.

I wondered if it just felt like that because it's a bigger car and engine. Also I did just get my GP clutch replaced a couple weeks ago! I guess I could try and test drive another and see if it's the same.
 
#47 ·
If you were local to me you would have been welcome to come and try ours.

Heavier clutches tend to be work out clutches in my experience. Mine didn't look too worn at 70k, but of course it all depends on who and how the car has been driven.

Bear in mind that if it does need a clutch you will need to do the flywheel also so you are looking at around £1000 at least all in...

As for the oil solenoid, I have no idea what that is.


The cambelt is going to be about £300-400 or £130 for parts if you DIY it.

Where is your location?
 
#46 ·
The clutch wouldn’t worry me so much as they can seem heavy if you’re coming from a car which is particularly light, I find loan cars I tend to borrow have really heavy clutches, however after a few miles it becomes normal, I them jump back in mine which then seems stupidly light - I guess what I’m saying is that it could be normal and you’d get use to it.
I would however give it a wide birth for the engine light, there might not be many local to you, but 40-50 miles isn’t a massive distance, especially if you can tee up 3 or 4 to view and make a day of it.
Didn’t you join the Facebook pages I suggested, you’ll find a well cared for one there I’m sure.
 
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