[leej024]

Hello,

I'm looking to buy a new car and I've really set my heart on an alfa GT 1.9 JTDm, I think they are absolutely gorgeous and I love alfas.

However, whenever I mention to anybody that I'm thinking of getting one, they tell me alfas are really unreliable etc etc. Just wondering how true this is, and also the reliability on the alfa GT 1.9 JTDm?

I've seen a few problems with them but I thought this would be the best place to ask really what the car is like, and how reliable/unreliable it is and if you guys think it would cost me a lot in repairs over the next 3 years?

The car I'm going to be putting the deposit on is 2006 ALFA ROMEO GT 1.9 JTDm 16v

.. so please also have a look and see if you think this is a good buy, i'm going to try and get them down to around the 8,000 mark however.

Please go easy on me I don't know an awful lot about cars just want some advice and whether this car will be a nightmare in terms of going wrong. I currently have a fiat punto 1.2 mk2 and ive had nothing but problems, and the last thing i want to do is to jump out of one frying pan and into fire

Please help me

Thanks a lot, and I hope to be seeing much more of you guys over the next few months on this board if I'm to get the alfa

- Lee :thumbs:

 

[CJO]

Firstly check on the cam belt & water pump - this needs to be done if it has not been factor in this as part of the cost.

There are a few threads about buying GTs which you should read as there is some good advice in them

 

[leej024]

Ok brilliant thanks for your help so far, I'll have to have alook around some other topics as well then, do you have any idea on a price for these to get done?

thanks again

Lee

 

[SteveD GT]

Hi Lee

There are plenty of GT JTD owners on here who will give you the lowdown on what to look out for, and there are plenty of GT info threads on here. Had my GT JTS since may and I absolutely love it !

As far as Alfa reliability goes, don't beleive the hype. If you buy with full history, get services and cam belt changes on the dot, check oil (not sure how Alfa diesels are, but petrol engines have a thirst !) and treat with lots of TLC, then they are no more or less reliable than most other makes.

Most problems seem to arise when owners do not put the above effort in.

I've owned 2 156's which had 80K + on the clock when I sold them, and apart from a crank sensor failure, never had any major problems.

So my advice would be check the history, find out when the last cambelt change was, and drive it ! If all checks out OK, then go for it - the GT is a great car which will keep you smiling - just don't forget that TLC !

 

[n13roy]

Good Morning.....and Welcome to the A.O. Forum, I'm sure you will enjoy it here........:thumbs:

 

[TurismoTodd]

Hi Lee and welcome to AO,

I was looking at this GT myself, it looks the dogs doesn't it :thumbs:

Reliability, Ive had my 156 JTD for three years now and that's the longest I've had any car since 1989, and in that time only failed to start once and that was a flat battery. By the way it's five years old and I've covered 109k in it.

The car your looking at has full service history and the all important cam belt change has recently been done, so there should be no worries there.

For servicing look at the local West Mids independents, most are highly recommended. I go to this place, his service is spot on, he's prices are extremely reasonable and hes a bang on bloke.

Italian Car Specialists Birmingham

We have West Mids meets every month, come along and chat with other Alfisti Hope to see you soon.

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/west-midlands/136894-wm-monthly-meet.html

 

[Quadrofoglio]

There was a thread on here last year where lots of people seemed to agree the GT is the most reliable current Alfa!

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-and-gt/152926-gt-a-paragon-of-reliability.html

It also tells you about the most common problems that can occur.

 

[n13roy]

I have the same Engine as you will have in the GT, and its been brilliant since day one, which is over 3 Years ago now. Highly recommended in my opinion.....:thumbs:

 

[RomeoBear]

I bought one about the same age (79000mils) and the clutch was on the way out. The clutch pedal was very heavy and upon changing gear it slipped slightly, so watch out for that. Great car though and been very reliable since. Also give the rear suspension a wiggle some of the ones I saw squeaked a bit.

Enjoy its joy to drive!

 

[Leitrim155]

Go for it Lee Do your research and be sure to buy the best you find. The GT is a gorgeous car and will keep you grinning. I am now two years into ownership of my 156 1.9jtd mjet and have had zero problems (one or two niggles but nothing problematic). As above, the key to long term reliability is servicing and maintainance, don't skimp, find and stick with an independant specialist....someone who loves Alfa's and you will have fun. Diesel power is amazing as is fuel consumption...... 150bhp and 50+ mpg.
Parts prices are reasonable (Alfashop, EBspares, Shop4parts, to name just a few indy suppliers)
As for the timing belt and water pump, if the car you are looking at has no record of same being replaced then factor in the cost... I did mine myself along with the rad; I know that main dealers will charge handsomely for about 4hrs work.
Buy well and buy wise = You will be tickled pink!!! Who wants a Beemer??? Sure as hell not me:tut:

 

[CCOVICH]

Hello,

I'm looking to buy a new car and I've really set my heart on an alfa GT 1.9 JTDm, I think they are absolutely gorgeous and I love alfas.

:thumbs:

However, whenever I mention to anybody that I'm thinking of getting one, they tell me alfas are really unreliable etc etc. Just wondering how true this is, and also the reliability on the alfa GT 1.9 JTDm?

It's not true at all-the 1.9JTD GT is reliable-end of story. If someone tells you otherwise, ask them precisely what is unreliable about the 1.9JTD GT.

The car I'm going to be putting the deposit on is 2006 ALFA ROMEO GT 1.9 JTDm 16v

.. so please also have a look and see if you think this is a good buy, i'm going to try and get them down to around the 8,000 mark however.

I think you're right to look for money off. I paid £10,900 for a 04 plate GT with the same spec in Feb 2008 and it had less than 40,000 miles on the clock. With that mileage, in today's environment, there should be plenty of room for haggling. That car is an unsual colour combo-looks well!

As someone else mentioned, make sure the timing belt and water pump were changed at 50-60,000 miles. Don't let them tell you otherwise!

 

[leej024]

Brilliant, you've all been a great help.

I think I'm going to go and view the car later and do the things you guys have said, although you said you would factor in the cost for the timing belt and water pump, do you guys have an estimated cost for this?

thanks again!

Lee

 

[alfajts2]

Want one , get one, always people with a few problems shout the loudest. Our current Alfas are a still perfect 156 11 years old only been serviced & a few usual expected bits replaced over the years. The 5 year old GT just had it first non service item a replacement £40 air intake replaced. We Alfa people expect more from an Alfa(& get it) so there are a few bits that are solved on warantees but no more than others, Ford or BMWs probably put up with all the time.

 

[redten]

^^ exactly my GT is doing just fine for high commuter miles and crap weather!!

 

[leej024]

booked a test drive for tomorrow wehey!

Any ideas on the costings for the timing belt and water pump guys? cheers

 

[t3yls]

booked a test drive for tomorrow wehey!

Any ideas on the costings for the timing belt and water pump guys? cheers

Hi Lee

the car you are looking at is almost identical to mine ...even the mileage is the same.
timing belt is really important -i think most owners get them done around 60k miles, although alfa recommend 72k (i think).

when the cambelt/timing belt is changed, usually the waterpump is done at the same time (although this is not a requirement as part of the service). You need to make sure it was changed and see a receipt with it listed as its not part of the normal service. Can't emphasise this enough.

the cost of the cambelt/waterpump fitted by a local independant alfa garage should be about £400-£500. More expensive at alfa dealers.

A good guide for servicing and all round info:

http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_servicing.shtml

 

[leej024]

Thanks a lot for all your help

I'm going for the test drive tomorrow and will ask a few questions and I'll get back to you all!

Thanks again.

- Lee

 

[Willber G]

Hi Lee,

Mmm, red leather, lucky beggar

The Autotrader ad says that the timing belt has just been done. If there is no invoice for this then phone the servicing garage, quote the reg no, and they will tell you what was done.

Reliable? I've had mine for 25 hours and not a single problem! Lots of good advice from the forum folk as well.

Cheers,
Willber

 

[colonel]

You'll be hooked tomorrow after your test drive m8

 

[Romano]

Lee,

I am on my second GT, both were/are JTDm's and the first one had 6k when I changed it for a new one 2years ago and this one now has 45k on it.

I have it serviced regularly at AutoLusso. If you call them, ask for Ned or Lawrence and they will tell you their costs. Very reasonable and knowleageable. See the website below.

Autolusso Servicing ltd

Both my GT's have never let me down. It is the most comfortable car to drive and I have driven them to Italy too.

A good choice, good luck and welcome to AO!