Are Alfa Romeos really unreliable?

ferry

Looking for something a bit different and either the 156 or 147 models in around an 02 fit the bill in terms of style and price.
But for some reason I'm sure that it has been said that Alfa's should be avoided particularly due to the electrical side,so wanted to run these by you knowledgeable lot before I commit.

Any buying advice appreciated as always
F

WTFH

Yes, everyone driving a German car will tell you that all Alfas are unreliable. This is based on 1970s Alfa Suds, which tended to rust & fall apart after a few years.

I would suggest avoiding the Selespeed gearbox - it was a forerunner to the modern DSG/TCT/semi-auto boxes that many cars come with these days.

Apart from that, check the car has had it's cambelt done and find a good local garage who knows how to service them (or learn to do it yourself).

I could quote Jeremy Clarkson at this point "you're not a true petrolhead until you've owned an Alfa", or I could say that in all my years of motoring, I've done more miles in Alfas than in any other brand of car, and they have been more reliable to me than any other brand of car.

ferry

Many thanks.
Would you know if the 02 era Alfa's has the Selespeed gearbox you mention?

epninety

I had a 155 from 10k miles until about 120k, over around 4 years. In that time it had only 2 electrical issues, one was a worn out throttle position sensor (fairly common fault on many cars), the other was it was permanently convinced the screenwash level was low.

The only big issues with the car were an incredible appetite for tyres, and a permanent facial ache from all the grinning. These two may have been related.

The secondhand car market has an improbably long memory. It's not uncommon even now to be told that Italian cars rust like crazy, when this hasn't been true for decades (and wasn't entirely true even then).
The industry is a bit too global for these sort of reputations to hold much water IMV.

Retrogamer

From my limited experience they feel like a luxary Fiat. Built quality is still a bit shoddy considering the price they are and reliability is still an issue.

I used to work as an apprentice mechanic and the general concencus amoungst the qualified mechanics was to avoid them. Unreliable.

Recently bought a car and when i was chatting to the dealer (well established family business) he said he won't sell Alphas due to the reliability issues and puts them to auction instead.

My friend had an estate (can't remember model number) with the 1.9 TDI JDM (IIRC) lump in it. Engine wasn't too bad to be honest but he had other issue like the leather trim peeling away from the doors (2002 model with 39k and FSH), the plastic that supports the gear linkage shattered and the gearstick more or less came away in his hand. Various warning lights on the dashboard comming on and power steering system had some leaks.

Every car has it's faults i guess, but for the price of an Alfa, i'd rather pick something else

colino

Unfortunately they remain a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. People expect them to be cheap and will not shell out for anything other than basic maintenance. The last one that was offered to me, a 147 2litre TS Lusso (against an S Type Jag) was ten years old and the guy claimed to be an enthusiast that had "worshiped" the car. Not with a full set of Wanli tyres he wasn't.
Entertaining cars that are a bit different and I agree with the mantra that everyone should try one, just pick the best you can find and do your homework first.

motorguy

ferry wrote: »

Many thanks.
Would you know if the 02 era Alfa's has the Selespeed gearbox you mention?

Its their auto box.

motorguy

I've had various alfas over the years, from new to 10 year old cars.

Probably no better or worse than anything else out there, but they are NOT BMW or Audi rivals.

Go for a 2.0 156 with leather. Its little more expensive to run than the 1.8.

Buy one privately from someone whos had it ages and has a years MOT. They are literally worth peanuts so dont buy in to some owners view of them being 'prestige'.

almillar

I would always say that the 147 was when Alfa got reliable (or, as reliable as most others) - that would mean avoiding the 156. I can remember sitting in them both when the 147 was launched, it felt so much more modern, and I (6 foot 2) had more room in the driving seat of the 147 than of the 156, which felt small!
I'm sure there will be 156s cheaper with higher specs, but that's for a reason...

andygb

The really good thing about Alfas (NOT ALPHAS!!!), is that because loads of people think that they are unreliable, the used prices are low, and you can pick up a genuine bargain.
Like WTFH, I have done many, many miles in Alfas, and they are the only car which has never let me down by the roadside.
Yes, the electrics can be a bit suspect, but then so can s/h Mercs, Jaguars, any French cars, and any modern car over 10 years old - we had bad electrical problems on a 3 year old Mazda 3, and that always gets a write up as one of the most reliable cars around.
I would go for a 156, with full manual gearbox, leather seats (preferably Momo with side support). I would also have the suspension polybushed all round, because you can have any worn bits changed at the same time.
As above re the cambelt - every 36K miles, use the best oil, and always check it - NEVER let the oil level drop below minimum.
If I had another 2 litre twin cam, then I would also fit a nice induction kit and a SS exhaust, because these engines deserve to be heard.

interstellaflyer

epninety wrote: »

The secondhand car market has an improbably long memory. It's not uncommon even now to be told that Italian cars rust like crazy, when this hasn't been true for decades (and wasn't entirely true even then).
The industry is a bit too global for these sort of reputations to hold much water IMV.

True, but they conveniently forget that most cars built in the 70s and 80s suffered the same problems with rust.