Alfa 146 2.0 Ti

You should be aware that they are bloody quick! You have probably found this yourself now.

Just out of interest, can I ask how much?

Andy

Yeah, I did notice this on the way home :D although the problems with the clutch kinda stopped me from putting it through it's paces. To be perfectly honest, I went down the auction with the quest that I had to buy something, anything, as the poor old 620 sdi is dropping apart daily and I'm screwed without any wheels. Not the best scenerio for choosing the right car I know, but it was one of the nicer cars going through so after a quick look around it I thought "what the hell. Ye pays ye money, ye takes ye chances." I did actually think it was a 1.6 (that'll teach me to be more attentive), but as a stop gap I didn't really care. As you can imagine, I got a nice suprise to find a 2.0 twin spark under the hood. Think I'll be keeping it for longer than I imagined.

The price? 900 sheets. It's got a fair few miles on the clock (116,000) but it's had some money and care spent on it over the years.

No, definitely not. Change it at 48k along with the tensioner.

The engines expire, check the oil regularly (like every 1000 miles), heater controls, gearbox, ECU failures, keycode system failures, remote locking and alarm system failures.

Overall though the 146 is not a bad motor, although it's generally best to steer clear of 16v Alfas, the engines do expire quite badly at times

- usually when the owner has not checked the oil for a while.

Oh yes, the 146 is also very prone to breaking the sump on raised objects (a misfitted manhole cover is enough).

documentation,

Thanks very much for reply Andy.

My next question then is the Cambelt a difficult job? Suitable for a mediocre DIYer? I've seen quotes of 4-5 hours labour but there's a recipt from the last time it was done for

Sounds like the story may be that the previous owner has got shot because of the clutch issue, I suspect if you get it sorted you will have a good car.

Which Auction?

Andy

Seconded, guy next door to my father punched a hole in the sump going over a brick in his T-spark. He knew the brick was there but didn't realise just how low the car was apparantly!

That looks a bit cheap to me.

If you're going to do it, do it properly.

Whilst everything's apart replace the belt, tensioner, water pump and variator. At least then you know you won't have to take it all apart again in a few months time when the tensioner / variator or water pump decides to let go.

Yes, we fixed loads of those, often resulting in a knackered engine. Those lay down bollards do it as well.

Yes, I would say so too, it certainly isn't worth doing just the belt. There are special tools required to lock the cams as well.

Thanks very much for everybodies input. I think I'll get in booked in the garage ASAP rather than having a crack it myself. I'll let you know how much it sets me back.

As for the clutch, i'm begining to think that it is just the clutch pedal mechanism that is a bit stiff. Gave it a quick oil last night, and whilst not perfect, it is much, much better.

As for the auction, it was the one at Chesterfield.

Ok as a final question, can anybody recomend a decent Alfa specialist in the East Midlands (Mansfield ideally)? None of my local trusted garages want to touch it.