Alpha 147? Good second hand buy?

In news: snipped-for-privacy@bt.com, Marvin wittered on forthwith;

they're fine if serviced religiously.

Cambelt changes are expensive, cam variators need changing every 72k miles at least, odd suspension bushes fail sometimes, but that's about it.

Electrically they seem ok now.

All the usual things really. If petrol (which I'd personally avoid) you have to ensure it's never been run low on oil as many engines drink it like it's going out of fashion. 1 litre per 1000Km is not unheard of.

Ensure the cam belt is changed at much less than the 72000 mile interval - they struggle to make the 72000 miles before snapping. Make sure the petrol engine sounds sweet and not like a diesel.

Don't go near a Selespeed..period.

Suspension creaks and clonks are common.

Watch for duff dealers.

You should take on an Alfa with your eyes open. Alfa prop up the bottom of customer satisfaction surveys and warranty repair tables consistently.

However, if maintained properly (main dealer servicing and repairs will be costly due to the number of things needing attention every time you hand over your car for a service) they're reasonable cars as they can be had very cheap. There are some good cheaper independent specialists out there. Parts can be surprisingly cheap as many are Fiat stock.

Personally, I'd get the diesel. Note, however, that 147s are just 156s with the back end chopped so consider a 156 too. Again, the top choice are the diesels where there's the rather good 2.4JTD to choose from.

My 156 2.4JTD hasn't let me down at all in 5.5 years but has been expensive to keep in good running order. In some respects it reminds me of Vauxhall reliability in the '80s - they'd get you there but need garage attention for minor things.

See other posts.

It's as reliable as the owners for the most part.

But, for goodness sake, if you've seen the car you'll know that it's an Alfa Romeo not an Alpha Romeo.