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I normally resign myself to the usual insipid 1.5 Impreza the garage gives me as a loan car but today they gave me a seven year old Alfa 147 2.0 twin spark. First impressions were that it’s not wearing its 60,000 miles at all well (just had a new gearbox and clutch fitted,) trim loose or missing and all rattles and groans and no oomph. However, if you remember you’re not driving a diesel lump, rev it past 4,000 and it it’s smiles all round. I’d forgotten what torque steer felt like. I know its not a sports car but a decent engine in a small body works here; it goes really well, bit bumpy but feels sorted, steers great, progressive brakes, sounds good and can be hustled safely along at quite a pace. Well worn very comfy leather seats and Momo steering wheel are the cabin highlights the rest is dull and low rent. Looks good in red. If its still around I shall ask for it again next time the car is serviced.
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My mate had a 145 Cloverleaf new in 1996 - he ran it for about 5 years then started doing loads of miles so it had to go and be replaced with a diesel. He still rues getting rid of it 10 years on! I never had a drive, but being driven in it, it certainly went well, and had loads of grip.
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nothing to touch an alfa as you push the loud pedal to the floorand keep it there
you bottle out before the revs do
sheer beauty on wheels and just has to put a smile on your face if no speed cameras about
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Well the GTV I had for a few days didn't even go any better than an average saloon. If it had it may have made up for the appalling build and the electrical gremlins.
The only car I've ever seen with a rusty roof was an Alfasud. The inside of this less than one year old car was coming to bits too. I still want one. I'm just not brave enough.
JH
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Ive driven both the GTV Twin Spark and the V6 version and honestly, if I had the room in my life and the money to run one, I wouldnt hesitate - the V6 was one of my all time favorite drives - the noise it makes at certain throttle openings gave me goosebumps - I didnt want to arrive at my destination one bit. I imagine a V6 convertible to be my ideal Alfa, in a light blue with tan leather please, or maybe green. I can dream.
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AA friend had a 156 with the 2.5 V6. It was fabulous. Direct steering, an engine note to die for, and a kick in the pants over 5000 RPM that was as addictive as it was glorious to hear.
The engine even looked special. All crackle finished cam covers, embossed logos and Chrome pipework.
This one was reliable too. Bought as an ex demo with 4k. Sold with 120k. Never let him down once, and only a couple of niggles during that period.
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i had my 1999 gtv v6 for 10 years and it never went wrong ever.
it went lasst yr with 50k on the clock and it was very well looked after by a friend who was an alfa specialist.
it sounded glorious when pushed hard and has been my favourite car ive ever had.
never did better than 23mpg cos it was always revved hard with no mercy and never complained.
it had to go in the end when we noticed the suspension bushes were showing sighns of wear oand exhaust needed replacing aswell as a few other things but i put it on auto trader for £3k and had over 50calls in one day and second xhap took it away within 3hrs of it being on sale
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I haven't ever heard of anyone having serious problems with the V6 engines. The 2.0 Twin Spark on the other hand.....
I wish all manufacturers would make their engines look like this instead of burying them in plastic.
tinyurl.com/2unvqsq
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The V6 does seem fairly bullet proof. Mine (3.2) is coming up to 100k miles and is simply brilliant.
The TS were fine as long as you changed the timing belts every 36k!
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Alfa Romeo 147 - Quite enjoying my loan car - RichardW
