Would readers share their experiences with the Alfa 147 ?
Thanks.
Dennis.
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Banned from our fleet because of poor reliability and unhelpful dealerships when the inevitable problems start - there are probably some customer sites if you search. Shame because they are such fun but if you get one that has been a demo it might be a safer bet.
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As I mentioned a month or so back, they are starting to come through at special Alfa sections within Fiat sales at British Car Auctions.
These are probably loan cars/fleet demonstrators, so potentialy lots of drivers.
£10-£10,500 gets a 12000ml 1.6 Lusso. Other spec also appering, especially 2.0 selespeed £???
Mark
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I considered a 147, but after finding about an unexpected addition to the family looked at a 156. I came very close but the likely future residuals put me off. I had put a small deposit down on the car, but sacrificed this and put it down to experience.
However the sales manager decided this wasn't the end of the matter and decided to ring me up, whereupon I was subjected to a sizeable amount of verbal abuse. Rather than get upset,it just confirmed everything I had heard about Alfa dealers. DON'T go near them.
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I considered a 147, but after finding about an unexpected addition to the family looked at a 156. I came very close but the likely future residuals put me off. I had put a small deposit down on the car, but sacrificed this and put it down to experience.
However the sales manager decided this wasn't the end of the matter and decided to ring me up, whereupon I was subjected to a sizeable amount of verbal abuse. Rather than get upset,it just confirmed everything I had heard about Alfa dealers. DON'T go near them.
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I believe these cars are ex-rental (or ex-management as they like to call them) vansboy.
try
www.alfaowner.com forums for more Alfisti opinions.
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I mentioned earlier in other threads that my brother in law has taken delivery of a new 1.6 TS Lusso.
The car looks absolutely fantastic and has a very, very sporty interior with massive amounts of std equipment - dual zone climate, ESP, CD, cruise, computer.....
He absolutely loves it, and after a couple of thousand miles, no niggles have yet appeared.
I'd say the only thing that goes against it for me would be the quality of the interior - the CD player is straight out of the Punto and the feel of the plastic used in the doors and dash isn't quite what you'd expect of a car that looks this fabulous inside and out.
Not sure about the driving experience, but it seems to go quite quick, turns corners and stops promptly.
For what the car costs, it seems to be a bargain to me.
Lee.
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Thanks for all the replies....I am meeting the dealer on Monday ( when the dealership opens after their summer holidays...welcome to Italy in August!!! ).
I bought the 156 from him and I'm hoping for a decent deal.
I'll let you know.
I have been advised to report the BMW / Mini dealer to the Italian Consumer Association as he was so far off the money on my trade in.Cars are part of the Italian character and they don't like their bambinis being treated badly !!!
I have now tried the 147 and my wife and I both like it.
It has more luggage space , decent equipment ,and a great drive.
And it doesn't have that irritating elecrtric whine from the power steering or is that something on export models only.
More news next week.
PS A mate here is interested in a new Disco and will be seeking help / advice from HJ.
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It would seem that Dennis is one of those who like to buy new (see other thread "Why Buy New").
It also seems that having been given very sound advice by the master (HJ), he is going to ignore it.
This just proves that what one person (however experienced) likes may not satisfy another. Reminds me of the HJ vs Jeremy Clarkson view of new Merc E class.
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My money / my choice.
End of story.
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