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Considering an alfa as my next car. Need advice.



 
 
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  #11  
Old May 21st 04, 08:24 PM
SteveH
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Alfistagj > wrote:

> "MeatballTurbo" > schreef in bericht
> t...
>
> - IIRCC the 145/146 Cloverleaf is a 16V engine so belt, no chain.


Which is the reason I have previously advised the OP to avoid them -
they're not a car to run on a budget.

> - 164 & Saab9000 are built on the same platform, so comparable in size; 155
> is smaller


Although I've looked at 164s in the past, they're not really my cup of
tea, mainly due to the size.

> - 155 "narrow bodies" (prior to 1995, 8V TS engines, chain, no belt); 1.8 is
> best compromise engine.


IMHO, the old 8v TSpark isn't worth having as a 1.8, as it's crippled
with a catalytic converter, and the 155 is a heavy old car for it to
haul around. I'm shocked at the performance difference between a 75 and
155 with the same lump.

> - plugs on TS engines are expensive and you need 8, but only every 100000km
> - maintenance is quite simple


You don't have to have the expensive platinum tipped plugs - a set of
standard plugs comes in at £24 the set for my 75.

> Are you sure you want a car?



--
Steve H 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
http://www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - MZ ETZ300
VW Golf GL Cabrio - Alfa 75 TS - Alfa 155 TS Lusso - COSOC KOTL
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  #12  
Old May 21st 04, 08:26 PM
Catman
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MeatballTurbo wrote:

> Problem I have is that both me and the missus have conpletly different
> tastes in cars.
>
> I like them to be long(ish) (Saab 9000, 900, Skyline/Supra/GT3k) she
> likes nice dumpy round mini hatch types (PT cruiser, most superminis, Nu
> Beetles). just about the only cars we have agreed to liking are the 147
> and the 156.
>
> Much as I would like to go out and buy either of them, the budget won't
> stretch.
>
> So I've been looking at some of the older ones. I'm looking for
> something a little small (in exterior length) than the '84 Saab 900 T16S
> that I currently drive, and something a little more town drivable than
> the Saabs's "Nowt, Nowt, Oh **** new underwear please" lag/boost
> scenario. But I want something that I can have fun buzzing arround in
> too.
>
> After asking other italian car drivers/former owners I have aquaintance
> with, they suggested either 164 (bargain basement, not to bad rust wise,
> nice cam chain engine (I like that)), or 155 (again camchain on the
> narrow bodies, some bargains).


How about a nice 75? You can pick them up (nice ones if you're careful)
for less than a grand. (My mother's was GBP950). Nice cars as well IMHO

--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
Alfa 116 Giulietta 3.0l (Really) Sprint 1.7
Triumph Speed Triple: Black with extra black bits
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  #13  
Old May 21st 04, 08:29 PM
MeatballTurbo
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In article >, iowna156
@alfa.com spouted forth into alt.autos.alfa-romeo...
> I am not suggesting for one moment that buying an AR costs lots of cash.
> Buying one with a budget of 500 quid, and not needing to spend more than
> a few bob putting it right and running it for a year is the rub.
> Yes, I agree there are bargain AR cars in plenty. However, if it is cheap
> motoring that you are looking for then I question that AR would be the best
> Marque to look at.
>


TBH, like I said, I looking to spend a little more than my usual <£500,
so while a 164 or a 155 in workable, but slightly less than average
condition could be bought, I was looking at maybe £1-2k, and maybe a
little more, hence why I was thinking either 145 or 155.

Bangernomics is fun, but there comes a time when I feel I should have
something worthy of driving. I'm not upto the new/near new car prices
yet, but we are re-mortgaging soon, and after clearing other credit and
making a month by month saving and reducing the length of the mortgage,
I've decided I'm going to treat myself.

The missus has her Skoda Fabia, which is about £5k's worth, which she
loves and I insisted she spend her money on something rock solid, and
recent as she doesn't know one end of a dipstick from a exhaust pipe.
While I like cars that I can get my hands dirty with, even if it is just
to get to the specialist to get it back together

I only the other hand am a bit of a petrol head, I remind to check the
oil on hers, while I do mine weekly religiously (same with other
fluids), check the tyres 2-4 weekly, while she checks hers every 3
months. I've changed the shocks, and all the front brakes on the Saab,
and replaced the coolant and the exhaust/shocks/springs on the Estelle,
and the shocks/interior and exhaust on the Favorit, I'm no mechanic, but
I know my way round a haynes, and have a fairly decent toolkit that is
open to expansion.

I know Alfas can be fairly high maintenance, I know as part of their
natural running (and running properly) they can drink oil, and I know
the twin spark engines can be pricey when plug change comes. But if you
want to own something with a touch of spirit, you have be prepared for
the upkeep.

TBH, I prefer a chain rather than belt timed engine, so it is looking
like I would be spending more on decent 2.0 TS 155 (narrowbody) than the
lower end of the 145 Cloverleaf market.

Not sure which of the shapes and interiors I prefer the most though.
--
Carl Robson
(The poster formerly known as Skodapilot)
http://www.bouncing-czechs.com
  #14  
Old May 21st 04, 09:23 PM
MeatballTurbo
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In article >, catman@cuore-
rustsportivo.co.uk spouted forth into alt.autos.alfa-romeo...
> MeatballTurbo wrote:
>
> > Problem I have is that both me and the missus have conpletly different
> > tastes in cars.
> >
> > I like them to be long(ish) (Saab 9000, 900, Skyline/Supra/GT3k) she
> > likes nice dumpy round mini hatch types (PT cruiser, most superminis, Nu
> > Beetles). just about the only cars we have agreed to liking are the 147
> > and the 156.
> >
> > Much as I would like to go out and buy either of them, the budget won't
> > stretch.
> >
> > So I've been looking at some of the older ones. I'm looking for
> > something a little small (in exterior length) than the '84 Saab 900 T16S
> > that I currently drive, and something a little more town drivable than
> > the Saabs's "Nowt, Nowt, Oh **** new underwear please" lag/boost
> > scenario. But I want something that I can have fun buzzing arround in
> > too.
> >
> > After asking other italian car drivers/former owners I have aquaintance
> > with, they suggested either 164 (bargain basement, not to bad rust wise,
> > nice cam chain engine (I like that)), or 155 (again camchain on the
> > narrow bodies, some bargains).

>
> How about a nice 75? You can pick them up (nice ones if you're careful)
> for less than a grand. (My mother's was GBP950). Nice cars as well IMHO
>
>

Oh now you are talking my kind of language.
Was worried about 75's in my price range would be rough shed buckets.

I like the angular lines, the GF likes rounder cars, but as it would be
mine, tough, although I did want to go for something she might like a
little more this time.

Hmm, got me thinking now.
--
Carl Robson
(The poster formerly known as Skodapilot)
http://www.bouncing-czechs.com
  #16  
Old May 21st 04, 09:38 PM
SteveH
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MeatballTurbo > wrote:

> In article >,
> spouted forth into alt.autos.alfa-romeo...
> > Which is the reason I have previously advised the OP to avoid them -
> > they're not a car to run on a budget.
> >

>
> yes you did, I think you might be right as they are quite a small car,
> saw one in the flesh tonight in for repair at local Alfa franchise. Very
> nice looking, but smaller than I thought. Appears quite a bit smaller
> than a 147. I imagined it would be arround same size. Didn't look much
> bigger than Punto MK1.


145s are bigger than they look - although they are quite like a slightly
stretched Punto.

A 146 is probably a more practical choice, and cheaper, too, as they're
not as desireable as the 3-door 145.

> I do like the shape though.
>
> Guess I'm looking at a 155, or as others have suggested, and I fancied
> originally when I posted in the other group.
>
> What are the chances of finding a 75 or a 155 with Leather (working
> aircon if possible) mint condition (or good useable in the case of the
> 75) with a 2 litre for under £2k?


75 with leather. Never made one. If you find one it'll be an aftermarket
retrim.

155s only came with leather on the V6. Trust me, you can't run a V6 on a
budget. 15mpg. Suits you, sir ;-)

For £2k you'll get a nice 16v 155, or a V6. But, even the 16v isn't a
'budget' car. For running on the cheap you'd have to have an 8v engine.

Odds of finding a good 8v with fully functioning aircon, seats and other
electrical toys - very slim. Every one I've looked at needed _something_
electrical fixing - including mine, which needed a wiper motor. £92.
ouch.

To be honest, if you're looking for something to run on a budget, stick
with the C900s. At least you can get cheap bits for them from GSF etc.

--
Steve H 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
http://www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - MZ ETZ300
VW Golf GL Cabrio - Alfa 75 TS - Alfa 155 TS Lusso - COSOC KOTL
BoTAFOT #87 - BoTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #
  #17  
Old May 21st 04, 09:41 PM
SteveH
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MeatballTurbo > wrote:

> > How about a nice 75? You can pick them up (nice ones if you're careful)
> > for less than a grand. (My mother's was GBP950). Nice cars as well IMHO
> >
> >

> Oh now you are talking my kind of language.
> Was worried about 75's in my price range would be rough shed buckets.


Remember, Catman found an exceptional case. I reckon he could punt that
out for £1500 easily in AutoItalia or the club magazine.

You can get cheap 75s, but you need to budget for some work in the first
12 months of ownership to get it 'right'. Mine's had a clutch and
gearbox refurb - just needs a bit of bodywork now to make it an
exceptionally good example. Total outlay so far is around £1200.
--
Steve H 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
http://www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - MZ ETZ300
VW Golf GL Cabrio - Alfa 75 TS - Alfa 155 TS Lusso - COSOC KOTL
BoTAFOT #87 - BoTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #
  #18  
Old May 21st 04, 10:08 PM
Catman
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SteveH wrote:

> MeatballTurbo > wrote:
>
>> > How about a nice 75? You can pick them up (nice ones if you're
>> > careful)
>> > for less than a grand. (My mother's was GBP950). Nice cars as well
>> > IMHO
>> >
>> >

>> Oh now you are talking my kind of language.
>> Was worried about 75's in my price range would be rough shed buckets.

>
> Remember, Catman found an exceptional case. I reckon he could punt that
> out for £1500 easily in AutoItalia or the club magazine.


True, but that still leaves him with 500 change

> You can get cheap 75s, but you need to budget for some work in the first
> 12 months of ownership to get it 'right'. Mine's had a clutch and
> gearbox refurb - just needs a bit of bodywork now to make it an
> exceptionally good example. Total outlay so far is around £1200.


So that leaves him 800 out of his 2k budget

And anyway, if you'd spend a bit more on cars in the first place
--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
Alfa 116 Giulietta 3.0l (Really) Sprint 1.7
Triumph Speed Triple: Black with extra black bits
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk
  #19  
Old May 21st 04, 10:10 PM
Catman
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MeatballTurbo wrote:

> In article >, catman@cuore-
> rustsportivo.co.uk spouted forth into alt.autos.alfa-romeo...
>> MeatballTurbo wrote:
>>
>> > Problem I have is that both me and the missus have conpletly different
>> > tastes in cars.
>> >
>> > I like them to be long(ish) (Saab 9000, 900, Skyline/Supra/GT3k) she
>> > likes nice dumpy round mini hatch types (PT cruiser, most superminis,
>> > Nu Beetles). just about the only cars we have agreed to liking are the
>> > 147 and the 156.
>> >
>> > Much as I would like to go out and buy either of them, the budget won't
>> > stretch.
>> >
>> > So I've been looking at some of the older ones. I'm looking for
>> > something a little small (in exterior length) than the '84 Saab 900
>> > T16S that I currently drive, and something a little more town drivable
>> > than the Saabs's "Nowt, Nowt, Oh **** new underwear please" lag/boost
>> > scenario. But I want something that I can have fun buzzing arround in
>> > too.
>> >
>> > After asking other italian car drivers/former owners I have aquaintance
>> > with, they suggested either 164 (bargain basement, not to bad rust
>> > wise, nice cam chain engine (I like that)), or 155 (again camchain on
>> > the narrow bodies, some bargains).

>>
>> How about a nice 75? You can pick them up (nice ones if you're careful)
>> for less than a grand. (My mother's was GBP950). Nice cars as well IMHO
>>
>>

> Oh now you are talking my kind of language.
> Was worried about 75's in my price range would be rough shed buckets.


Oh, you'll see lots of them....

Take your time, be prepared to travel, and like Steve says, budget to do
some work. The 1.8 (the one I bought my mum) is not regarded as very
desirable. IME though it's a car that reward serious spanking. It will
cruise happily, but is much more on the twisties

> I like the angular lines, the GF likes rounder cars, but as it would be
> mine, tough, although I did want to go for something she might like a
> little more this time.
>
> Hmm, got me thinking now.


Think away. You *could* get a Giulietta, or a Sprint, but that way madness
lies, DAMHIKIJDOK
--
Catman MIB#14 SKoGA#6 TEAR#4 BOTAFOF#38 Apostle#21 COSOC#3
Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright (Remove rust to reply)
Alfa 116 Giulietta 3.0l (Really) Sprint 1.7
Triumph Speed Triple: Black with extra black bits
www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk
  #20  
Old May 21st 04, 10:11 PM
SteveH
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Catman > wrote:

> > Remember, Catman found an exceptional case. I reckon he could punt that
> > out for £1500 easily in AutoItalia or the club magazine.

>
> True, but that still leaves him with 500 change


Well, yes. But this £2k has grown from £500 in the space of a few
days....

> > You can get cheap 75s, but you need to budget for some work in the first
> > 12 months of ownership to get it 'right'. Mine's had a clutch and
> > gearbox refurb - just needs a bit of bodywork now to make it an
> > exceptionally good example. Total outlay so far is around £1200.

>
> So that leaves him 800 out of his 2k budget


Heh. Just making a point....
>
> And anyway, if you'd spend a bit more on cars in the first place


Well, I could. But there again, I'd prefer to have bought something
fairly cheap and spent the cash on it - at least I now know I have a
clutch and gearbox that will last for the next 100k miles. Buying a
£1500 75 that's supposedly in immaculate condition could still have
needed work to get it to the same standard mine is now, IYSWIM.


--
Steve H 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
http://www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - MZ ETZ300
VW Golf GL Cabrio - Alfa 75 TS - Alfa 155 TS Lusso - COSOC KOTL
BoTAFOT #87 - BoTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #
 




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