To Drive an Alfa or to drive something sensible?
Discussion
Hi guys
I haven’t logged in on here is years, but would quite like your advice.
I used to drive a 166, I loved it spent all my money on it and then it caught fire and burnt to a crisp.
Then bought an MX-5 and that is a really impressive car. (but I never fell in love with it) I have owned it for a year and only needed to visit the mechanic at MOT and service time! I like having money to spend on other things!
But now I will be needing a car that can comfortably transport three adults, my wife is begging me to get a small car, because I really fancy a V6 X-type as Mazda make the engine.
So I want to buy something like this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
But I’m scared the bills for hundreds of pounds start rolling in.
Can you guys suggest a good car that would cost under £4K that would be vaguely interesting?
Cheers Stuart
stu_the_flat said:
Hi guys
I haven’t logged in on here is years, but would quite like your advice.
I used to drive a 166, I loved it spent all my money on it and then it caught fire and burnt to a crisp.
Then bought an MX-5 and that is a really impressive car. (but I never fell in love with it) I have owned it for a year and only needed to visit the mechanic at MOT and service time! I like having money to spend on other things!
But now I will be needing a car that can comfortably transport three adults, my wife is begging me to get a small car, because I really fancy a V6 X-type as Mazda make the engine.
So I want to buy something like this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
But I’m scared the bills for hundreds of pounds start rolling in.
Can you guys suggest a good car that would cost under £4K that would be vaguely interesting?
Cheers Stuart
I think Alfa certainly make the more interesting "normal" cara, although I can't say I'm a huge fan of the 147, it just looks a little bland for me. Would rather a V6 156 if I'm honest.I haven’t logged in on here is years, but would quite like your advice.
I used to drive a 166, I loved it spent all my money on it and then it caught fire and burnt to a crisp.
Then bought an MX-5 and that is a really impressive car. (but I never fell in love with it) I have owned it for a year and only needed to visit the mechanic at MOT and service time! I like having money to spend on other things!
But now I will be needing a car that can comfortably transport three adults, my wife is begging me to get a small car, because I really fancy a V6 X-type as Mazda make the engine.
So I want to buy something like this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
But I’m scared the bills for hundreds of pounds start rolling in.
Can you guys suggest a good car that would cost under £4K that would be vaguely interesting?
Cheers Stuart
That said I personally quite like the Jag X-Type too, so think that would be tough to beat as an all rounder. I'm lead to believe the pre 2003 V6 X-Types had a limited slip centre diff, after that point they are open centre diffs though, so I'd want an early one.
However at £4k you get a fair bit of choice, and this is PH!
So I think I'd personally also be looking at a Lexus LS400 (on LPG if you are doing more than short annual mileage) and I'm also a huge fan of the RHD UK version of the Cadillac Seville STS with its fabulous DOHC 4.6 Northstar engine.
stu_the_flat said:
Was temped by the GS300, But it doesn't come under my wifes definitoin of "small"
My trouble is, the only small cars I like are sports cars as a rule. Although I admit the MINI and fiat 500 are ok, but not really 3 adults in comfort.Is mpg an issue? How about something like an RX-8?
Stu, you can't win really. If money is tight a Toyota Corolla will make more sense. But if you want something more interesting it will cost you at some point. Don't fall into the trap of buying something you think is interesting and think will be reliable, and ends up being neither - like a Golf.
RicksAlfas said:
Stu, you can't win really. If money is tight a Toyota Corolla will make more sense. But if you want something more interesting it will cost you at some point. Don't fall into the trap of buying something you think is interesting and think will be reliable, and ends up being neither - like a Golf.
I think the very late, facelift 156s look really nice, particularly in black or gunmetal like this one for £4k:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2362064.htm
Hi Stu, sorry to hear about your 166 - I used to post in the 166 forum (mechman) and remember your car!
As others have said, and the MX-5 may have proved, if you want something with a bit of character then you have to be prepared for the odd bill along the way, unless you are lucky with the car you choose!
As others have said, and the MX-5 may have proved, if you want something with a bit of character then you have to be prepared for the odd bill along the way, unless you are lucky with the car you choose!
If you like the idea of a Jag, have a go in a decent late-ish S-Type. I personally prefer them to the X-Type.
Admittedly I haven't driven one of the 4WD examples, so that may be a different kettle of fish, but the FWD X-Type struck me as less accomplished dynamically than the Mondeo it was based on.
The S-Type does a much better job of fulfilling its bigger waftier remit than the X-Type does as a sports saloon IMHO.
Speaking of which - if fuel economy isn't too much of an issue, how about a Mondeo ST? Sonorous V6, good standard of kit and exceptional handling for a big, heavy FWD car.
Admittedly I haven't driven one of the 4WD examples, so that may be a different kettle of fish, but the FWD X-Type struck me as less accomplished dynamically than the Mondeo it was based on.
The S-Type does a much better job of fulfilling its bigger waftier remit than the X-Type does as a sports saloon IMHO.
Speaking of which - if fuel economy isn't too much of an issue, how about a Mondeo ST? Sonorous V6, good standard of kit and exceptional handling for a big, heavy FWD car.
My dad had a diesel X-type estate from new, he drives very smoothly and is quite gentle with his cars. It was a total nightmare.
In 3 years and 70k miles it needed 3 rear wiring looms because the boot would pop open when you unlocked the car, a new turbo with dump valve as the origional failed at 60K, new headlight bulbs every two to four weeks because they woulld randomly blow (the cause for this was never traced).
This is only the stuff I can remember off the top of my head, the car was in the garage constantly for small problems as well.
He traded it in against an S type, that's had loads of electrical faults too.
You's probably be better off with the Alfa!
In 3 years and 70k miles it needed 3 rear wiring looms because the boot would pop open when you unlocked the car, a new turbo with dump valve as the origional failed at 60K, new headlight bulbs every two to four weeks because they woulld randomly blow (the cause for this was never traced).
This is only the stuff I can remember off the top of my head, the car was in the garage constantly for small problems as well.
He traded it in against an S type, that's had loads of electrical faults too.
You's probably be better off with the Alfa!
Cheers guys
Hello Mechman! I remember your car as well! What are you driving at the moment?
I apprachate what your saying, Obviusly I am prepared to spend money maintaning my car what ever I get, I just don't want to end up with a total loss like last time,
Good shout with the RX-8, Its on my list of car I must own at some point! However I am scared that I get one that hasn't had the oil changes enough and that it fails on me. When I graduate from my PhD I will have a larger budget and I will start looking for a younger RX8,
I'm listening to the Jag comments. 4WD is quite appealing as in Decmeber the MX-5 couldn't move off the drive. and the X-type is just the wee bit smaller than the S-type! But listening to this I reckon I will find the best 147 I can find.
Cheers Stuart
Hello Mechman! I remember your car as well! What are you driving at the moment?
I apprachate what your saying, Obviusly I am prepared to spend money maintaning my car what ever I get, I just don't want to end up with a total loss like last time,
Good shout with the RX-8, Its on my list of car I must own at some point! However I am scared that I get one that hasn't had the oil changes enough and that it fails on me. When I graduate from my PhD I will have a larger budget and I will start looking for a younger RX8,
I'm listening to the Jag comments. 4WD is quite appealing as in Decmeber the MX-5 couldn't move off the drive. and the X-type is just the wee bit smaller than the S-type! But listening to this I reckon I will find the best 147 I can find.
Cheers Stuart
Edited by stu_the_flat on Tuesday 1st February 10:03
Alfas are not nearly as troublesome as urban myth suggests. I have driven various 1970s Alfas, which were delightful, and I almost bought a 3 litre GTV last year. I bought a 2001 Alfa 156 Sportwagon with the 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine when the car was three years old. The car looked good in silver with tan leather seats, large but not ridiculous wheels and a roof spoiler. Apart from a radiator failure, and dodgy electric window lifts, the car gave me no problems and was a great pleasure to drive. The boot area is small by estate car standards, but it was fine for trips with two adults and a child, and encouraged us not to over pack as so many parents of young children do. My brother has the car now and it still goes well and looks stylish.
stu_the_flat said:
But listening to this I reckon I will find the best 147 I can find.
As mentioned above, don't dismiss a late 156. I still think it's one of the best looking cars on the road and in my eyes has dated better than the 147. It's not a huge car either. Having said that, we've had a 147 for nearly 5 years and it's been a good (small) family car. We went for an 8 valve JTD as I reckon they are the most durable of the everyday engines. Our previous Twin Sparks, while a lot fun, are quite expensive at certain services. Good luck with whatever you choose!I drive a nine year old Alfa 156 2.5 V6 Veloce.
I've had it for over a year and it has been faultless.
Reasonably quick, reasonably economical, reasonably stylish and reasonably comfortable.
Nicest sounding engine I have ever driven.
I have owned over 50 cars over the last 24 years and this is in my top three favourites.
I've had it for over a year and it has been faultless.
Reasonably quick, reasonably economical, reasonably stylish and reasonably comfortable.
Nicest sounding engine I have ever driven.
I have owned over 50 cars over the last 24 years and this is in my top three favourites.
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