last chance for an A110 - what are the major flaws
Discussion
I have been on this topic before
Now, having driven a test car (latest GTS variant) for over 500km (and impressed by the dynamics!), I am back here to humbly ask for your honest feedback, so that I know what I m getting into, if I was to purchase this car
Just FYI - the quote I ve got from the local Alpine store is 74K (EUR), which includes choice of color, rims (sport exhaust is standard)
I think its a fair price for what this car is
But what I would like to hear from you is regarding some of the pain points that have been observed over the years
1) Perhaps the most obvious for me is the corrosion topic, which AFAIK was particularly apparent on earlier cars
But is it still an issue? When I brought this concern to the dealer, he claimed that this is now 'rectified' and that there are no cases that he's aware with cars produced sometime from 2021 onwards
Regarding the corrosion, all I know is that it only affected the wheel arches (and maybe wishbones?), but not other parts of the car. Does someone here have a different experience and can report that corrosion is not only limited to the wheel arches but other parts too?
The plan is of course to treat the car immediately upon purchase, and won't be running it during snow season where it ll stay in underground garage
But regardless of that - is corrosion still a thing for the A110?
Anyone here with a 2021+ car that can testify on that?
2) Engine reliability
For what I ve gathered, this motor has been around for like 8yrs and well tested
Therefore any major issues should have become apparent already
Provided that the service intervals are done on time and that the car is not abused, I shouldn't expect any issues, right?
My biggest fear is oil consumption (since this motor AFAIK is not port injection - but direct injection instead, right)
As far as ventilation / heat management goes, I hear there are some limitations of it going into 'safe mode', but as far as I understood that only happens during hard driving / tracking the car and not on spirited drive on road use
3) DCT
Despite several people complaining why there isn't an option for a MT, having driven the car, I d say it doesn't really need to be
The DCT matches the character of this car perfectly - its all about the steering when driving this thing (just my opinion)
But regarding the DCT itself - any known issues that I should be aware of?
And what about service requirements - is there any scheduled maintenance for the clutch - and in how many km/miles?
4) ?
Any other issues that I missed and that I should know?
Is this a car build to last? I hope the answer to that is YES, because I m not planning to sell it
Any A110 owners with a more recent car (say 2021 onwards) and 5mins to spare, I would be most grateful for your input
Now, having driven a test car (latest GTS variant) for over 500km (and impressed by the dynamics!), I am back here to humbly ask for your honest feedback, so that I know what I m getting into, if I was to purchase this car
Just FYI - the quote I ve got from the local Alpine store is 74K (EUR), which includes choice of color, rims (sport exhaust is standard)
I think its a fair price for what this car is
But what I would like to hear from you is regarding some of the pain points that have been observed over the years
1) Perhaps the most obvious for me is the corrosion topic, which AFAIK was particularly apparent on earlier cars
But is it still an issue? When I brought this concern to the dealer, he claimed that this is now 'rectified' and that there are no cases that he's aware with cars produced sometime from 2021 onwards
Regarding the corrosion, all I know is that it only affected the wheel arches (and maybe wishbones?), but not other parts of the car. Does someone here have a different experience and can report that corrosion is not only limited to the wheel arches but other parts too?
The plan is of course to treat the car immediately upon purchase, and won't be running it during snow season where it ll stay in underground garage
But regardless of that - is corrosion still a thing for the A110?
Anyone here with a 2021+ car that can testify on that?
2) Engine reliability
For what I ve gathered, this motor has been around for like 8yrs and well tested
Therefore any major issues should have become apparent already
Provided that the service intervals are done on time and that the car is not abused, I shouldn't expect any issues, right?
My biggest fear is oil consumption (since this motor AFAIK is not port injection - but direct injection instead, right)
As far as ventilation / heat management goes, I hear there are some limitations of it going into 'safe mode', but as far as I understood that only happens during hard driving / tracking the car and not on spirited drive on road use
3) DCT
Despite several people complaining why there isn't an option for a MT, having driven the car, I d say it doesn't really need to be
The DCT matches the character of this car perfectly - its all about the steering when driving this thing (just my opinion)
But regarding the DCT itself - any known issues that I should be aware of?
And what about service requirements - is there any scheduled maintenance for the clutch - and in how many km/miles?
4) ?
Any other issues that I missed and that I should know?
Is this a car build to last? I hope the answer to that is YES, because I m not planning to sell it
Any A110 owners with a more recent car (say 2021 onwards) and 5mins to spare, I would be most grateful for your input
I bought a 2023 car last year and put over 8000 miles on it through a UK winter. Lived on the street outside and was my daily.
No issues, no corrosion. A great driver's car and the basic bucket seats were the most comfortable car seats that I've ever sat in. 8 plus hour days were absolutely fine.
My base car with 18ins wheels was perfect for our crappy UK roads as well.
I miss it terribly.
No issues, no corrosion. A great driver's car and the basic bucket seats were the most comfortable car seats that I've ever sat in. 8 plus hour days were absolutely fine.
My base car with 18ins wheels was perfect for our crappy UK roads as well.
I miss it terribly.
croyde said:
I bought a 2023 car last year and put over 8000 miles on it through a UK winter. Lived on the street outside and was my daily.
No issues, no corrosion. A great driver's car and the basic bucket seats were the most comfortable car seats that I've ever sat in. 8 plus hour days were absolutely fine.
My base car with 18ins wheels was perfect for our crappy UK roads as well.
I miss it terribly.
OK, to be fair I wouldn't have expected to hear about rust in the course of just 1 winter season No issues, no corrosion. A great driver's car and the basic bucket seats were the most comfortable car seats that I've ever sat in. 8 plus hour days were absolutely fine.
My base car with 18ins wheels was perfect for our crappy UK roads as well.
I miss it terribly.
But thanks for sharing
I can't help but being curious as to why you (gave it away?). If I am not too intrusive!
After 20k km in my 2024 GT,
1). Corrosion - Minor issues reported on earlier cars. Not heard of any problems post 2021 facelift
2). Engine reliability - The M5Pt / MR18DDT has been in numerous applications since 2015 and is seen as a reliable unit without major issues. I did have concerns about heat management and do keep a fire extinguisher in the car, but it has been completely solid. On no occasion has the temp gauge moved out of the normal level. For perspective we live in Singapore where air temp is typically 27-35DC. I’ll take the car on long hard runs into Malaysia and never an issue.
3). Gearbox - The Getrag unit is seen as dependable, again many other applications outside of A110. No issues widely reported. The unit is torque rating limited. Mapping can cause issues but OEM specs are well within this.
4). Any other issues - I’ve found the paint to be very susceptible to picking up road rash. Erred about PPF when we took delivery. Picked up a number of imperfections and chips on the first few fast drives over in Malaysia, far more than I would have expected. Had these correctly and had PPF fitted. Unsure if this is just due to condition of roads in Malaysia or if the factory paint is susceptible
All in all the A110 is a solid thing. You are also buying the last of line so have all the improvements honed over the 7 year production run. Residuals should be favourable also. They have been so far and I should think no new car that mirrors the A110’s ethos will sadly be produced again thanks to regulation.
1). Corrosion - Minor issues reported on earlier cars. Not heard of any problems post 2021 facelift
2). Engine reliability - The M5Pt / MR18DDT has been in numerous applications since 2015 and is seen as a reliable unit without major issues. I did have concerns about heat management and do keep a fire extinguisher in the car, but it has been completely solid. On no occasion has the temp gauge moved out of the normal level. For perspective we live in Singapore where air temp is typically 27-35DC. I’ll take the car on long hard runs into Malaysia and never an issue.
3). Gearbox - The Getrag unit is seen as dependable, again many other applications outside of A110. No issues widely reported. The unit is torque rating limited. Mapping can cause issues but OEM specs are well within this.
4). Any other issues - I’ve found the paint to be very susceptible to picking up road rash. Erred about PPF when we took delivery. Picked up a number of imperfections and chips on the first few fast drives over in Malaysia, far more than I would have expected. Had these correctly and had PPF fitted. Unsure if this is just due to condition of roads in Malaysia or if the factory paint is susceptible
All in all the A110 is a solid thing. You are also buying the last of line so have all the improvements honed over the 7 year production run. Residuals should be favourable also. They have been so far and I should think no new car that mirrors the A110’s ethos will sadly be produced again thanks to regulation.
I have a pre-facelift 2022 car, which has had corrosion, now rectified bar a blemish in the repaint which is due to be rectified. Pinhead sized bubbling on the underside of the wheelarch lips, but also a larger patch (25mm diameter?) on the underside of the bonnet, where the hinge bracket bolts to the bonnet. Wasim at Alpine HQ UK assures me that this will 'fix' any issues permanently, and that the car has a 12-year corrosion warranty (I thought it was 10), so even if it's a keeper (which mine is), I should have peace of mind. I am not aware of post-facelift cars having corrosion, but mine occurred almost exactly on it's third 'birthday', so it may be too early to tell, definitively.
Mine has used no oil whatsoever (it's now covered 30k miles) and has been reliable apart from occasional satnav glitches. It has had three annual services with the dealership, but I will be using a local independent from now on, due to a) cost and b) my local dealership having ditched Alpine and gone over to BYD...
Mine has used no oil whatsoever (it's now covered 30k miles) and has been reliable apart from occasional satnav glitches. It has had three annual services with the dealership, but I will be using a local independent from now on, due to a) cost and b) my local dealership having ditched Alpine and gone over to BYD...
extinct said:
croyde said:
I bought a 2023 car last year and put over 8000 miles on it through a UK winter. Lived on the street outside and was my daily.
No issues, no corrosion. A great driver's car and the basic bucket seats were the most comfortable car seats that I've ever sat in. 8 plus hour days were absolutely fine.
My base car with 18ins wheels was perfect for our crappy UK roads as well.
I miss it terribly.
OK, to be fair I wouldn't have expected to hear about rust in the course of just 1 winter season No issues, no corrosion. A great driver's car and the basic bucket seats were the most comfortable car seats that I've ever sat in. 8 plus hour days were absolutely fine.
My base car with 18ins wheels was perfect for our crappy UK roads as well.
I miss it terribly.
But thanks for sharing
I can't help but being curious as to why you (gave it away?). If I am not too intrusive!
The car had done 2 winters by the time I sold it, due to losing my job. Needed cash.
AMRicardo said:
After 20k km in my 2024 GT,
4). Any other issues - I ve found the paint to be very susceptible to picking up road rash. Erred about PPF when we took delivery. Picked up a number of imperfections and chips on the first few fast drives over in Malaysia, far more than I would have expected. Had these correctly and had PPF fitted. Unsure if this is just due to condition of roads in Malaysia or if the factory paint is susceptible
.
My car is a PE in Alpine blue, which I have owned from new. In that colour in the UK the paint seems pretty resistant to chips and road rash - far better than my previous Cayman. So may be colour (or country related). 4). Any other issues - I ve found the paint to be very susceptible to picking up road rash. Erred about PPF when we took delivery. Picked up a number of imperfections and chips on the first few fast drives over in Malaysia, far more than I would have expected. Had these correctly and had PPF fitted. Unsure if this is just due to condition of roads in Malaysia or if the factory paint is susceptible
.
There were various problem areas with early cars - windscreens, alternators and fuel pumps - but they have, I believe, been sorted now. Great car, can't see me ever finding a replacement I like half so much.
Wow guys, thanks a lot for all this feedback
It's true what @johnnyreggae says - I am indeed overthinking it. But not done on purpose, its just the way I am
The only thing left I d like to ask here, wrt the engine - did anybody install an oil catch can? Due to the nature of the injection (direct), at least in theory, it should provide some protection in the longer term
Coming from the N14 in my JCW, I have had it with oil consumption and carbon buildup. I should have installed a catch can back when I first got the car (although it was already 2nd hand, 35k km)
Therefore, I would do this job asap, especially on a brand new car - with the only hesitation being the warranty void (as I m sure Alpine won't like the idea)
@AMRicardo
Living in the tropics and owning such a car is a life-long dream!
PPF will be the first thing once purchasing the car (whichever car I ll go for in the end), as well as anti-corrosion/rust treatment
For the PPF, which areas are the most recommended to do (apart from the front)? Sides also susceptible to road rash?
And unfortunately yes, the A110 will almost certainly be the last in its kind
@croyde
Sorry to hear. That really sucks. Having to part with something you love
From what I understand (and as I was recently told), there is no rust issue on the A110 for quite some time now
Only some cases of corrosion, which are mostly addressed on later cars
But I m not entirely clear what type of corrosion we are talking about - is this the aluminium specific 'filiform' corrosion? Is this what you refer to when talking about 'bubbling'?
According to several sources this seems to be more like 'cosmetic' (not compromising structural integrity), but I suppose that if left untreated it can compromise coating protection and open the door for further issues (e.g. rust!)
So Alpine provides 12-year warranty for this type of corrosion? This comes as standard or is it extended warranty? Cause I guess outside of warranty it would cost $$$$ to repair (I mean quality repair, not just piss poor job)
It's true what @johnnyreggae says - I am indeed overthinking it. But not done on purpose, its just the way I am
The only thing left I d like to ask here, wrt the engine - did anybody install an oil catch can? Due to the nature of the injection (direct), at least in theory, it should provide some protection in the longer term
Coming from the N14 in my JCW, I have had it with oil consumption and carbon buildup. I should have installed a catch can back when I first got the car (although it was already 2nd hand, 35k km)
Therefore, I would do this job asap, especially on a brand new car - with the only hesitation being the warranty void (as I m sure Alpine won't like the idea)
@AMRicardo
Living in the tropics and owning such a car is a life-long dream!
PPF will be the first thing once purchasing the car (whichever car I ll go for in the end), as well as anti-corrosion/rust treatment
For the PPF, which areas are the most recommended to do (apart from the front)? Sides also susceptible to road rash?
And unfortunately yes, the A110 will almost certainly be the last in its kind
@croyde
Sorry to hear. That really sucks. Having to part with something you love
From what I understand (and as I was recently told), there is no rust issue on the A110 for quite some time now
Only some cases of corrosion, which are mostly addressed on later cars
But I m not entirely clear what type of corrosion we are talking about - is this the aluminium specific 'filiform' corrosion? Is this what you refer to when talking about 'bubbling'?
According to several sources this seems to be more like 'cosmetic' (not compromising structural integrity), but I suppose that if left untreated it can compromise coating protection and open the door for further issues (e.g. rust!)
So Alpine provides 12-year warranty for this type of corrosion? This comes as standard or is it extended warranty? Cause I guess outside of warranty it would cost $$$$ to repair (I mean quality repair, not just piss poor job)
Edited by extinct on Sunday 30th November 09:49
Blimey, we'll all be extinct by the time you pull the trigger and actually buy one! 
With respect, you're looking for problems which probably won't be there - these are all unknowns. If you spend all of your time analysing them there will be no time to actually enjoy your purchase once it's on your drive, you'll be forever expecting something to go wrong with it.. wouldn't that sour the ownership experience?
With respect, you're looking for problems which probably won't be there - these are all unknowns. If you spend all of your time analysing them there will be no time to actually enjoy your purchase once it's on your drive, you'll be forever expecting something to go wrong with it.. wouldn't that sour the ownership experience?
Simply put, there aren't any 'major flaws'. Every car from every brand out there will suffer from a list of niggles or problems that someone has had at some point. Absolutely no brand is exempt.
There were a couple of early issues well documented on here, but cars built over the last 5 years or so seem to have either been recalled and fixed, or not suffer from the issues at all.
The paint bubbling issue, as others have said, is something nearly all aluminium body cars are at risk of. Plenty of McLaren and Aston Martin cars have it. But it doesn't affect all cars. Mine's a 2021 model, bought new. Zero paint - or any other - issues. Maybe it would be different if I'd done 50,000 in that time rather than 16,000, but that's true of any car.
The engine is proven and the gearbox, although unique to the A110 doesn't seem to have been a source of any issues from what I've seen.
In no way is an A110 a risky purchase. Crikey, even the residuals are proving to be alarmingly good and with the A110 going out of production, are hardly likely to get worse.
There were a couple of early issues well documented on here, but cars built over the last 5 years or so seem to have either been recalled and fixed, or not suffer from the issues at all.
The paint bubbling issue, as others have said, is something nearly all aluminium body cars are at risk of. Plenty of McLaren and Aston Martin cars have it. But it doesn't affect all cars. Mine's a 2021 model, bought new. Zero paint - or any other - issues. Maybe it would be different if I'd done 50,000 in that time rather than 16,000, but that's true of any car.
The engine is proven and the gearbox, although unique to the A110 doesn't seem to have been a source of any issues from what I've seen.
In no way is an A110 a risky purchase. Crikey, even the residuals are proving to be alarmingly good and with the A110 going out of production, are hardly likely to get worse.
Thanks for the input guys, I ll shut up (for now )
Like I said, I m known for 'worrying too much'
In any case, I ll have to put everything down and come up with a decision
In the case of the A110 - does anyone have any reliable info up until when it would be possible to place an order? I read somewhere something like about 2-3 months from now, but don't know how much truth there is to that
@bigglesA110
Just curious - what color is yours?
If I go for the A110, it ll be metallic gray
)Like I said, I m known for 'worrying too much'
In any case, I ll have to put everything down and come up with a decision
In the case of the A110 - does anyone have any reliable info up until when it would be possible to place an order? I read somewhere something like about 2-3 months from now, but don't know how much truth there is to that
@bigglesA110
Just curious - what color is yours?
If I go for the A110, it ll be metallic gray
extinct said:
In the case of the A110 - does anyone have any reliable info up until when it would be possible to place an order?
What is a reliable information?The factory may define a deadline until when they accept orders and this might be communicated correctly to you. But once the production capacity is over, you may be unable to order, even the deadline is in the future.
Already happened in many cases....
Sorry to say but It would fit to your whole decision process to evaluate everything until the possibility to order is gone.
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