Any Giulietta cloverleaf owners on here?
Any Giulietta cloverleaf owners on here?
Author
Discussion

wilbo83

Original Poster:

1,550 posts

186 months

Tuesday 8th December 2015
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Just wondered if there are any Giulietta Cloverleaf (earlier non TCT model) owners on here who can share their owner experiences?

I am considering getting one as I really like the styling and the impressive torque figure for a petrol is appealing. Any major watch outs? I test drove one recently which was alfa red and covered in scratches along with 4 kerbed wheels so walked away, and am now considering white also as red seems to be known for soft paint. Have also joined alfaowner forum but there don’t seem to be many frequent updates.

flyingplum

85 posts

186 months

Thursday 10th December 2015
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Yes, we have a Cloverleaf in 8C Red, first registered 31 December 2010. We bought it in August as my Brera S was proving to be a little impractical with a new born baby. Ours currently has 38k miles on the clock and drives well, but it's due a service this month, including the cambelt, tensioners and water pump (+£600 on top of the cost of service). This should be done when the car is 4-5 years old, even if the mileage is low.

Only other issues I've noticed so far are the odd front suspension rattle on rough ground - probably wishbones / bushes. I will know more after the service.

Generally though, a fun car to drive, goes well, returns good mpg, insurance isn't expensive, different from your usual Golf GTi but it does feel less 'Alfa' than the other Alfas I've owned, hence why the wife drives this and I'm sticking with the Brera S for now.

Also, the Alfaowner forum is a better source of info than Pistonheads wink

Prolex-UK

4,950 posts

229 months

Saturday 12th December 2015
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I have one. Done 23k miles now.

Its a white one and is a great car.

No problems at all and would recomend one wholeheartedly.

Always have the DNA switch activated

Shows 32mpg average over last 4000 miles and most of my mileage is stop start

wilbo83

Original Poster:

1,550 posts

186 months

Saturday 12th December 2015
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Thanks both, good to hear positive comments. Have spent a bit of time other on alfaowner and also watching a few videos on youtube and definitely think I will get one. The other consideration was a 330i but the 3 series are so common and don't feel as special as the alfa and are plagued with issues from what I can see.

Any must have options? I am hoping to hold out for one with bi-xenon lights, heated seats and ideally bose and both armrests, but may have to compromise on something. After playing around with the radio nav on the one I test drove, I have decided I don't want that as it seemed slow and rubbish! Would prefer the normal radio which looks easier to upgrade to a double din touch screen unit in future.

flyingplum

85 posts

186 months

Monday 14th December 2015
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The options are entirely up to you. Which options do you want and which ones happen to be on the right car that is also in the right condition and within the preferred mileage, if you're buying a used car, that is. I picked ours based on the colour (I love 8C red), mileage and condition, but it doesn't have full leather or rear armrest (not bothered as the car is for family duties with a child seat in the back) or sat nav (again, not bothered as the car doesn't travel far).

One thing to be aware of if you're buying a used one - rear parking sensors were option only on the early cars, so not all cars are fitted with them.

If you're thinking more from a resale value perspective, get one with as many options as possible in one of the lesser spotted colours.

blearyeyedboy

6,709 posts

200 months

Monday 14th December 2015
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Forgive the thread hijack, but how comfy do you find the seats?
6'1" here, looking for something fun, practical and funds don't quite stretch to a Mk 3 Focus ST... wondering how feasible a Giulietta would be.

(Yes, I know I can have a test drive but I often find there's a difference between a short test drive and a 300 mile drive.)

flyingplum

85 posts

186 months

Tuesday 15th December 2015
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blearyeyedboy said:
Forgive the thread hijack, but how comfy do you find the seats?
6'1" here, looking for something fun, practical and funds don't quite stretch to a Mk 3 Focus ST... wondering how feasible a Giulietta would be.

(Yes, I know I can have a test drive but I often find there's a difference between a short test drive and a 300 mile drive.)
I'm also 6'1" and have previously suffered from back problems, but I find the seats fine as long as they're adjusted to how I want them.

blearyeyedboy

6,709 posts

200 months

Tuesday 15th December 2015
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Thanks flyingplum, that's really useful.

bmthnick1981

5,317 posts

237 months

Sunday 24th January 2016
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flyingplum said:
The options are entirely up to you. Which options do you want and which ones happen to be on the right car that is also in the right condition and within the preferred mileage, if you're buying a used car, that is. I picked ours based on the colour (I love 8C red), mileage and condition, but it doesn't have full leather or rear armrest (not bothered as the car is for family duties with a child seat in the back) or sat nav (again, not bothered as the car doesn't travel far).

One thing to be aware of if you're buying a used one - rear parking sensors were option only on the early cars, so not all cars are fitted with them.

If you're thinking more from a resale value perspective, get one with as many options as possible in one of the lesser spotted colours.
Good advice and 8c red is the one to have!