4.5k to spend, 147 or GTV?
Discussion
Always wanted an alfa and think its about time I took the plunge. My wife has the family car, so I'm after something pretty fun, but not nutso cos I need to drive to work and back in it - so I was thinking if its the GTV it would be the 2.0TS as I think the V6 might be a biit thirsty - its not loadsa miles (about 120 a week) - how thirsty are the V6's?
I've driven the 147, and really liked it, plus a couple of them park opposite me and I just think they look great - whats the GTV like to drive? Which has less potential to break? And at that kind of money, what model, year & mileage should I be looking for?
And (last one, I rpomise) are there any decent independents who might make a good job of looking after my chosen steed in North Staffordshire or South Cheshire?
Thanks!
I've driven the 147, and really liked it, plus a couple of them park opposite me and I just think they look great - whats the GTV like to drive? Which has less potential to break? And at that kind of money, what model, year & mileage should I be looking for?
And (last one, I rpomise) are there any decent independents who might make a good job of looking after my chosen steed in North Staffordshire or South Cheshire?
Thanks!
I've owned a GTV V6, it definitely likes a drink (quite a bit more than my old 75 3.0 in fact). As with all these Alfa V6 cars, the engine sounds glorious though. It has a mini Ferrari feel to it.
quick note to Chris71 if you're reading this... I sold the GTV V6 and kept the 75... kind of says it all really
The handling (and IMO, even the ride quality) of the GTV is better than the 147, but the driving position is pretty bad. If you're tall, you'll be driving around with your head cranked over, because the windscreen is so low. Interior build quality is definitely worse than in the 147. The 147 feels better developped too.
The GTV is beautifull (the design is 12 years old now...), but the 147 is probably easier to live with. The handling advantage isn't that big, because although there is a notable difference between the 2, they're both in the okayish to good zone, definitely not excellent or brilliant.
quick note to Chris71 if you're reading this... I sold the GTV V6 and kept the 75... kind of says it all really
The handling (and IMO, even the ride quality) of the GTV is better than the 147, but the driving position is pretty bad. If you're tall, you'll be driving around with your head cranked over, because the windscreen is so low. Interior build quality is definitely worse than in the 147. The 147 feels better developped too.
The GTV is beautifull (the design is 12 years old now...), but the 147 is probably easier to live with. The handling advantage isn't that big, because although there is a notable difference between the 2, they're both in the okayish to good zone, definitely not excellent or brilliant.
I've got a GTV V6 and a 147 1.6.
The 147 feels like a newer generation of car, but I'm not sure there's a massive difference in build quality - perhaps because the GTV was the top of the range when new, whereas the 147 is the entry-level car? Saying that, I've had no real problems with either of them, so it's hard to judge which is better.
No question, though - the GTV is a far, far better car to drive.
They're pretty different things altogether, best to try them both. And then buy the GTV V6.
Although if you're definitely after a 2.0, then it'd likely be closer - the 2.0 GTV handles marginally better than the 3.0, but the power (and noise) advantage of the 3.0 more than compensate. For me, anyway.
edit to add - Mangoletsi in Knutsford have a good name, by and large, but I'm not sure if that's too far from you? I used them when I was living in Chester. For economy, the most I ever get from the GTV is roughly 300 miles from a tank which is something like 23mpg.
The 147 feels like a newer generation of car, but I'm not sure there's a massive difference in build quality - perhaps because the GTV was the top of the range when new, whereas the 147 is the entry-level car? Saying that, I've had no real problems with either of them, so it's hard to judge which is better.
No question, though - the GTV is a far, far better car to drive.
They're pretty different things altogether, best to try them both. And then buy the GTV V6.
Although if you're definitely after a 2.0, then it'd likely be closer - the 2.0 GTV handles marginally better than the 3.0, but the power (and noise) advantage of the 3.0 more than compensate. For me, anyway.edit to add - Mangoletsi in Knutsford have a good name, by and large, but I'm not sure if that's too far from you? I used them when I was living in Chester. For economy, the most I ever get from the GTV is roughly 300 miles from a tank which is something like 23mpg.
Edited by jamieboy on Friday 30th November 10:06
The difference between the V6 and Fiat Twin Spark engine (because that's what it is really) is that the 4 cylinder is a nice engine, but the V6 is probably one of the best and the nicest sounding V6s ever (if you don't mind the thirst of the 24v v6s).
My GTV was an early car, later cars probably have a better finish though. Whatever, do be sure that you can live with the driving position (OK, if it's your "fun" car, tiring for everyday chores).
My GTV was an early car, later cars probably have a better finish though. Whatever, do be sure that you can live with the driving position (OK, if it's your "fun" car, tiring for everyday chores).
wadgebeast said:
If you're after something fun and don't need the practicality then it's the GTV every time.
Junk the spare wheel, and the GTV isn't THAT unpractical. You can fit 1 adult pretty well in the back for shortish trips (up to 2 hours, lets say). 4 people is probably a no-no.Real driver said:
I've owned a GTV V6, it definitely likes a drink (quite a bit more than my old 75 3.0 in fact). As with all these Alfa V6 cars, the engine sounds glorious though. It has a mini Ferrari feel to it.
quick note to Chris71 if you're reading this... I sold the GTV V6 and kept the 75... kind of says it all really
The handling (and IMO, even the ride quality) of the GTV is better than the 147, but the driving position is pretty bad. If you're tall, you'll be driving around with your head cranked over, because the windscreen is so low. Interior build quality is definitely worse than in the 147. The 147 feels better developped too.
The GTV is beautifull (the design is 12 years old now...), but the 147 is probably easier to live with. The handling advantage isn't that big, because although there is a notable difference between the 2, they're both in the okayish to good zone, definitely not excellent or brilliant.
You called? I am indeed - drove past a 75 this morning in fact. quick note to Chris71 if you're reading this... I sold the GTV V6 and kept the 75... kind of says it all really
The handling (and IMO, even the ride quality) of the GTV is better than the 147, but the driving position is pretty bad. If you're tall, you'll be driving around with your head cranked over, because the windscreen is so low. Interior build quality is definitely worse than in the 147. The 147 feels better developped too.
The GTV is beautifull (the design is 12 years old now...), but the 147 is probably easier to live with. The handling advantage isn't that big, because although there is a notable difference between the 2, they're both in the okayish to good zone, definitely not excellent or brilliant.
My personal take on the original subject is that I would be surprised if the Alfas beat the opposition on a purely subjective basis. You could buy a Focus instead of a 147 or something like a new Celica instead of the 4 cylinder GTV and I doubt they'd be significantly behind the Italian equivilant in terms of economy, reliability and even performance. However, the big draw of the Alfa is character and a sense of occasion. I think most people buy one with their heart rather than their head. So think of it this way; if you were eight, which one would you rather have on your bedroom wall?
whats the reliability of the 147 like? i really fancy an alfa, and wit ha 50 mile round trip to work after my house move in a few weeks, i'm starting to think its time to sell my 96 mustang..
i'll be looking at spending about £4k whats preferable, lower miles or newer car? or should i just keep the stang for a little while longer?
i'll be looking at spending about £4k whats preferable, lower miles or newer car? or should i just keep the stang for a little while longer?
Have a 147GTA now and used to have a 3.0GTV. Both fantastic cars. I'd say for your budget get a 3.0GTV as the only 147 that comes close is the GTA.
I always used to get about 26mpg in my GTV (22 in the GTA!) and found it very reliable and not overly expensive to run. So much more special as a car than a 4cyl 147, which are good cars - though I love my GTA which is pretty special I feel.
You can lower the seat in a GTV if you are tall, and you'll learn to love the view out though initially feels like you are in a tank turret! Its pretty old, but still a very good drive, and reasonably practical for such a lovely looking car.
You can learn loads more about the GTV at sportsalfa.com
I always used to get about 26mpg in my GTV (22 in the GTA!) and found it very reliable and not overly expensive to run. So much more special as a car than a 4cyl 147, which are good cars - though I love my GTA which is pretty special I feel.
You can lower the seat in a GTV if you are tall, and you'll learn to love the view out though initially feels like you are in a tank turret! Its pretty old, but still a very good drive, and reasonably practical for such a lovely looking car.
You can learn loads more about the GTV at sportsalfa.com
philoldsmobile said:
whats the reliability of the 147 like? i really fancy an alfa, and wit ha 50 mile round trip to work after my house move in a few weeks, i'm starting to think its time to sell my 96 mustang..
i'll be looking at spending about £4k whats preferable, lower miles or newer car? or should i just keep the stang for a little while longer?
I would go for a newer car, mileage is not a problem if they are properly serviced and a car that has done lots of motorway miles is often better than one that has spent its life doing short town journeys. My 2001 GTV has done 90k miles and is still in very good condition.i'll be looking at spending about £4k whats preferable, lower miles or newer car? or should i just keep the stang for a little while longer?
excelent, thanks..
tried to test drive a 147 yesterday, but it was at a car supermarket, and i just couldn't deal with the staff and their insistance to take the finance (yeah, right!) also couldn't deal with their pre rehersed sales pitch..
might keep the mustang a while longer, and replace it with either a GT or a late 166 in a couple of years afteri have changed jobs and dont have such a commute..
tried to test drive a 147 yesterday, but it was at a car supermarket, and i just couldn't deal with the staff and their insistance to take the finance (yeah, right!) also couldn't deal with their pre rehersed sales pitch..
might keep the mustang a while longer, and replace it with either a GT or a late 166 in a couple of years afteri have changed jobs and dont have such a commute..
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