Alternative to an Alfa GT

[Harding91]

So after starting a new job im looking to spend probably between 3-5K On something more enjoyable than my current Saab 9-3.

Idealy a nice looking coupe, not against a saloon or even an estate but prefer a coupe.

Not interested in a hot hatch, prefer slightly bigger cars otherwise id be looking at a Fiesta ST Or something alike.

Had a few E36/46's and not really that interested in another BMW Although i guess a nice tidy 325/328 Would make sense.

Currently im stuck for ideas on what i want, the only thing really sticking out to me is an Alfa GT, preferably a 1.9 JDTM. I think its a fantastic looking car.

Im not fussed if its petrol or diesel, ive just heard to avoid the petrol JTS GT's?

The only other car ive really been drawn to is a 350Z But i think id struggle to get one worth buying under 5k.

Examples of a few of the Alfa GT's ive been tempted to go and view.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Alfa-Romeo-GT-Clove...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-ALFA-ROMEO-GT-1-9-J...


Only real set requirements are budget of 3-5k, Coupe preffered, no smaller cars like a Cooper S/Fiesta ST Etc.

[MattLeBlank]

I dont know alot about these, but a client has one. It sounds great (v6) and rides well.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[300bhp/ton]

Alfa Brera?

How old do you want to go? Last gen Celicas go pretty well and while not the most speedy I quite liked the Ford Cougars. Made for very good junior GT cars if you know what I mean.

[Harding91]

300bhp/ton said:

Alfa Brera?

How old do you want to go? Last gen Celicas go pretty well and while not the most speedy I quite liked the Ford Cougars. Made for very good junior GT cars if you know what I mean.

I love the look of the Brera but ive not heard great things reliability wise compared to the GT.

Celica is a bit small really.

As for Ford Cougars...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Harding91]

MattLeBlank said:

I dont know alot about these, but a client has one. It sounds great (v6) and rides well.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Not really that appealing to me, not a fan of the looks to be honest.

[Frankthered]

Hyundai Coupe?

XK8?

RX8?

Scirocco?

[tektas]

I can really recommend the GT, I myself have a JTS for the last 1,5 years and 18000 miles.

The JTS is not a "bad" engine, just dull and slow compared the the V6 and the JTD.

If you want economy, take the JTD, if thats not that important find yourself a GT with the Busso V6 and be happy

The JTD is a very reliable and strong engine, coming from Fiat.

Parts for the GT are quite cheap, since it is all either from the 147 or the 156, be aware that the front suspension is quite weak and needs replacing more often than with other cars.

[Harding91]

tektas said:

I can really recommend the GT, I myself have a JTS for the last 1,5 years and 18000 miles.

The JTS is not a "bad" engine, just dull and slow compared the the V6 and the JTD.

If you want economy, take the JTD, if thats not that important find yourself a GT with the Busso V6 and be happy

The JTD is a very reliable and strong engine, coming from Fiat.

Parts for the GT are quite cheap, since it is all either from the 147 or the 156, be aware that the front suspension is quite weak and needs replacing more often than with other cars.

The GT Is certainly still the most likely choice they seem such good value for money and such a pretty car.

Frankthered said:

Hyundai Coupe?

XK8?

RX8?

Scirocco?

Not a fan of the Hyundai

XK8 Is an interesting choice actually.

I love the Rx8 but rotary puts me off, i can work on most things myself but have zero rotary knowledge.

And Scirocco for under 5k?

[ZX10R NIN]

The JTS isn't a bad engine it's a bit of a nothing engine in terms of performance.

Alternative options to the JTD:

2006 Mercedes CLK350 Sport 71k (with all the windows dropped away it's like having a convertible)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 CLK 280 Sport 70k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...


CLK320cdi Avantgarde (if you want a diesel) 59k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2004 Audi TT 3.2 79k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2005 TT 3.2 70k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

You can find well looked after Nissan's within your budget:

2004 350Z 83k FSH

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

350Z 74k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Toyota Celica GT4 ST205 (this is a bit of a classic maybe not the best as a daily) 66k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 2.2 Alfa Brera SV 60k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 2.4jtd Brera SV 60k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2004/5 330ci 85/89k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2006 325i SE 63k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 325i M Sport 88k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 GT JTS Blackline 61/68/73k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

The Mercs get my vote but I'm bias the Nissans are good.

[Frankthered]

Harding91 said:

And Scirocco for under 5k?

There are a (very) few about. They are a bit leggy though, now I look again!

[Harding91]

I think its between an Alfa GT Or a low mileage Rx8. Now to find a good interest loan!

[300bhp/ton]

Personally never really been a fan of the Alfa GT. something doesn't quite gel for me with its styling. Also it always seemed rather too much of a 3 door fwd hatchback. That said, I do understand the appeal, even if I don't personally get it.

RX-8's are IMO awesome. Just do plenty of reading from actual owners.

Another car I'd probably consider would be the Chrysler Crossfire. Love the way they look. And go pretty well. There is also a go faster SRT-6 version too.

[Harding91]

300bhp/ton said:

Personally never really been a fan of the Alfa GT. something doesn't quite gel for me with its styling. Also it always seemed rather too much of a 3 door fwd hatchback. That said, I do understand the appeal, even if I don't personally get it.

RX-8's are IMO awesome. Just do plenty of reading from actual owners.

Another car I'd probably consider would be the Chrysler Crossfire. Love the way they look. And go pretty well. There is also a go faster SRT-6 version too.

Personally i dont like how the Crossfire looks.

I love the Rx8 and im hugely tempted but my absolute lack of knowledge of rotarys puts me off whereas im confident i can tackle any problem i come across on an Alfa.

[Ephraim]

The rotary is actually reasonably simple, albeit potentially fragile if not looked after. There are plenty of specialists out there, and tons of information available online, with a pretty active RX-8 owners club. The cars themselves are characterful, quick and fun to drive. I had two and rated them higher than the 350Z that my wife owned. You really need one that you can be sure has been looked after, and to be able to put up with the 19mpg that they offer, but your £3k should get a very fine, owners club car, and you'll still have the remainder of the money for fuel and contingency.

I almost bought an Alfa GT with the V6, but in the end I went for a GTV V6 instead, just felt rawer and more fun.

[djbunker8]

Re Alfa GTs - had a JTS Selespeed for a few years.
Obvious advice alert - avoid Selespeed like the plague!

Good points: a larger car than you think. Can get 2 adults in the back (although not massively comfortable for longer journeys). Decent sized boot. Comfy seats if you get the leather.
Alfa specialist garages are really helpful and passionate unlike some other brands...

Performance not a massive win, and handling very sketchy when you push on. Very pretty car to look at, love the Cloverleaf versions and very good vfm to buy now I expect.

[RSTurboPaul]

justnow said:

Just to say avoid the 1.9 jtdm engine. Has many problems (ended up needing an engine rebuild), is quite rough on idle and half the time was just turbo lag.

I parked next to one last week and they still look great, even if that example was a bit tired!

I am confused.


I thought the 1.9 JTD was known for its reliability?

Is the 1.9 JTDM a different engine?


I recall seeing some Alfa classified listings with 'the high power version' referenced (180bhp?) so is the latter referring to that?

If it is a different engine and unreliable, what makes it so? (and is it correct to presume modifying / 'chipping' / etc the JTD engine is therefore not recommended?)


Any advice very gratefully received, as a diesel Alfa of some kind looks to be on my horizon in the not-too-distant future...

Muchos gracias!

Edited by RSTurboPaul on Wednesday 14th June 22:39

[tektas]

I also thought the JTD are reliable..

Please enlighten us

[alpha channel]

My 159 had the 1.9jtdm in it and it was reliable, never had any engine related issues with it... I got it to that part in it's life where it needed a clutch (and DMF, modern diesels that made the eye's water a bit, gearbox rebuild, bearings have a habit of going tits up on the 159, again eye watering, and as has been said two upper wish bones on the front, this latter one seems to be a general Alfa thing though).

You've really just got to keep switched on which of the 1.9 diesels you buy if you go that way as there's two, the 8 valve and 16 valve. The 16v (again two version of this, 150hp and 180hp) main plus of the 16v though is that the glow plugs are far easier to get at as they're on the top of the engine, the 8v plugs are apparently a right bh as they're located at the rear. The only other thing I'd recommend would be to clean the EGR valve out every six months or so if you buy diesel as it makes a noticeable difference to throttle response and if they're anything like my old 159 they can be rather touchy with regards to battery connections. I could tell which of the terminals wasn't quite seated properly depending upon the error it threw up on the dash .

[_Superleggera_]

The 1.9 is a really solid engine. Unlike the 2.0 JTS.

The 3.2 V6 is an absolute peach.

The GT is surprisingly practical. I ran one for 2 years (albeit in V6 form) and it was a brilliant car. Good size boot, seats fold down. The rear seats are pretty pointless mind, but you can get someone in them.