Tempted by a Stelvio
Discussion
Spent some time in our local Alfa dealer at the weekend.
We are rearranging all our cars. Saab 9-3, 159 and Spider all going. Well, maybe not the Spider. Got some lease prices on a Gulia. They weren't great but we are thinking about it.
However, sat in the corner was a red Stelvio with a red interior. My word it was lovely. They had a deal for £299/month. That sounds like a lot of car for the money and they seem better equipped than the Gulia I was looking at. From head on it looks MASSIVE but less so from flanks and rear! What's interesting is that 'er indoors liked it too. Her view is a Mito or a Stelvio! Ladymaths in action.
I had a quick look but couldn't find anyone with a thread on them, so, anyone got one?
This is the sort of deal that seems good value. Bear in mind I was quoted £395/month for similar terms on a Hyundai Tuscon the same day (don't ask)
We are rearranging all our cars. Saab 9-3, 159 and Spider all going. Well, maybe not the Spider. Got some lease prices on a Gulia. They weren't great but we are thinking about it.
However, sat in the corner was a red Stelvio with a red interior. My word it was lovely. They had a deal for £299/month. That sounds like a lot of car for the money and they seem better equipped than the Gulia I was looking at. From head on it looks MASSIVE but less so from flanks and rear! What's interesting is that 'er indoors liked it too. Her view is a Mito or a Stelvio! Ladymaths in action.
I had a quick look but couldn't find anyone with a thread on them, so, anyone got one?
This is the sort of deal that seems good value. Bear in mind I was quoted £395/month for similar terms on a Hyundai Tuscon the same day (don't ask)
I have a Stelvio (280hp Petrol Milano Edizione) and am 3 months and 2000 miles in. I've yet to see another on the road...
I love it to bits and struggle to find fault with it, and so does my missus. The A Pillar/Wing mirror are pretty massive and cause quite a blind spot when doing slow manoeuvres but that's about it. MPG is only around 23.5 for my type of journeys (no long motorway cruises involved.) Other than that there's a few minor niggles common with the Giulia such as sticky keyless entry buttons which I'll get sorted under warranty at some point.
None of which get anywhere near to overshadowing the fantastic driving experience (for an SUV) but as that is so subjective a topic I'll let you decide that for yourself.
I love it to bits and struggle to find fault with it, and so does my missus. The A Pillar/Wing mirror are pretty massive and cause quite a blind spot when doing slow manoeuvres but that's about it. MPG is only around 23.5 for my type of journeys (no long motorway cruises involved.) Other than that there's a few minor niggles common with the Giulia such as sticky keyless entry buttons which I'll get sorted under warranty at some point.
None of which get anywhere near to overshadowing the fantastic driving experience (for an SUV) but as that is so subjective a topic I'll let you decide that for yourself.
Went to place the order and the guys changed the deal. Rather than stick to it they let me walk out of the dealership.
Made so e calls and discovered that production of the Stelvio has actually been stopped and unless you order a physical UK car then it's a 6 month wait minimum. Did they mention that, no. Dreadful experience overall.
Went elsewhere and ended considering a DS7 at a dealer who really wanted to sell me a car and I ended up with a fantastic deal on a very impressive car.
Shame, but Alfa need to get their act sorted if they are to shift cars.
Made so e calls and discovered that production of the Stelvio has actually been stopped and unless you order a physical UK car then it's a 6 month wait minimum. Did they mention that, no. Dreadful experience overall.
Went elsewhere and ended considering a DS7 at a dealer who really wanted to sell me a car and I ended up with a fantastic deal on a very impressive car.
Shame, but Alfa need to get their act sorted if they are to shift cars.
Have you tried Beechdale in Derby? I bought my Giulia from there on recommendation from the Alfa community and wasn't disappointed. I'm led to believe they're one of the most successful UK dealers.
Also Research in Nuneaton have a good reputation - my car's in there for some warranty work at the moment and they've been nothing but helpful and accommodating.
Maybe I've just been lucky?
Also Research in Nuneaton have a good reputation - my car's in there for some warranty work at the moment and they've been nothing but helpful and accommodating.
Maybe I've just been lucky?
There appear to be two kinds of Alfa dealers. Those that have the brand because FCA have pushed it on them and those that know and support it. My nearest dealer is the former. We bought a MiTo from them and expressed interest in a Giulia QV before release. Since buying the car we've had virtually no support from the dealer, and certainly no call to sell me the Giulia*.
In the end we've chosen to go to the next closest dealer for servicing and any future purchases. It has been an Alfa dealer for a long time and the staff have a passion for the brand. Nothing its too much trouble for them and we are looking at buying a Stelvio from them later in the year to replace the MiTo.
In the end we've chosen to go to the next closest dealer for servicing and any future purchases. It has been an Alfa dealer for a long time and the staff have a passion for the brand. Nothing its too much trouble for them and we are looking at buying a Stelvio from them later in the year to replace the MiTo.
- In the end I got fed up waiting for both Alfa to release it and the dealer to get back to me and in a fit of pique bought a Maserati Ghibli S. Not as quick but I'm happy with the choice. Perhaps I should be thankful that the dealer was so bad.
I think you're right about the dealers.
The same showroom had Jeep, Fiat, Alfa and Abarth (as a separate identify) in a slightly cramped and unsatisfactory way. The particular salesman I dealt with is actually on holiday now but I have had no follow up calls nor was there any real attempt to get my signature on the line.
In hindsight the attitude generally, the presentation of the showroom (and staff to be honest) should have given me clues. The awful presentation of the cars in the showrooms was a further clue.
Its a few years since I got a brand new car and the last one was a Saab, who couldn't have been better to deal with. As a result I'm a bit our of practice but the local Citroen/DS/Peugeot could not have been a bigger contrast. A dedicated area for the DS models, knowledgeable staff and a general eagerness to accommodate us and sell us a car. They have identified the DS as almost a separate marque and backed that with the showroom space etc.
We only called in on the off chance and by the attitude displayed, a test drive there and then without being booked and a commercial attitude to me telling them what they had to offer got them a sale. I love the Stelvio and the recent Top Gear will have done it no harm, but Alfa need to sort out how and where they want to sell them and how badly they want to sell them. A pretty face only goes so far. Besides, the DS has lights that swivel round when you start it! Very blingy for a 57 year old chubby Chartered Surveyor!
I apparently get an invitation to visit the Citroen museum when next in France too!
We plan on buying a Mito later in the summer. We won't be going back to our local Alfa dealer, and that's a shame.
The same showroom had Jeep, Fiat, Alfa and Abarth (as a separate identify) in a slightly cramped and unsatisfactory way. The particular salesman I dealt with is actually on holiday now but I have had no follow up calls nor was there any real attempt to get my signature on the line.
In hindsight the attitude generally, the presentation of the showroom (and staff to be honest) should have given me clues. The awful presentation of the cars in the showrooms was a further clue.
Its a few years since I got a brand new car and the last one was a Saab, who couldn't have been better to deal with. As a result I'm a bit our of practice but the local Citroen/DS/Peugeot could not have been a bigger contrast. A dedicated area for the DS models, knowledgeable staff and a general eagerness to accommodate us and sell us a car. They have identified the DS as almost a separate marque and backed that with the showroom space etc.
We only called in on the off chance and by the attitude displayed, a test drive there and then without being booked and a commercial attitude to me telling them what they had to offer got them a sale. I love the Stelvio and the recent Top Gear will have done it no harm, but Alfa need to sort out how and where they want to sell them and how badly they want to sell them. A pretty face only goes so far. Besides, the DS has lights that swivel round when you start it! Very blingy for a 57 year old chubby Chartered Surveyor!
I apparently get an invitation to visit the Citroen museum when next in France too!
We plan on buying a Mito later in the summer. We won't be going back to our local Alfa dealer, and that's a shame.
S100HP said:
silverthorn2151 said:
I
I apparently get an invitation to visit the Citroen museum when next in France too!
If you've an ounce of interested in Citroen heritage then do it. Went in October 16, was a fantastic place.I apparently get an invitation to visit the Citroen museum when next in France too!
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