147 Selespeed - buying advice

[Psychobert]

Been offered a cheap (I think..) 147 Selespeed for basically the price that the owner can get on part ex, (couple of light dinks in the bodywork so 2.5K max and its mine).

I know nothing about this model, but had a 2L 145 TS and it was a real hoot. Am I right in thinking all 147 Selespeeds are 2L TS models? Knowing the owner I'm guessing I'll have all the toys added, any big problems to look out for?

Only thing that might put me off is the throttle pedal position; on the 145 its very upright and I found it uncomfortable to drive long distances. Is the 147 similar? At this price I'm going to have to give a pretty firm offer unseen, so could do with advice from the cognoscenti before I take it any further..

[dgr]

Sounds a good buy, Selespeed is not everybody's cup of tea and Alfa no longer offer it in the UK. Car will be a 2.0 with the 16V Fiat derived TSpark engine.

Engines need to be serviced and you should check if the cambelt has been done.

If you can afford to risk the 2.5K (in case car is a lemon) then I'd say go for it.

[twinspark]

My only advice is:

Don't.

They're not known as 'Sillyspeeds' for nothing, you know.

The software has had more updates than Windows.....

[chris.mapey]

Offer no more than 50% of the bottom book price.... and still worry when it's going to empty your wallet.

I used to work at an Alfa / Fiat dealership, and there was a group policy in place that we did not entertain buying any Selespeeds for stock. They all had to be appraised, underwritten & traded asap!

Go in with your eyes WIDE open

Chris

[Psychobert]

Arse Now I've driven it, I really quite like it.. I'd personally prefer to go for something larger as a barge to cruise up and down the motorway, but parking space restrictions mean that I can't really go for anything much larger..