I'm just been through the search function - I know I'm asking for trouble here...

But saw one of these at the weekend, WOW
Such a beautiful car.

I'm guessing the bottom line is people will say don't get one cos:
- dealer service is crap
- problems
- etc..

I'm looking at one this weekend thou

 

Make sure the boot is a decent size, I once looked at a 156 where the saloon had more boot space than the esta.. err shooting brake

 

Alfa's are lovely.

http://www.speedheads.de/galleries/0029/002173.jpg

 

Alex,

I've always liked Alfas, but I can't bring myself to buy one for the reasons you have already mentioned.

Reading forums with owners opinions and common faults makes me less likely to buy one, even as an occasional use car!

 

I thought they were all occasional use cars?

 

159 is the newest one isn't it?

no more (or less) reliable than every other car on the road nowadays. Electrics and build quality are good, dealers are a bit of a lottery with any manufacturer; my local (Aylesbury) are a good reliable bunch.

The one thing Alfa do have over the competition is the looks, you do sufer a bit visability wise though. Try it out; I hope you like it. I've got a GT and love it.
Kev

 

It's a bit early to call surely?

My 156 was OK - I think I was lucky though!

 

Yes it's far too early to say what the 159 will be like on reliability and build but it will have to be a massive step up to match even mainstream family models never mind the top of the compact exec market.

I had a 156 Selespeed Veloce from new for 20 months, loads of minor trim niggles, and major ongoing suspension and steering issues. Dealers were less than useless, I ended up changing the front wishbones myself as the dealers cocked it up twice.
The car was fantastic when it was 100% but thats was only about 10% of the time.

Cheers
Lee

 

looks nice and thats about it.

 

Thats my main concern.

The other car I'm looking at, its all budget related, is the MX6 MPS.
From what I've read, no worse than other jap cars for residuals etc..
Great build and good performance.

Test driving the following this weekend, but basically need a saloon or sports wagon type car.

MX6 MPS
RX8
159 2.2 JTS Lusso Sports Wagon

Was looking at Audi's - but everyone I know that has had (or had) one, has had lots of problems and carp service. Same goes for VW.

Don't want to go the 3 series route.

And won't touch french cars with a barge poll!

 

I've heard very good things about the new Mazda 6 and RX8. Also if you're looking at saloons, people who own Accords seem to really like them and of course they go on forever.

 

I do like the accord, but it's just a bit too bland... Funnilly enough, I've been offered a cracking deal on the 2.4 Type S saloon with 18"s + sat nav new... And, may well opt for it if common sense gets the better of me (which of course is one of my strengths as you know! )

TBH the RX8 is looking good from a style and reliability point of view - but I need a bigger car than that really.... *sigh* oh when I was single.......

 

Fair point, it's going to be a while before Alfa shake the old reputation. The new cars are better though, from the 147 really.

My choice of engine would be the 3.2 V6 or the 5 pot 2.4 Td (200bhp in the Brera) with a remap.

It's probably not as practical overall as the Mazda, but you gotta' love the way it looks.

 

Alex, why don't you post up your requirements and budget, to see if someone here has an idea you hadn't thought of? remster's 3rd car thread got some pretty sensible answers, I'm not sure of your mileage or needs for space for work, but a fun car / family car combo might suit you? It sounds like you're desperately trying to get both in one car and always in fear of compromise...

 

Subaru Forester?

 

Basically I've got about 24K max to play with, its got to be grp 16 or below insurance wise. Rear wheel drive or 4WD - but fwd not an issue if the car's good.

Not buying another subaru - I want more toys inside the car, and quieter cabin, and some luxuries. This is where the MX6 MPS looks good, performance, and toys (Bose sound system) / nice cabin, leather etc..

Won't touch Ford, VW, Vauxhall or anything french...

 

Newer Legacy is a good option for toys, comfort and refinement

 

Which part of 'not buying another subaru' didn't you understand Steve?

Joking aside, yes, the legacy does look good, but I've discounted it already.

 

Albeing equal I pick up the RX8 (230Bhp) in about a week

I test drove the MX6 MPS and Alfa too, today - problems on the Alfa demo didn't bode well, and the MPS was nice, but just not as much fun as the RX8