After convincing baz into one and he’s now bought his 2nd I’m looking at cheap 1.9jtds Gts

Found one for 1500 quid. Tempted to flog the old Swede for an old Italian.

Cost wise 600quid ish to get rid of the saab n swap into it.

Am I unwell?

Yes. Buy a petrol. A diesel Alfa is wrong.

Do to many miles.

Plus years ago the petrol engines were the Bain of my life

I have one – just ticked over 175k miles – the engines are strong (the jtdm anyway).

The rest of the car, less so. Get used to replacing wishbones. Uppers aren’t too costly but the lowers are more ££ as the sub frame has to be dropped. And OE only as pattern parts are even weaker.

At that price service history is everything (tbh that stands for all Alfa’s). Buy a bad one and you could easily need to spend another grand to get it thru it’s MOT (unless you do your own spannering).

Still love mine, gonna take it to over 200k before thinking about a replacement.

Good buying guide on alfaowner

Found a cheap 147…

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-147-TURISMO-JTDM-8V-FULL-SERVICE-HISTORY-DIESEL-/122941370043

Sorry, whilst I respect the love, a diesel is missing the point.
Just buy any smaller car with a petrol engine and it will be more fun than any diesel. Outright speed is not the issue, one of the cars I drive is a boggo Panda and I even love driving that.

Yes, it’s fatal. Can’t believe no one has mentioned electrics. Mine was the most beautiful car I ever had (166) but the electrics…  got to the stage front windows went down and wouldn’t go up, nothing worked, until I figured out if I folded in the electronic mirrors, I could get them up. Car parks were interesting in the rain!

Do it. If it’s a post 2000 car then it’ll have Bosch, not Magnetti Marelli electrics.

I’ve fifteen years of experience with owning Alfas, they’re a weakness of mine even if a bit crap in a hideously complex front wheel drive sort of a way. But so is an Audi and no self respecting gentleman’s conveyance is a metaphor for chronic self-abuse.

Engines are good, cambelt changes aren’t expensive but should be done early. The front suspension is a four-link with McPherson strut concoction that’s fiercely complex in theory but the gist is that you need to replace the top wishbones (or bushings if that way inclined) every forty thousand miles. It’s not an expensive job.

Roll-bar links can get noisy and rear lower arms grumble but it’s fixable.

Proper Alfa (Milano) V6 engines are extremely strong, but avoid sports air filters as they destroy air mass meters. Four cylinder petrol engines are great, but you must keep the oil topped up, weekly. If the oil drops below minimum for long, expect a rebuild. Weekly oil checks are unusual these days but necessary with a petrol Alfa.

It’s not really an Alfa unless it’s red, rear wheel drive and petrol is it:) I had a bertone 2000, gtv6, and an alfetta. I look almost everyday on eBay for another one!

You are getting rid of a Saab?!? Sacrilege!

Had an S reg 1.8 twinspark 156 estate. Had about 140k on it and about 20 years old at the time.

Lovely car and never gave me any bother.

Rust is starting to kill off the 156’s now with the 147’s not far behind. Take a close look at the rear floor pan if you are thinking of buying one (from inside the car as they rust underneath the under seal).

Divorce cured me.

Still miss my 2.0 TS 75 🙁

Do people really consider an 11 year old car old?!

Get used to replacing wishbones. Uppers aren’t too costly but the lowers are more ££ as the sub frame has to be dropped. And OE only as pattern parts are even weaker.

If you like replacing suspension bit then try a Jag S-type. There are so many opportunities to experience squeaks, rattles, clonks and tea trolley handling!

Not sure what else might stay with the saabs if I can find one that appeals

That cheap 147, is that rust or mud in the front wheelarches in the pics?

I had a 156 (Red) twinspark bought it cheap fsh due to the stigma of Alfas from the 80’s still scaring folk. Loved it….then bought a French euro box diesel which I had for over 6 years, reliable but boring after the 156.

I am back in the Alfa ownership group again after buying an Alfa 159 Ti Sportwagon 2.4 jtdm nearly 2 years ago , yes its diesel but its still a good looker, sits aggressively on the road and has plenty of poke if needed or cruises like a GT along motorways. I have had bits n pieces done on it by an Alfa Specialist at reasonable costs if honest including a few modifications like Powerflex bushes in lower arms which sorts some of the wear issues and sharpens up the steering. I like it its a V5 engine and sounds great under acceleration for a diesel with bags of torque (had a mild remap done too helped the power band).

I say go for it, lifes too short for being sensible 😉

I’ve got the 1.9 engine in a 156 Sportwagon which I’ve had for 7 years. It’s a car I’ve enjoyed owning, although I wish I’d gone for a petrol.

The engine’s been solid, but the car has a few electrical glitches (even with Bosch wiring) and bodily it’s starting to show its age.

I’m currently debating whether to keep or replace.

I had a 2000 Y plate 147 Selespeed as a company car for two years. Despite Bosch wires and parts the Italians still shoved it together. Regular issues with stability control, abs and engine malfunctions.

The paint wasn’ durable despite being DuPont!

Bloody good fun but far too many issues as a private car. Went for a big Nissan next (purchased) and had that 16 years. No trouble, but its not exciting.

Bought my missus a 147 Collezione (1.6 twin spark) a few years ago. We have a local independent  Alfa specialist but no horror stories (yet); New wishbones, keep a check on oil levels and get one with FSH

Great to drive and a bit different.

I have a 1967 Duetto.

in red

I would rather sell my girlfriend*

*spares or repair, suit enthusiast