FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Car advice appreciated
Car advice appreciated
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I want to change my car this year. I really like the look of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. I know Alfa Romeo's have had a poor reputation in the past though, for being unreliable.
Most of my female friends, have no clue re cars. I no longer have my Dad or step-dad around to ask, they were both car enthusiasts. So figured, I would ask here. I will go test drive one and see what I think. Just wondering what else is out there too of a similar ilk to compare with.
Have Alfa's improved because I need reliability?
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By *bi HaiveMan
over a year ago
Forum Mod Cheeseville, Somerset |
"I want to change my car this year. I really like the look of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. I know Alfa Romeo's have had a poor reputation in the past though, for being unreliable.
Most of my female friends, have no clue re cars. I no longer have my Dad or step-dad around to ask, they were both car enthusiasts. So figured, I would ask here. I will go test drive one and see what I think. Just wondering what else is out there too of a similar ilk to compare with.
Have Alfa's improved because I need reliability?
"
If you want an unbiased opinion?
Try MrWho.
Tom can't stand Alfas!   
A |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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alpha's have been rubbish for quite a few yrs and so have vauxhall and anything french.in all fairness modern cars are not built to last and have so many gadgets and electrics they are made to fail a lot quicker than older cars they just dont rust as quick |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I want to change my car this year. I really like the look of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. I know Alfa Romeo's have had a poor reputation in the past though, for being unreliable.
Most of my female friends, have no clue re cars. I no longer have my Dad or step-dad around to ask, they were both car enthusiasts. So figured, I would ask here. I will go test drive one and see what I think. Just wondering what else is out there too of a similar ilk to compare with.
Have Alfa's improved because I need reliability?
"
I favour German cars for reliability, but most cars are far more reliable than they were say twenty to thirty years ago. |
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By *errygTV/TS
over a year ago
denton |
modern cars are fine when running, and dont have rust probs, 30 yr ago mot failures on welding, not so much now. but some really nice cars get onboard computer probs or dual mass clutch,and other expensive bits plus the diagnostic cost etc can cost more than car is worth, if you have a car in mind ask someone who owns one or google the cars forums where owners will praise or slag them off, a lot are badge engineered same engine in various makes, my vauxhall van had a fiat engine |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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We had a Giulietta for the past 3 years or so, no problems with it whatsoever. Hubby has traded it in but that's because he has car ADHD and can't keep one for long. I'd happily have stuck with it, although the non-symmetrical number plate did annoy me a bit (not helpful technical advice I realise ) |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Buy anything German they don't go wrong often."
I've fallen for this brainwashing for the last 20 yrs. Having bought about 10 German cars/caravans in that time, I've finally woken up. They aint all that!
Making a point of buying British made from now on if at all possible.
Do your bit for G.B. |
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By *tmmCouple
over a year ago
harlow |
Germany tends to be a safe bet but steer away from vw related.
Can't go wrong with Japanese!
Alfa have improved and don't have as many "common faults" as they used to. So if you're set on one get one.
As with most things in life now - you pays your money you takes your choice.
The mech couple lol xxx |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Skoda - not the dogs they once werw and reliable. Seat if you prefer a slightly better badge.
Hondas are meant to he reliable, Kia as well and are cheap. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I have a Honda Civic. In fact it's my 2nd. Never needed roadside assistance as they're so reliable. Made in Swindon too so supporting GB"
I like the look of Civics, test drove one 3 years ago and it was the rear visibility I didn't like. Otherwise I liked it as it was one of my choices at the time, |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Unbiased my arse Obi
I've driven Alfa's for the past ten years and never had a problem with any of them until last week when a pothole claimed my oil cooler. I've spent today fitting it!
The stigma of them being unreliable has stuck with them sadly but since the late 80's they've been as reliable as any other car on the market as long as they're serviced properly and belt intervals aren't skipped. There's loads of great independent specialists around who charge half what a main dealer will and plenty of owners clubs and meets up and down the country. Join Alfabook on Facebook too, it's a great community with lots of great advice (you might see the odd familiar face too ).
If you are looking at buying one study the service history, if there's any gaps walk away. |
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"I want to change my car this year. I really like the look of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. I know Alfa Romeo's have had a poor reputation in the past though, for being unreliable.
Most of my female friends, have no clue re cars. I no longer have my Dad or step-dad around to ask,they were both car enthusiasts. So figured, I would ask here. I will go test drive one and see what I think. Just wondering what else is out there too of a similar ilk to compare with.
Have Alfa's improved because I need reliability?
"
We have had our alfa Romeo mito for 4 years and never had a spot of trouble only replaced normal stuff like tyres and brakes
The driving position is,amazing and good fuel economy a lot better than our BMW mini cooper we had previous
We are planning a guelietta next
 |
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By *tmmCouple
over a year ago
harlow |
"I have a Honda Civic. In fact it's my 2nd. Never needed roadside assistance as they're so reliable. Made in Swindon too so supporting GB
I like the look of Civics, test drove one 3 years ago and it was the rear visibility I didn't like. Otherwise I liked it as it was one of my choices at the time, "
The R-type are lush. Used to love taking them on test drives out the garage.
R xxx |
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Total impulse I went to look at cars this evening and cane home with a new corsa. Traded my old one in bless her. She was a beaut but my new one is stonking! Sunny Melon is the colour and she runs like a dream |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"made by the fiat group this i know as i used to deliver some of the parts to Italy like fiats unreliable in the wet "
Unreliable in the wet?
Please explain this utter rubbish! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I want to change my car this year. I really like the look of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. I know Alfa Romeo's have had a poor reputation in the past though, for being unreliable.
Most of my female friends, have no clue re cars. I no longer have my Dad or step-dad around to ask,they were both car enthusiasts. So figured, I would ask here. I will go test drive one and see what I think. Just wondering what else is out there too of a similar ilk to compare with.
Have Alfa's improved because I need reliability?
We have had our alfa Romeo mito for 4 years and never had a spot of trouble only replaced normal stuff like tyres and brakes
The driving position is,amazing and good fuel economy a lot better than our BMW mini cooper we had previous
We are planning a guelietta next
"
The MiTo is a great little car. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"made by the fiat group this i know as i used to deliver some of the parts to Italy like fiats unreliable in the wet
Unreliable in the wet?
Please explain this utter rubbish! "
All Italian cars are rust buckets. The only thing worse than an Italian car is an Italian car playing Van Halen on the stereo.
Buy French. You cant car wrong |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Alfa is part of the Fiat group,so is ferrari!
That said in my 30yrs in the motor trade,as much as they are fun to drive on balance I would not buy one. All Italian cars are prone to electrical problems and the resale value is pants because people tend to avoid older models.
If you want reliability,reasonable performance with good fuel consumption and a car that will hold its value better that most you can't do much better than a popular model such as a fiesta,focus or a golf. Servicing cost on these are vary affordable too. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Germany tends to be a safe bet but steer away from vw related.
Can't go wrong with Japanese!
Alfa have improved and don't have as many "common faults" as they used to. So if you're set on one get one.
As with most things in life now - you pays your money you takes your choice.
The mech couple lol xxx"
I have owned Ford, Nissan, and VW. The VW's by far the most hardy and reliable. Worst being Nissan. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Alfa is part of the Fiat group,so is ferrari!
That said in my 30yrs in the motor trade,as much as they are fun to drive on balance I would not buy one. All Italian cars are prone to electrical problems and the resale value is pants because people tend to avoid older models.
If you want reliability,reasonable performance with good fuel consumption and a car that will hold its value better that most you can't do much better than a popular model such as a fiesta,focus or a golf. Servicing cost on these are vary affordable too."
I've never yet owned a Golf, nearly got one before but went for a Seat Leon FR instead. Same engine - but about £5k less for a similar spec. I'll test drive a Golf again - problem last time was, the one I really liked was the GTI and they're just that bit too expensive. I always want what I can't have!!!!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Alfa is part of the Fiat group,so is ferrari!
That said in my 30yrs in the motor trade,as much as they are fun to drive on balance I would not buy one. All Italian cars are prone to electrical problems and the resale value is pants because people tend to avoid older models.
If you want reliability,reasonable performance with good fuel consumption and a car that will hold its value better that most you can't do much better than a popular model such as a fiesta,focus or a golf. Servicing cost on these are vary affordable too."
Electrical issues are largely a thing of the past since they started using Bosch electricals. I've only ever had one relay blow on the 4 I've owned. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Another vote here for the Honda civic. Handy versatile boot space to drop down for chucking bags in for week away with the family. And as mentioned, another plus is its UK made  |
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"I want to change my car this year. I really like the look of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. I know Alfa Romeo's have had a poor reputation in the past though, for being unreliable.
Most of my female friends, have no clue re cars. I no longer have my Dad or step-dad around to ask, they were both car enthusiasts. So figured, I would ask here. I will go test drive one and see what I think. Just wondering what else is out there too of a similar ilk to compare with.
Have Alfa's improved because I need reliability? Do you intend buying a car new or secondhand . Will it be leased or bought for cash?. And how long do you intend keeping it ? Is there a particular reason why an Alfa appeals to you ?
"
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The new alfas are a totally different car from the older ones..
Not that I really had a problem with my older ones unless you count electrical.
Just do your research and buy from a reputable place x or maybe lease |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Do you intend buying a car new or secondhand . Will it be leased or bought for cash?. And how long do you intend keeping it ? Is there a particular reason why an Alfa appeals to you ?
"
Brand new - I always think loses so much money as soon as you drive it off fore court. Though I am considering leasing . How long will I keep it - never sure . I can be impulsive sometimes where cars are concerned .
I just love the look of them - something always stands out to me compared to most other current models. I think I'm just going to have to just go on a test driving mission for a few weeks ! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Go and drive one... They just drive different. I have had 3 now and as soon as the prices drop in winter I will be getting an Alfa spider.
Some excellent lease options out there .. And that offers no hassles . |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Go and drive one... They just drive different. I have had 3 now and as soon as the prices drop in winter I will be getting an Alfa spider.
Some excellent lease options out there .. And that offers no hassles . "
Are you attending the Italian Masters show? |
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I adore Alfa Romeo. Drove them for ten years as a company car. Would I own one of my own? Sadly not. I spent too many hours being dragged back down the motorway on the back of a tow truck They're a real drivers car - fabulous and a thrill to drive but in my experience a nightmare for reliability. Maybe I just had 4 really really really bad ones... |
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"Do you intend buying a car new or secondhand . Will it be leased or bought for cash?. And how long do you intend keeping it ? Is there a particular reason why an Alfa appeals to you ?
Brand new - I always think loses so much money as soon as you drive it off fore court. Though I am considering leasing . How long will I keep it - never sure . I can be impulsive sometimes where cars are concerned .
I just love the look of them - something always stands out to me compared to most other current models. I think I'm just going to have to just go on a test driving mission for a few weeks ! "
. If possible I would test drive a few different vehicles or even hire one for a weekend to see what they are like . Everyone has their personal preferences and it is only by driving that you can make an assessment .. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I adore Alfa Romeo. Drove them for ten years as a company car. Would I own one of my own? Sadly not. I spent too many hours being dragged back down the motorway on the back of a tow truck They're a real drivers car - fabulous and a thrill to drive but in my experience a nightmare for reliability. Maybe I just had 4 really really really bad ones..."
We're they serviced by main dealers? If so then that's the problem, they've always been crap! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Go and drive one... They just drive different. I have had 3 now and as soon as the prices drop in winter I will be getting an Alfa spider.
Some excellent lease options out there .. And that offers no hassles .
Are you attending the Italian Masters show?"
Sadly won't be getting to many car shows at all this year. And as much as I love my Alfas.. I like a mix of cars and dare I say it am a huge Ford fan too..
But my next toy will be a v6 spider regardless of how much more practical the 2litre one would be... I just need that noise x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Hard to beat German or Japanese for reliability.
German servicing can be expensive, Japanese more economical.
Both hold their second hand values quite well.
Germany after sales can be dreadful though.
Consider buying single owner cars so the big depreciation costs are already gone.
Perhaps consider a lease, you can build servicing costs into the lease cost, plus if it does break down you'll get a prompt replacement while it's fixed.
If leasing watch out for mileage limits as going over the contract miles can cost a fortune.
Hope that helps. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Go and drive one... They just drive different. I have had 3 now and as soon as the prices drop in winter I will be getting an Alfa spider.
Some excellent lease options out there .. And that offers no hassles .
Are you attending the Italian Masters show?
Sadly won't be getting to many car shows at all this year. And as much as I love my Alfas.. I like a mix of cars and dare I say it am a huge Ford fan too..
But my next toy will be a v6 spider regardless of how much more practical the 2litre one would be... I just need that noise x "
I've had two V6's. A 3.2 Spider and a 3.0 GTV. NOTHING sounds better than the old Busso engine with a Ragazzon exhaust. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Until recently used to do MOT's probably 3000 or so.
If it were me it'd be-
Honda Civic or similar
Toyota Yaris or bigger Auris but GT86 if possible
Subaru BRZ
Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 tdi - sounds pap on paper but a total revelation to drive like a mini EVO.
Most German 'premium' metal is over priced and overrated see the real reliability surveys.
If it's used buy its less to do with the brand but more how it's been driven or maintained. Have a look at the bathtub curb for reliability. |
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"I adore Alfa Romeo. Drove them for ten years as a company car. Would I own one of my own? Sadly not. I spent too many hours being dragged back down the motorway on the back of a tow truck They're a real drivers car - fabulous and a thrill to drive but in my experience a nightmare for reliability. Maybe I just had 4 really really really bad ones...
We're they serviced by main dealers? If so then that's the problem, they've always been crap! "
As they were company cars I had to follow the rules so yes, all serviced by an Alfa dealer. The most ridiculous reason for being towed back was when I couldn't shut the bonnet on a 6 month old car after topping up with oil (something you need to do frequently). I called out the AA man who looked at me as if I was mad. He couldn't shut it either (broken catch). Cue tow truck and 70 mile tow home |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I adore Alfa Romeo. Drove them for ten years as a company car. Would I own one of my own? Sadly not. I spent too many hours being dragged back down the motorway on the back of a tow truck They're a real drivers car - fabulous and a thrill to drive but in my experience a nightmare for reliability. Maybe I just had 4 really really really bad ones...
We're they serviced by main dealers? If so then that's the problem, they've always been crap!
As they were company cars I had to follow the rules so yes, all serviced by an Alfa dealer. The most ridiculous reason for being towed back was when I couldn't shut the bonnet on a 6 month old car after topping up with oil (something you need to do frequently). I called out the AA man who looked at me as if I was mad. He couldn't shut it either (broken catch). Cue tow truck and 70 mile tow home "
The bonnet catch was actually a recall and lubrication of the mechanism added to the service schedule. The Alfa petrol engines are actually designed to use oil, roughly 1L per thousand miles. |
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"If you are buying new it might be worth test driving the Lexus CT 200h , lovely spec and runs really well . "
The only person I knew who owned a Lexus married his cousin and I'm not joking either.
I owned a Spider from new about 15 years ago and it had the best leather seats I've ever sat in. Not even the Audi A8L with cooling rather than warming seats came close for comfort. It was a very sad day when I had to let it go.
Ownership was a joy, had so much fun in her. Heads turned, like all women it had its quirks but you soon came to love them too. Best moment, M25 in a sudden storm at 75mph with the roof off. Slipstream meant I didn't get wet. Felt like a God until the traffic jam, then I realised I was Poseidon and got rather wet! |
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"I adore Alfa Romeo. Drove them for ten years as a company car. Would I own one of my own? Sadly not. I spent too many hours being dragged back down the motorway on the back of a tow truck They're a real drivers car - fabulous and a thrill to drive but in my experience a nightmare for reliability. Maybe I just had 4 really really really bad ones...
We're they serviced by main dealers? If so then that's the problem, they've always been crap!
As they were company cars I had to follow the rules so yes, all serviced by an Alfa dealer. The most ridiculous reason for being towed back was when I couldn't shut the bonnet on a 6 month old car after topping up with oil (something you need to do frequently). I called out the AA man who looked at me as if I was mad. He couldn't shut it either (broken catch). Cue tow truck and 70 mile tow home
The bonnet catch was actually a recall and lubrication of the mechanism added to the service schedule. The Alfa petrol engines are actually designed to use oil, roughly 1L per thousand miles."
The bonnet catch was only a recall after many of us suffered the hassle of having to be towed home! Oil use in Alfas is well known to those who drive them. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Alfa's aren't too bad these days although it took me 3 hours to change an air filter on a diesel GT the other week"
Lmao! I did that yesterday, even with the bumper off it took an hour! It's one if the many things main dealers neglect when servicing them. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"I want to change my car this year. I really like the look of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. I know Alfa Romeo's have had a poor reputation in the past though, for being unreliable.
Most of my female friends, have no clue re cars. I no longer have my Dad or step-dad around to ask, they were both car enthusiasts. So figured, I would ask here. I will go test drive one and see what I think. Just wondering what else is out there too of a similar ilk to compare with.
Have Alfa's improved because I need reliability?
If you want an unbiased opinion?
Try MrWho.
Tom can't stand Alfas!
A"
MrWho recommended the Giulietta to me when I was looking. It was outside my range though it did look lovely. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I adore Alfa Romeo. Drove them for ten years as a company car. Would I own one of my own? Sadly not. I spent too many hours being dragged back down the motorway on the back of a tow truck They're a real drivers car - fabulous and a thrill to drive but in my experience a nightmare for reliability. Maybe I just had 4 really really really bad ones...
We're they serviced by main dealers? If so then that's the problem, they've always been crap!
As they were company cars I had to follow the rules so yes, all serviced by an Alfa dealer. The most ridiculous reason for being towed back was when I couldn't shut the bonnet on a 6 month old car after topping up with oil (something you need to do frequently). I called out the AA man who looked at me as if I was mad. He couldn't shut it either (broken catch). Cue tow truck and 70 mile tow home
The bonnet catch was actually a recall and lubrication of the mechanism added to the service schedule. The Alfa petrol engines are actually designed to use oil, roughly 1L per thousand miles.
The bonnet catch was only a recall after many of us suffered the hassle of having to be towed home! Oil use in Alfas is well known to those who drive them. "
There's a saying in the owners club to check the roof for dents. If the car has one it missed the recall! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I have a Honda Civic. In fact it's my 2nd. Never needed roadside assistance as they're so reliable. Made in Swindon too so supporting GB"
You can't fault a Honda civic, top reliability |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"If you are buying new it might be worth test driving the Lexus CT 200h , lovely spec and runs really well .
The only person I knew who owned a Lexus married his cousin and I'm not joking either.
I owned a Spider from new about 15 years ago and it had the best leather seats I've ever sat in. Not even the Audi A8L with cooling rather than warming seats came close for comfort. It was a very sad day when I had to let it go.
Ownership was a joy, had so much fun in her. Heads turned, like all women it had its quirks but you soon came to love them too. Best moment, M25 in a sudden storm at 75mph with the roof off. Slipstream meant I didn't get wet. Felt like a God until the traffic jam, then I realised I was Poseidon and got rather wet!"
|
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If you are desperate for that Italian cachet, I have a very reasonably priced Austin Allegro with an Alfa badge stuck on the front.
It turns heads throughout the Redditch area and I think would appeal to a lady such as yourself... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Alfa's aren't too bad these days although it took me 3 hours to change an air filter on a diesel GT the other week
Lmao! I did that yesterday, even with the bumper off it took an hour! It's one if the many things main dealers neglect when servicing them."
Why they didn't make it a cassette style loader I don't know! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Personally i can't see past the Audi A3 S3 RS3 or a Bmw 116i all at reasonable prices other than the Rs3 second hand very reliable but very expensive to fix if they ever bugger up . |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I very nearly bought a Giulietta a couple of years ago.
Then I test drove a VW Scirocco.
Never went back to the Alfa showroom, just bought the Scirocco on the spot.
Go and look at one. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Personally i can't see past the Audi A3 S3 RS3 or a Bmw 116i all at reasonable prices other than the Rs3 second hand very reliable but very expensive to fix if they ever bugger up ."
The rear springs tend to snap on both these models in the cups on the rear arms, also Audi's in particular have front brake flexi pipes cracking sheaths once they do over 90.000 miles for some reason.
All BMW rear brake line to flexis joints tend to corrode due to electrolisis at the mounting brackets.
To qualify I'm tainted now I can only see cars' faults !! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Alfa's aren't too bad these days although it took me 3 hours to change an air filter on a diesel GT the other week
Lmao! I did that yesterday, even with the bumper off it took an hour! It's one if the many things main dealers neglect when servicing them.
Why they didn't make it a cassette style loader I don't know!"
That would be too easy. Wait till you need to change the MAF on a GT. Or like me today, the oil cooler! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thought the smaller Alfa's had fiat engines anyway!
Quite expensive to!!!
Look for better value for ur dosh!
cough *bollocks* cough "
It's actually Goat's that have a variant of the Alfa engines. Much like the Vauxhall and Saab diesels. They're Alfa JTDm engines. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thought the smaller Alfa's had fiat engines anyway!
Quite expensive to!!!
Look for better value for ur dosh!
cough *bollocks* cough
It's actually Goat's that have a variant of the Alfa engines. Much like the Vauxhall and Saab diesels. They're Alfa JTDm engines."
Goat's?!
Fiat's...stupid phone |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Do yourself a favour and get a Honda
Go for the 1.8 petrol or the 2.2 diesel civic, the 1.4 is just sluggish.
I wouldn't touch a German car now - everyone I know who's got one has had trouble.
DPF on an A3
Fucked turbo on a Ibiza FR
Constant check engine light on a Golf
Quattro system fucked up on an RS3
porsche 911 Mis-selecting gears
German engineering at its finest
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My ex's dad was a motor industry designer and worked for most manufacturers over the world. I asked him why so meny cars of various makes have such utterly shit design problems like inaccessible service items
1. As long as it can get through warranty period without issue they don't care
2. Most CAD designers don't tinker with their own cars so never enters their heads
3. If it's too easy they loose money |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Honda Integra R DC2- motoring perfection. All pure engineering with no marketing bollocks. 15' wheels? They're what the engineering team spec'd for lightness and strength so that's what it has.
Bit like the mk 1 and 2 Golf Gti before it started eating pies |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Do yourself a favour and get a Honda
Go for the 1.8 petrol or the 2.2 diesel civic, the 1.4 is just sluggish.
I wouldn't touch a German car now - everyone I know who's got one has had trouble.
DPF on an A3
Fucked turbo on a Ibiza FR
Constant check engine light on a Golf
Quattro system fucked up on an RS3
porsche 911 Mis-selecting gears
German engineering at its finest
"
You missed engine mount failures on Golfs. I've seen loads with their engine on the floor! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"It was reported in my car mag Honda was the top make for having the least warranty issues of any maker....... For the 9th consecutive year, followed this yr by Toyota that must incl Lexus"
True. If memory serves there's only been about 20 VTEC engine failures below 100,000 miles (on un-tuned engines). |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thank you for all the car advice last night . Given me lots to go on. xx"
I have the Civic Diesel and love it. I get around 55 to the gallon around town and longer journeys can be anything up to 70 to the gallon depending on how I drive  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"You can't beat Honda's IMHO
They do seem to have a good reputation. I'll test drive another one, see how it feels . "
I wanted to love the Honda civic... But I just found I hated the driving position and it was just so bland... And I was test driving the type r...
Do like the scirocco though... Or the smaller Renault... The new citreons look pretty trendy too... |
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I have a 1997 Alfa Spider. She is my only car and gets used for everything, including long runs to Swansea and back.
So far, apart from routine stuff, the only thing that's been a problem is the battery needed replacing.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The reason why a lot of people think that German cars are reliable is because they are over engineered.
You need to consider this though. There is one reason why cars became more reliable after the late 70's. The Japanese. They showed the world that you could have a car that wouldn't keep breaking down. They are built to exact specification.
With all that said though, and even though i'm currently driving a Toyota (my car is off the road at the moment for a planned major overhaul) I wouldn't buy either German or Japanese.
I'm into Yanks. Had my current car fir 12 years - and it was 7 years old when I got it.
Always starts first time. And they're not as thirsty on fuel as everyone would think. Particularly as America is tougher on fuel economy than we are |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Alfa is part of the Fiat group,so is ferrari!
That said in my 30yrs in the motor trade,as much as they are fun to drive on balance I would not buy one. All Italian cars are prone to electrical problems and the resale value is pants because people tend to avoid older models.
If you want reliability,reasonable performance with good fuel consumption and a car that will hold its value better that most you can't do much better than a popular model such as a fiesta,focus or a golf. Servicing cost on these are vary affordable too.
Electrical issues are largely a thing of the past since they started using Bosch electricals. I've only ever had one relay blow on the 4 I've owned."
The electrical units aren't the issue it's the crap wiring harness the connects everything together that usually causes the problems. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Alfa is part of the Fiat group,so is ferrari!
That said in my 30yrs in the motor trade,as much as they are fun to drive on balance I would not buy one. All Italian cars are prone to electrical problems and the resale value is pants because people tend to avoid older models.
If you want reliability,reasonable performance with good fuel consumption and a car that will hold its value better that most you can't do much better than a popular model such as a fiesta,focus or a golf. Servicing cost on these are vary affordable too.
Electrical issues are largely a thing of the past since they started using Bosch electricals. I've only ever had one relay blow on the 4 I've owned.
The electrical units aren't the issue it's the crap wiring harness the connects everything together that usually causes the problems."
They're AMP connectors now and far better than those of old, not really much of an issue although some diesels seem to suffer with a problem with the connector in the cylinder 3 fuel injector. This plagued the Vauxhall and Saab variants too. There's a repair kit available though for about £8 so no real hassles. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Q. How many old fiat's and alias do you see on the roads?
A. Not very many cos they have all been scrapped,beyond economic repair!
Q. How many old ford's and vw's do you see on the roads?
A. Thousands! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Q. How many old fiat's and alias do you see on the roads?
A. Not very many cos they have all been scrapped,beyond economic repair!
Q. How many old ford's and vw's do you see on the roads?
A. Thousands!"
They sold in far fewer numbers in the first place, both Fords and VW have their share of problems but again down to how they've been driven and serviced or not |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Q. How many old fiat's and alias do you see on the roads?
A. Not very many cos they have all been scrapped,beyond economic repair!
Q. How many old ford's and vw's do you see on the roads?
A. Thousands!
They sold in far fewer numbers in the first place, both Fords and VW have their share of problems but again down to how they've been driven and serviced or not"
Agreed. Alfa in particular have always been a low volume manufacturer, there's always going to be less of them around. That being said, the reputation for rusting was well deserved back in the late 70's and early 80's.
Probably because the Italians built them mainly for the home market and paid little care for customers in cooler/wetter climates. |
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if you want reliability get a japaneese car - honda, hyundai or kia - never had much to do on them cause there that reliable - kia dont give a 7 year warranty for shits and giggles - you probably will never need to use it, normally you only see em in garage for normal wear and tear item |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I won't touch a Vauxhall as I've had problems with everyone I've had, last 10 years I've had Citroens and not had a single problem or big repair bill. Alfa's have improved over the years so go for what you fancy
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"Q. How many old fiat's and alias do you see on the roads?
A. Not very many cos they have all been scrapped,beyond economic repair!
Q. How many old ford's and vw's do you see on the roads?
A. Thousands!"
. Fords and VW s are great cars. I have two Fords , a Fiesta in Ireland and a Mondeo in England . They are very comfortable and cheap to repair if things do go wrong . They may not have the image of a BMW or VW , but who cares unless you wish to pose . |
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Alfa is a great company these days they suffer from just a bad reputation and thats it.
I own a 2004 Alfa GT and use it everyday for work never gone wrong on me and feels great when i get chance to open it up. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"You can't beat Honda's IMHO
They do seem to have a good reputation. I'll test drive another one, see how it feels .
I wanted to love the Honda civic... But I just found I hated the driving position and it was just so bland... And I was test driving the type r...
Do like the scirocco though... Or the smaller Renault... The new citreons look pretty trendy too..."
Wait for the new type R later this year  go test drive one of those |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Alfa is a great company these days they suffer from just a bad reputation and thats it.
I own a 2004 Alfa GT and use it everyday for work never gone wrong on me and feels great when i get chance to open it up."
If it's a diesel or V6 keep a close eye on the oil cooler pipes. They're made of mild steel and corrode. If they go when you're driving it will empty the sump and seize your engine in about 10 seconds. Alfa charge £550 in parts alone for the cooler and pipes (can't change one without the other). I've just spent the last few days changing mine with the Autolusso/Mocal kit. Considerably better than standard and £280 delivered.
Changed the oil today to discover the main dealer left me with perhaps the most butchered sump plug I've ever seen, took an hour to get off! Makes me mad when a replacement is only £3.50. |
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