Faults:
- Looking at the service history of the car, about everything under the sun went wrong with it. For the previous owner, who had it since 1986 (14 years), she averaged around $200/month on repairs and services for it. Though this lady knew nothing about cars or Alfas, and took it to a 'reputable' Alfa mechanic who was probably constantly ripping her off.
- For me:
Rust, rear wheel arch and rear passenger door.
Small oil leak, nothing major.
Electric speedo died, re-wiring and re-soldering fixed this.
The driver's (right-hand-side) electric mirror packed up. It works but only just - I think the window motor has nearly had it.
General Comments:
I'm only 18 and this is my first car. Generally I love it, it sounds great and looks superb, and it doesn't seem to cost me much in repairs etc, but I haven't had it for that long. It certainly cost the previous owner a lot.
I'm a big guy (6 foot 5) and I find it uncomfortable, the pedals are too close together, and my knees used to touch the steering wheel, until we moved the entire seat and the rail that it sits on back. Now, no-one can sit behind me :)
Guzzles a bit of fuel, but I think I drive it like that :). Wish it took unleaded because petrol is expensive.
Love the flat-4 engine, easy and fun to work on.
I think an Alfa such as this makes a good car, in particular a good first car, AS LONG AS you are prepared to look after it, because the odds are it will break from time to time. Helps to know about these cars so that repairs can be done yourself, avoiding being ripped off by an Alfa mechanic, or having a dodgy job done by your everyday mechanic.
It also helps to purchase a GOOD example of a 33, with service history and low km's (a 85' model with 112,000 km's and a full service history from day one, from a reputable Alfa mechanic was a great find!)
A real value for money buy if you get a good one and look after it! Sporty and compact as well as being a practical 5-door.
