Faults:

The car was purchased cheap as a do-up job. It was running on 3 cylinders, courtesy of over-revving b previous owner, and wouldn't change gear as the clutch pivot pin had sheared off!

Both cheap to fix.

The gearbox didn't like fast downc hanges into 2nd gear, so the box came out and a new synchromesh was put in by a friendly mechanic.

The rear brake bias valve was also defective, resulting in uneven braking. Another trip to the Italian Auto Spares shop!

General Comments:

Although neglected when I bought it, the 33 is now the most fun I have had on 4 wheels.

I started racing it in the local Alfa Owners club series, firstly in standard form, and then in a semi-standard class with limited modifications to the springs & shocks, on DOT rated race tyres.

The car is great fun on & off the track. So much so that I have bought another to drive to work. The 33 was always under-rated, but with good tyres, and better springs, it is so much fun to drive.

Yes the seating position is a little "different". Yes they can rust if you aren't careful with them, but they are a heap of fun, and the best opportunity to have a little bit of Italian motoring heritage in your garage!

Faults:

Clutch slave cylinder went at 120,000kms - the clutch was never the same after that.

Starter motor went at 140,000.

Minor problems:

Speedometer needle was always moving around making it hard to know how fast you were going. Indicator arm wouldn't return back to position after rounding corner - even after replacement.

General Comments:

For all the things I'd heard about Alfa Romeo this car performed fantastically and didn't burn a hole in my wallet.

It has a great direct feel when driving and I usually drove everywhere with the windows down to hear the engine's great sound.

The performance was lifted quite cheaply with a bigger exhaust and sports air filter. It drove sedately on normal rpm range (2000-3000rpm) but you could also push it to 4500-5000rpm on each gear for more sporty driving.

The steering/handling on this car was very precise and you could really throw it into corners.

I had the car serviced regularly by an Alfa enthusiast rather than an Alfa dealer and this made a big difference in terms of cost (and the 33 responds well to regular service). I would recommend future 33 owners do the same.

Faults:

Worn alternator pulley and bearings needing replacement.

Other than that the car hasn't skipped a beat since I bought the car.

General Comments:

Possibily the most fun you can have in a car for the price.

Responsive and willing engine which is very usable through it's entire rev range.

Interior ergonomics make driving "interesting", and every drive special.

IE in red a very good looking car.

Handles superbly.

I would buy another.

Faults:

Vibration in the boot, paint job needed, clutch and transmission.

That's it, I only had it a month!

General Comments:

Very sporty car, fun to drive.

Brakes are very poor for the type of car.

Faults:

Passenger side electric window motor.

Front discs needed re-grind, pretty good for 12 months use and 20,000km.

General Comments:

Such a great little car. Fun to drive, though ride can be a little harsh on Sydney's crappy roads. I have it serviced every 5000km by Brian Foley Alfa in Mascot, they are excellent. A service usually costs about $200 (US$130). It has only done 95,000km and has been serviced since new. This is my second 33 which speaks volumes for the marque. Though, I would only buy a low milegage car in good condition, my previous one was a bit of a lemon.