1988 Alfa Romeo 75 3.0 V6

Summary:

Classic Italian driving machine

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Decided to get myself another 75 after a 10 year hiatus. This is my 3rd 75. The car is everything I remember. Fast and so engaging to drive. The sound of the 3 litre V6 inspires one to keep the revs high and downshift at every opportunity.

The handling from the transaxle setup is remarkable. Got Yokohama tyres so it's a very, very good drive. It's amusing when you get the occasional Golf, BMW or even Merc wanting to have a go.

The car gets many admiring looks; probably for the 80s wedge shape. I'm lucky to have found a really good example and have a solid independent mechanic who knows Alfa. I intend to keep this car as prices have started appreciating for the V6 Alfas. I recommend this car to anyone who wants to experience a pure blissful driving experience before electric cars take over. It's cheap to own so don't be put off... The Alfa 75 is a racing pedigree car and truly one of the best. Long live Alfa!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2022

1990 Alfa Romeo 75 V6 QV Potenziata 3.0 V6

Summary:

A flawed modern Italian classic

Faults:

Where do I begin??

The day I bought the car the brake warning lights on the ARC (Alfa Romeo Control) flashed all the way home. Took it back to the dealer (a Volkswagen specialist) who kept for over a week. They replaced the pads and as I drove it out of the driveway, the lights came on. They kept another week, sent it to an Alfa dealer and the problem was fixed.

Since then I have had numerous electrical problems, including brake lights, central locking, indicators (stalk and light). All small, but irritating.

Center Exhaust replaced at 150,000 at a cost of $250 (custom made as genuine fit was $740)

Engine is strong and has given no problems.

General Comments:

This car is fantastic to drive, power is just effortless from the 3.0 V6 and steep hills in 5th gear are never a problem.

Acceleration is quick, but hampered by gearbox which is heavy and clunky. Needs overhaul, but very pricy...

Steering is well weighted and easy to use when parking, but wheel position is awkward.

Comfort is hampered by poor driving position (apparently the Italians are long of arm and short of leg, and bent in the middle!) and the accelerator is at a poor angle, proving uncomfortable after about 15 minutes of cruising. Seats are well padded and of a nice design.

Interior ergonomics are...interesting, but it's entertaining to watch passengers try and find the power window switches and the door handle!

Parts have proved difficult to source, regular mechanics are scared of it, and specialists cost a bomb. Please take into account maintenance costs when pricing this car!

Fuel economy is average, on the freeway at 110 km/h it is running at 3000 rpm which causes average highway mileage, and city driving makes it very thirsty. Expensive premium unleaded doesn't help its cause.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2003

8th Apr 2011, 20:26

Sounds like the wrong oil is in the gearbox; gear changes are light and smooth with clean modern oil. Indeed, sounds like this is a review of a neglected car. A properly maintained late model car does not give dash warning lights except when giving a proper warning. Awesome in late model V6 Potenziata from, but not a beginners car. Specialists who know them actually love them, as they are so much simpler than the modern Euro cars.

1989 Alfa Romeo 75 Cloverleaf 2.5 V6

Summary:

This car has to be driven, handles superbly

Faults:

The electric aerial stopped working.

The back seats are a bit faded at the headrest.

Had to replace a steering rack.

General Comments:

This car simply has the best handling, it is just so much fun to drive.

Most likely only for people who really want to drive the car because that's what it likes.

Looks great.

Sounds like a Ferrari and I'm not joking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2001

11th Apr 2001, 14:31

Congratulations, I don't know if you've had an alfa before, I am what you would call an alfisti and I have a 75. It's always nice to meet someone who appreciates such fantastic and underrated car.

31st Jul 2001, 01:49

I own a one owner 75 Cloverleaf with 12000 ks on the clock. I bought it at auction here in New Zealand for 3000 dollars. Because most of the cars bought into the country are Japanese imports, cars are very cheap here. Hence the price has dropped the used European market as well. I now own three Alfas. The 75, an 87 Cloverleaf Sprint, and a 84 Sud. New Zealand is a European car buyers paradise.

1st Aug 2001, 00:50

I have to agree with your comments. Last year I went to New Zealand for a 3 month holiday. It was more economical to purchase a 87 Cloverleaf Alfa Sprint for 1500 dollars than it was to hire a car for the same period, plus I sold it for the same price a week before I left.

The car was a two owner with 80000 ks on the clock. The condition of the car was immaculate. It drove and looked like it was 5 years old. I would have loved to take it back to Australia with me, but the freight was nearly double the cost of the car.

Bob, Melbourne, Australia.

1989 Alfa Romeo 75 Twin Spark 2.0 litre

Summary:

A practical vehicle, but still a real driver's car

Faults:

Donuts (maintenance item on this car).

Clutch.

Brake discs replaced.

Injectors cleaned (+20% output!)

General Comments:

Lovely car to drive - burble at idle becomes howl at 5500 - 6000 rpm doing 100km/hr in 2nd, ideally beside a high concrete wall to reflect the glorious sound, and around a tight bend to feel the cornering ability. Twin Spark ignition ensures economy with performance.

A/C actually works (unusual for an Alfa), 4 door (can keep the car through fatherhood), looks are good if quirky, and above all, different.

De Dion suspension, inboard rear brakes, rear gearbox, sodium filled valves, variable intake valve timing interesting techy bits.

Criticisms of ergonomics in period reviews are overblown: the U shaped handbrake is fine, the overhead windows likewise. My car has dealer fitted racks to allow the seat to go back further.

Probably not an ideal city car, 1st gear is high and the change from 1st to 2nd isn't lightning fast, but I cope.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th December, 2000

4th Jun 2010, 14:28

A/C works? I have owned 3 Alfa 75 and two Alfa 33 (in Australia) and never had working air, so you have hit the jackpot there!