Faults:

Front suspension, the ball joints and bushes in the top arm creak and knock.

Over boost problems.

General Comments:

Best things about this car. Looks and the way it drives and handles. The driving position is perfect for a very involving drive; the steering almost speaks to you. It makes driving a diesel very enjoyable.

The front suspension is a weak point, not helped by the shocking state of the UK's roads, so the top arms had to be replaced, as did the front anti roll bar links, which knocked; not dangerous, just annoying.

The engine is brilliant. OK, an over boost problem caused the EML light to come on and put me in limp home mode, but it was the boost control valve; not expensive, and a ten minute job to fit. It pulls like a train, and soo much torque, and no matter how I drive, it never returns less than 44mpg!

Driving an Alfa is a fantastic experience. It makes driving so much more fun. It's more involving, and I think shows imagination over choosing a BMW or a Golf.

Don't think because you drive an Alfa you'll be on first name terms with your local recovery firm.

Faults:

Only problems seem to be with wheels and suspension.

Odd tyre wear occurs, even after a visit to two different mechanics, who did the tracking. Also the suspension bushes squeak in dry weather; it's incredibly annoying!! I had them checked out, but was told they were fine and didn't need renewing. As soon as it rains or if you squirt some oil on them every couple of weeks, it stops however.

Apart from this, no problems, and my uncle who owned the car previously experienced no problems.

General Comments:

Looks stunning both inside and out. My one's a little unusual in that it has the old shape body and front end, but the 2003 onwards new interior, but I prefer the original front end.

Everyone who's seen it (I'm only 21) says wow and secondly "how did you afford it?" But these cars have such enormous depreciation that they are affordable. I mean mine cost £4000 for a 3 1/2 year old car with only 33k on the clock, yet my best friend bought a Ford Ka same age at the same time for £3500. He's sick as a parrot now!

Many people mention the bad reliability, but touch wood mine's been very good; you either seem to get a very good or very bad car with Alfa's.

The engine is very nippy for a 1.6 in a fairly large car. It's far quicker than my old Pug 306, which had the same size engine, and is a smaller car.

Gearbox is smooth, and it has all the gadgets you need, except a cupholder oddly!

My only gripe is that the climate system is a bit feeble, especially in the back, and also considering the car's size, there doesn't seem to be much space inside.

When buying, definitely try and get the new interior (2003 onwards). I think it's a huge improvement on the previous version).

I nearly bought a 5 series beamer before I got this, but it had 80k on the clock, was another two years older, and cost nearly double what I paid for my Alfa. I definitely made the right choice, and am very happy with my car. I'm planning to trade it in for a 156 GTA soon, as they are now at around £7000! Silly money for a mentally fast car!