Buy one
It's an Alfa - there's lots to go wrong!
I've been 5 dealers ,and they can't sort out the hunting.
Fantastic!
It doesn't work, and it's expensive, however it feels so close to being a Ferrari driver when it works, but not the expense!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th June, 2007
Fast, stylish, hatch, very under-rated.
A few stone chips.
Small patch of rust underneath car near sill where careless use of a trolley jack has damaged under-seal.
Uses approx 1 pint of oil every 1000 miles, apparently this is normal.
No other faults.
This is car is reasonably quick, and very good on fuel when not thrashed, I think it is a excellent performance/fuel economy compromise.
The engine sounds very nice and eggs you on tho thrash it, however a Alfa V6 sounds much better again with an addictive howl. Handling is excellent as shares floor pan / suspension with Fiat coupe. My car is finished in Alfa red with black seats, and has the rare air-con. The car looks stunning in red compared to a boring Golf, although the standard 15" wheels are a bit on the small size.
I bought this car with 104,000 miles on the odometer, for £1475, it has however had £3000 spent on it in the last 12 months, including a re-built cylinder head, new clutch, belts, and radiator. There seems to be many of these cars for sale with 60-70,000 miles on the odometer. this is roughly when the car is due for a major service, cam-belt, and cam variator (a rattly diesel like noise at any time indicates a worn variator). This service cost at least £600. The clutch seems to wear out at around 75,000 miles (£400 to change). You may be better buying a higher mileage well cared for example than a lower mileage one, that way the car will have passed its mid life crisis.
I would go out and, but another one tomorrow as this is a very underrated car. My only gripes about the car are the fact it is sometimes difficult to get the drivers seat in a comfortable position (I am over 6ft), parts are also bit on the expensive side.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th May, 2005
Pleasure to drive and nightmare to service
Camshaft "changer" needs replacement every 25000 Km. Dealer says "it is normal".
Power steering pump replaced twice.
After filling with Shell 99+ car. didn't want to start - after resetting the computer problem disappeared.
Central lock started to open randomly (e.g. 30 seconds after locking or in the middle of the night). Dealer was attempting to fix it 7!!! times.
I was waiting 3 months for airbag controller after it was submerged.
Right speaker turns off randomly.
Water in fog lamps - lamps replaced twice.
A drivers seat cover is being fixed every time I visit the service.
Front wishbones replaced after 40000 Km.
Some trim elements were fitted with screws without washers (like a rear shelf on the right side) - a number screws and washers was found in a spare tire bay.
The car is beautiful - when we have seen it for a first time at dealers, when servicing our Uno, we could not resist buying it. The very next day we swapped the Uno for new Alfa.
When I see a sign "dangerous curves" I get excited - on an even road the car is fun to drive. Despite of some under-steer, handling is quick and precise.
The engine is happy to try hard. It sounds great and for its capacity it is a great performer.
Stability at high speed is superb - comparing to Focus, a handling benchmark, in this feature Alfa excels.
Fuel economy is not so good - comparing with my company car - Astra 1.6 - Alfa requires 2 liters/100 Km more, both in the city and on highway. Power and driver is the same.
I'm really in trouble - my wife will not accept another Alfa. I want to buy from Alfa again, but every time I recall my service history - I change my mind. Toyota are not so ugly...
The joke: "Why Alfa drivers don't great each other on the road? They met in the garage in the morning."
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th December, 2002
Delightful little car
Initially had major problems with petrol cut off switch. In particular engine wouldn't start! I didn't know what problem was, and neither did Main Dealer! Eventually sorted by the "man from Alfa"
Car had been run from new by the Main Dealer service manager, but there were a number of minor electrical faults. All sorted under warranty.
I've been driving for more than 40 years and tis car is by far the best car I have ever had. Amazingly, I have never needed to replace a bulb.
A delight to drive, quick and excellent road holding.
Minor winge - the exterior minors leave an immense blind spot. Had to stick one of those little mirrors onto the offside mirror. Great help.
Boot a bit small for my golf clubs.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd November, 2002
26th Apr 2014, 16:09
Buy one now, the Cloverleaf version, before there's none left! When you hit 3.5k revs, it's like the first time you're in a plane and it goes balls out on the runway when taking off. The engine is a beaut and loves to rev. I've had one for 7 years, and the only time I needed the AA was once when I was low on petrol and parked on a steep hill. The other time the alternator belt came off as one of the alternator pulley bearings was worn.
It had 80,000 miles when I bought it and now has over 140,000 on it. Apart from a few holes that needed patching on the near 20 year old exhaust, it's been a great car. I've had a Porsche 3.2, and whilst the 145 ain't gonna match that, it's more fun as you can use all the power.
I've had two speed awareness courses in the 145, but no points on my licence.
Check the underbody as most examples are getting on. If you find a low mileage one, 80-90k, buy buy buy!