Faults:

The serpentine belt of the alternator tore. Turned out that I forgot to change it last time I changed the belts. My fault.

Nothing else.

General Comments:

Good performance, feels like a petrol car. Quick responses and good handling. I have not gone over 160 km/h, as I do believe in common sense.

During winter conditions and heavy rain it has worked flawlessly, and never left me on the side of the road.

No marks for the dealer, as I have not used an official dealer - too costly, and we have only one.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Big bull of a car - good six speed box - heavy controls - but floor it in any gear and it takes off - good car good engine good box - but overall poor driving position. Typical Alfa, could never get the throttle position right.

Too big for me.

A Golf irritated me, and I floored it in 6th gear and it just breezed way - at the top of the incline I was doing 105 mph and 18 MPG!

On a tuned 1.9 TD, too much on fuel for me.

Alfas are good, but please sort the driving position. 1972 Gulia and a 1980 Alfetta, all the same, the poor pedal location spoils a good good car.

Faults:

In the last two years of ownership, I've not even changed a light bulb! It is the most reliable car I've ever owned, and is so cheap to service yourself.

General Comments:

Fantastic cockpit experience; as a driver you feel involved, predictable handling, fantastic feedback from the wheel. The tyres are a big factor. I'm now using Pirellis; lots of noise, but no wear or loss of grip!

Only criticism is that under heavy emergency braking ie nearly crashing head on, I have doubted the ability of the braking system to stop the car.

Faults:

Clutch replaced at 3500 miles. Alfa diagnosed the problem when I complained of shuddering when engaging first gear. The clutch was replaced under warranty, and I only paid £10 for insurance on a courtesy car.

Other than that, I have not experienced any of the tell tale 147 faults. Regular oil and coolant checks are necessary.

General Comments:

The Ti pack is amazing: Makes it handle like a giant Go-Kart! The pack gets you Ti sports leather seats, firmer suspension, Ti 17” wheels, GTA headlights, chrome tailpipe and spoiler. The seats, suspension and wheels glue you to the road!

The fuel consumption is devastating! A friend told me to fit an air filter to improve this, but I don’t know whether to go for K&N for £50 or Autodelta for £28.

If anyone has been able to improve their fuel economy I’d like to hear their advice.

Beware of the facelift 147, I've noticed a lot of cheaper parts creeping into the cabin that bring the quality down, e.g. sun visors, and the instrument panel. My dealer told me the facelift model is a Fiat Stilo underneath it all. Can anyone shed light on this? I’ve noticed a lift/reverse gearstick which wasn’t on the previous model. Is this Fiat part creeping in?

I don’t trust my dealer: They have told me conflicting information about the car. I didn’t get the car when I wanted because of over charging and hassle. When I picked up the car, they had not made a cosmetic repair that I requested (Dented rear tweeter speaker) However, I took the car with the reassurance it would be fixed at a later date. It took 3 trips to the garage and numerous phone calls by myself over 3½ months. Eventually replaced free of charge.

This car costs me SO much money in every way, but this has always been my dream car. Stunning looks and a beautiful cabin. It’s not that quick, but it feels fantastic to drive.