I'm about to buy an Alfa 147 that.....

[davidstone28]

......doesn't change gear properly - I think its the selector plate, bushes and / or linkage that need replacing which is a known 'wear' issue on the 147s.

.....has a tight engine - I think it may need an oil change, plugs and a new MAF.

.....sounds like a diesel on startup - I think it may need the cam variator replaced.

....has engine oil spilled across half the engine bay (sloppy oil change).

....and probably needs some new rear wishbones or trailing arms (though I haven't looked underneath the car yet).

...and did I mention there are a few parking dings in the bodywork here or there?

Apart from that its fabulously interesting car, lovely design details, nice interior, good to drive, is fairly cheap (to buy as opposed to maintain) and has a year's tax thrown in

This could be the worst decision in the history of car buying, but I do fancy something different from the usual boring German saloons.....

[Butuz]

Upgrade your breakdown cover!!!!

Butuz

[Shad]

It's not red is it? Slight ding on the near side front??





Gears: Linkage is useless, had the same problem with mine. You can normally free it by hand unless it's too far gone.

Diesel sound: Poor oil flow in the head for the first few seconds is the main cause for the noise, but a worn variator will make it worse, though it will sound like a diesel all the time.


They are stunning cars though. Good buy

[davidstone28]

Well, the car got sold to someone else on the morning before afternoon that I was going to take it for a final test drive. Probably, not such a bad thing in hindsight...

Off to look at another one at the weekend.