XQIZT Posted April 23, 2012 Posted April 23, 2012 Well, my fiance's car died not too long ago. Now we're on the hunt for something new (to us). She likes the idea of being able to work on the car ourselves, much like I do with with the Corvette. During one of our searches, we stumbled on some Alfa Romeos for sale. 80's cars, kinda cool design and great on gas mileage. And most important, affordable. I know that parts aren't available on every corner, but there are parts suppliers online. I'm pretty handy with a set of wrenches. I've heard that reliability can be an issue, but then I've talked to owners that loved every minute of owning one. So, what does the vast universe of Adam-ites have to say?
egott_91 Posted April 23, 2012 Posted April 23, 2012 Only one I know of is a family friend that has one, and they have had nothing but problems.
Marylander Posted April 23, 2012 Posted April 23, 2012 I'd give my right pinkie for an 80s GTV6 in really good condition. I love those cars. Not so sure about the convertibles, though -- you might be better off with a Miata.
IMADreamer Posted April 23, 2012 Posted April 23, 2012 I know this is a bit anecdotal but I've only known one person whose owned an Alfa and they drove a rent a car more then they did that car. Man Alfa's are pretty though.
Odds and Ends Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 Mike....I know of one for sale that's in pretty decent condition and owned by a car enthusiast and mechanic. He worked at the Maserati/Ferrari dealer and now is shop foreman at a Mercedes specialty shop. I can throw it on my trailer and bring it down to you! Not perfect, but pretty darned nice and good price. They are a little finicky but of course, it's Italian. If you're not afraid of continuous tinkering, it's a fun car. As Rich suggests, a Miata would be much more sensible...LOL Give me a ring if you want. - Darryl
NeonSRT-4 Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 There are two types of people in this world. 1. Those who own Alfa Romeo's. 2. Those who wished they owned a Alfa Romeo. LOL
dipolley Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 Jeremy Clarckston once said you cannot be a true motorhead until you own an Alfa.
Marylander Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 There are two types of people in this world. 1. Those who own Alfa Romeo's. 2. Those who wished they owned a Alfa Romeo. LOL Jeremy Clarckston once said you cannot be a true motorhead until you own an Alfa. And then there's the 3rd type, those who owned an Alfa and are now living out their days in insane asylums...
DaveVY Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 The only thing I know about Alpha Romeos is what I learned in the Top Gear UK episode. (Back in season 11) As I recall they spent quite a bit of time with various .... ummm.... they didn't want to call them breakdowns .... but challenges! Things that would just end up endearing you to the car because of all the love and time you spend with the car. James' car had the slight case of oil leaking (after the challenge on the raceway), Richard ended up with a hand operated water pump (and being towed to the concours challenge) and I don't recall what happened to Jeremy's car... yet, despite their set backs they all agreed that Alpha's find a way into their hearts despite the mechanical issues. If you like spending time with a wrench... and you don't need the car as a daily driver then it sounds like a great car!!
NeonSRT-4 Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 If I recall correctly, Jeremy's car had the rear diff that was bad and had transmission/clutch issues. He received those during the track session where he beat on that car...every single lap.
DaveVY Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 If I recall correctly, Jeremy's car had the rear diff that was bad and had transmission/clutch issues. He received those during the track session where he beat on that car...every single lap. That sounds right... didn't he also roll it over on its side at the track which then required that he do some "cosmetic" work before the concours competition?
NeonSRT-4 Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 That sounds right... didn't he also roll it over on its side at the track which then required that he do some "cosmetic" work before the concours competition? You are correct!
XQIZT Posted April 24, 2012 Author Posted April 24, 2012 Thanks for all the input here. Seems like the reliability issue is still #1. The one we are looking at has been fully inspected and got a pretty decent grade. And we're looking at the convertibles. Graduates and Veloce's.
jpu471 Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 Wheeler Dealers - S04E05 S04E06 - Alfa Romeo Spide - Car Videos on StreetFire
Marylander Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 Thanks for all the input here. Seems like the reliability issue is still #1. The one we are looking at has been fully inspected and got a pretty decent grade. And we're looking at the convertibles. Graduates and Veloce's. Honestly, if you enjoy a little wrench turning, how bad could it be? No one expects a 25 year old car to be as reliable and bulletproof as a modern car, so as long as your expectations are in check I'm sure an old Alfa would be a blast. And with the internet you can always find parts and how-tos on anything that's ever gone wrong in the past. The only thing that would REALLY scare me on a car this age are blatant abuse and neglect, and of course body damage and rust. But it sounds like you're looking at a good car.
XQIZT Posted April 24, 2012 Author Posted April 24, 2012 Rich...that's exactly my thought. How bad could it be? The 85 vette has about a million miles of wire that can lead you on a goose chase and I haven't been put in a straight jacket yet. With a proper service manual, you can really do just about anything. Keep those opinions/experiences coming!
Marylander Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 Rich...that's exactly my thought. How bad could it be? The 85 vette has about a million miles of wire that can lead you on a goose chase and I haven't been put in a straight jacket yet. With a proper service manual, you can really do just about anything. Keep those opinions/experiences coming! Exactly. The 85 MR2 that I bought last year has been a blast to tinker with. Mechanically it's stone-age simple, and parts are mostly available and affordable (it shared a lot, like brakes & such, with the Tercels and Corollas of the day). I was actually giggling at how easy it was to pull the calipers, bleed the brakes, etc with no worries about ABS sensors and other complications. And it's fun as all get out to drive... no PS, no ABS, it's a bit noisy, but it's very honest and pure. I say go for the Alfa... these older cars are getting more and more rare, and they need good caretakers so that there will still be a few on the road for years to come.
Z71_Denali Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 i have never owned an alfa, and do not know anyone that has owned one!
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