Alfa Romeo 2.0L GTV. A future classic!

Advantages: Lovely handling. Beautiful. A lot of car for the price.
Disadvantages: Quirky, unreliable electrics. Badly kept examples will cost you

...it's your car, you don't want to share it! I'm not normally a selfish person, honest. Disadvantages are that perhaps the 2.0 litre engine will not be enough for some people. However now they're stopping production I think it'll turn into a classic. Make sure you get an inspection on second hand purchases and double check the suspension, which is a complex bit of kit and can be costly to replace. Also check the cam belts have been replaced (ideally every 30,000 miles despite what the offical figures suggest). This will avoid potentially expensive engine damage. Other minor disadvantages are that the electrics can be a little unreliable and you have to get used to it's nuances, but nobodies perfect. Electrics aside, Alfa Romeo's are a lot more reliable than they used to be, and do not rust apart anymore. The TS engine is good...

redlandking 18.03.2006 (19.03.2006) · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Twin Spark

Alfa Romeo 156 - What great fun!!

Advantages: Aesthetically pleasing, stylish, spacious boot, security, quick and knee tremblingly superior!!!,
Disadvantages: can be expensive to run....thats it really!!!

...of its size is the opening is a little small. This of course can hamper putting in awkward items such as a pushchair in - but you soon learn a technique to over come this, so it is not really a big deal. The drive of the 156 is short of exceptional?even the 1.8 model has a quick acceleration and high speed, but the 2.0 has even more grunt. The sound of the engine could be compared to a quiet TVR Tuscan or large Tiger purring, it really is a sweet sound, one which you never get tired of listening to! There has been much said in the press about Alfa's having a tendency to understeer but I have not found this to be the case of the 156, if anything I found it to be spot on, the cornering at low and high speed is responsive and accurate, something one demands these days rather than requests. The tight suspension makes the cornering easier but...

amani_nicholson 12.04.2006 (13.04.2006) · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

Alfa 156 - The truth.....

Advantages: Pedigree. Stylish.
Disadvantages: Insurance costs. Depreciation.

...Two years ago I decided to take the plunge and buy something different, and the Alfa had to be the choice. I purchased a 9 month old, low mileage "Lusso" 2.0ltr saloon version. Having still got the vehicle, how`s it stacked up? Read on for a few home truths after 30,000 trouble-free miles..... Initially the style of the car was a great attraction, not to mention the Alfa pedigree of "exclusivity" and relative scarecity (relatively speaking there are few dealers specialising in this marque). The cars lines are unmatched, being very sleek and aesthetically pleasing from all angles - and that front end is so aggesive! My initial impressions upon driving the car were that of a deceptively spacious interior, affording good driving visibility considering its compact and squat exterior looks. I chose the leather trim incidentally which is...

triplenut3 10.11.2005 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

Alfa Romeo 146Ti

Advantages: Everything, excellent handling, excellent looks, excellent performence........ excellent everything.
Disadvantages: Not a lot! - Apart from the Insurance!

...I bought my Alfa Romeo 146 Ti just over two years ago. Its a P Reg now so is getting on abit and I keep thinking to myself I better get a new car, but I just cannot bring myself to sell it. I went out looking for a new car just over two years ago and had in my mind I were going to get a Vectra or Laguna or something along those lines, that were until I saw the 146 sitting on the forecourt. As soon as I saw it I fell in love with it and once had took it for a test drive, well, that were it! Within half an hour the cheque were wrote and the car were paid for! Now I keep thinking about getting a new car but just think to myself - but I dont want to get rid of my Alfa! The Alfa 146 has absolutely everything, brilliant performence, excellent handling, is very comfortable, definatley looks the part and it definately gets you noticed...

MartinClark 13.03.2003 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 146 2.0

Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD

Advantages: Engine, Looks, Leather, Options on my car
Disadvantages: Safety, Reliability Record, Dealership Record

...Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD 3dr Lusso You probably just don?t understand Alfa's and until you sit in one-you never will? Just bought an Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD 3dr Lusso and on first impressions I?m delighted. It?s Navy Blue in Colour which sets the car off great against the Cream Leather, its a top of the range model and comes with SAT NAV, Cruise Control, Telephone, full heated Leather Upholstery, trip computer, 16inch Alloy wheels etc. The options are great, although not a requirement for everyone-however I would recommend the leather upholstery as a MUST its fantastic. I test drove many cars before buying, yet decided on the Alfa 147, because it put the biggest smile on my face, it was the nicest car to sit in and felt the best to drive by a long way. The Golf mk4 GTi felt its age, and although the Golf mk5 1.6s that I...

Azz4711 26.10.2009 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD

Finally bought an Alfa Romeo....and loving it!

Advantages: Style, equipment levels, ride.
Disadvantages: Petrol consumption, insurance costs.

...From an early age, I've always hankered after cars that dare to look a little bit different and had always fancied an Alfa Romeo. Having now reached an age where I've owned several cars, Ford, Vauxhall, Citroen, Renault and Ford again, I decided the time was right to be that bit decadent and treat myself to an Alfa. The model I've bought is the 2.0 TS Selespeed Lusso, just over a year old with 3500 miles on the clock which is absolutely stunning in black with light grey Momo leather upholstery. Having paid just £12000 for it (best part of £20000 new with the extras it's got), they're are plenty of bargains to be had in the used car arena, and you'll get a lot of car for your money. Having owned a fully specced up Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia previously (full leather, air con, traction control, cruise control etc etc) I really wanted...

JasonJohn 09.06.2004 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 Twin Spark Selespeed

My Alfa Romeo

Advantages: Its a comfortable ride, and has some prestige element attached.
Disadvantages: Wheel handling can be difficult in wet weather as its a rear wheel drive vehicle

...I have owned this car for about 8 years now, didnt buy it from new, but its always been a great experience to drive. It looks good and is comfortable because it has the race car bucket Rockero seats which my sons would love to have, but I wont let them have them of course. Its fast and ease on the road is a pleasure, although in winter when the roads are wet it can be a pain in the neck because its a rear wheel drive vehicle. It is pretty expensive to run because the parts usually have to come direct from Italy, well in my experience they have. But they are easily accessable. Mechanics dont really like working on them however so I tend to take it to an Alfa specialist which of course is far more expensive, but it makes all the difference. I dont know too much about the technical side of the car but I do know that it takes a good driver...

kiria 18.02.2005 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 75 2.0

My first Alfa and I'm in Love!

Advantages: Driving experience, looks and style
Disadvantages: A few minor niggles and a little paranoia from negative reviews

...pure class. With a redline at 7,000rpm, you can really push this car into some exciting places, and although yes, it can waver under 3,000rpm, once you're off the 2.0 twin spark engine will pleasantly surprise you time and time again, whether it's accelerating through the gears to reach cruising speed, or overtaking in 5th when you're already at 80-85mph, the 165 bhp comes into its own. And that engine note just makes you smile so much that I rarely use the radio any more. On the subject of the 156 being slow off the mark from the lights, after persevering, I've found just the right biting point at which to deploy the gas so I get a smooth and speedy take-off without slipping the clutch or revving like a boy racer, so this is no longer a problem. Around town, the ride can be a little bumpy, but this is an Alfa, not a 7 series, and rather...

JohnnyMaher123 19.05.2004 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

A real drivers car, Alfa Romeo

Advantages: High specification, stylish design, good value used car, sporty performer
Disadvantages: lack of storage space

...I bought my 156 2.0 JTS Veloce as a one year old pre registered car with 10,000 miles and at the time did consider the Diesel JTD 150 version but in all honesty the heart and soul of an Alfa is not a diesel unit and never will be. The 2.0 JTS is a work of art, pumping out 178 Bhp and willing to rev round the clock if desired, which is frequently when I go out. The engine has that beautiful Alfa rip and burble when getting the foot into the pedal it is difficult holding back a smile driving down the country lanes, where the car is very much at home. I can't fault the handling, the turning circle is not too great but who cares it is quick and responsive when asked, point in the direction you want to go and obliges without a fuss. The driving position is superb, it is clearly designed for the driver, it looks good, everything is at hand...

Ralfa156 31.08.2006 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 JTS

Bella Alfa Romeo

Advantages: Great to drive and look at. Reliable and well built.
Disadvantages: Insurance can be pricey with some companies.

...Well I purchased the 147 2.0 Lusso last July (2003), brand new, from one of the many car supermarkets. It was just £13500 and has everything from the 17" supersports Alloys to Leather interior, sunroof as well as the comfort pact and winter pack. I saved around £6000 on the UK retail price and therefore should protect myself from any early depreciation. Should you buy this car? Well YES it drives like it is on rails and the ride is still smooth considering it's on the wide 17" low profile tyres. Mine came with Goodyear F1 Eagle tyre which give excellent grip. I have had no problems and the first 12000mile service was done by my Alfa dealer in Amersham for a very reasonable £150. Average fuel consumption is 33-35MPG. It holds a decent amount in the boot, as shown by a recent holiday with the Inlaws and in our previous 1.6Lusso (which...

mikegipson 16.06.2004 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 Twin Spark