Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 Twin Spark 5dr

Have had a an Alfa 147 1.6 TS for 8 years now and never had a problem - still enjoy driving it after all this time and can only recommend an Alfa.

Pondering a change to the new Alfa Giulietta , but will miss my reliable and fun 147

I owned a golf 1.6, focus 1.6 , BMW 318cupe, mini one now 3 years having a jet black Alfa 147 1.6 its stylish then all the cars I had it drives feels like your in a Ferrari the engine noise just makes u feel like a f1 driver all ma previous car I woke up jump in and went work now the 147 u have 2 look or even walk around it then go thats how a real car should be every car has reliability problems its metal fixed on to metal with bit of oil engine is a engine that ' s it, its cheaper then my previous cars plus more reliable just changed the cam and variator droved 2 Italy and back without a problem now do this with a vw golf or the mini half of your journey recovery gonna take you to your destination and there both expensive then the Alfa try and see like I did, I just broke my car key the wanted 300 for a new key because of the security system on Alfa is very complicated very hi tic , my next car after this is gonna be Alfa 149 coming to the world very soon.

In the uk there is a lot of Vauxhalls and fords in Italy Germany France turkey most of the cars are Alfa, Fiat, BMW, Merc, UKs got a big reability problem that ' s what it is have you seen a advert on the road that says new Alfa is out it will say new ford focus or Vauxhall what is more reliable Vauxhall ford or an Alfa search it.

I bought an Alfa based on looks and the great drive - I chose to ignore the bad reputation on reliability and post-sales service and am glad I did. It well exceeds the interior quality and reliability of my previous 2002 mini cooper. Further, I have been more than impressed by my local dealer who has fixed a number of minor faults as part of my service on "goodwill". From the AR literature which I have recently received, it seems that this is due to a massive customer service drive. I think they are making a big effort in this area and so far, it seems to be working! I understand that they have just opened a quality control centre in the UK for all new cars so hopefully getting an AR in the future shouldn't be such a risk!

Have had my 147 for 2 years and while I loved it when it drove well, I have fallen out of love with it. why? Almost constant problems. Timing belt failure, reoccurring airbag failure, gearbox fault. nice £1500 bill 2 days before xmas has put me well and truly of alfas. Don't misinterpret me, the 147 is very stylish car and will make you happy behind the wheel, but it will empty your pocket. 35mpg doing well, oil top ups every 3000 miles plus the risk of timing belt snapping at any mileage is a lot of work and it needs a lot of looking after - stick to service intervals. Just not worth the hassle - They are a beautiful car but I won`t be buying another Alfa for a while until they sort the problems that should not be happening in an age when they`re up against makers that build reliable, powerful and economic motors. Sorry Alfa.

I won't recommend this car to anyone unless they are young and want to be flashy.

Love the Alfa Romeo 147. Hate owning it. Sorry Alfa I won't be buying another one. These days we want more service out of our cars and dealers

I purchased a low milage 156 Veloce 1.6 with leather seats four door in red 2 years ago - Absolutley no reliability problems what so ever - Just servicing only and new tyres - The Alfa Romeo 1.6 drives superbly and a full factory body kit on a 1.6 is excellent - A good size boot - Always used independant garages because they are cheaper on labour costs - Oil consumption is high though they recommend 1 litre per 1000 miles - My 156 is faultless - Alfa deserve so much better with UK sales because they make a brilliant car in the 156

It's a pleasure every morning to walk up to such a stunning car as the Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 Twin Spark. When I open the door it's great to step inside and drive the car. It puts a smile on my face when I am driving it as it's lovely to drive. But at what cost? The quality of parts/reliability is not always up to scratch. Owning such a car does hurt your pockets unnecessarily, as my girlfriend puts it. After just 44K the cam-belt and variator went, and cost me a whopping £500 to fix, add £250 for a service, £120 for spark plugs, and your looking at a hefty £900 repair bill. The question is, can you afford/justify an Alfa 147, or should you be more rational and go for a less exciting, but reliable/economical option? I haven't decided yet, but my head tells me to go for another make which will make my heart bleed!