Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 Hi all I was recommended I join from a friend who has just joined also. Basically I have just sold my beloved Clio V6 MK1 mars red and am need of another daily drive. I do lots of town driving but a few fun country roads around Brighton too. I do around 8-10K miles per year tops. I have been looking into BMW E90's 320/318, Fords etc etc but after the Clio nothing excites me. My wife reminds me we need something practical and reliable as we are looking at extending the family! but she did say she likes Alfa Romeos. I must admit I am one of those who was lead to believe these cars are not reliable but after reading owners reviews im ashamed to say I was more than likely wrong! so I thought I would check some out. Anyway, the car I am looking into is the GT JTS/JTD, my budget is between 4/6K and have found a number within that budget (ill check the buyers advice section of course) but I just wondered if anyone can advise on the best choice and put my mind at ease or the best place to buy one. Honestly the GT has to be one of the nicest looking cars IMO. I have to admit also, ill miss the Clio and the social life that comes with it so it would be great to be a part of something here Thanks guys Sam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K9d 108 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 Welcome to AlfaDriver. The GT is a lovely looking car, I personally would go for a JTD, I've never had a JTS but don't think they're rated too highly. I have a 156 with a 2.4 JTD engine that is currently on 192,000 miles with no issues. The JTD or JTS won't come anywhere near your Clio in terms of power but how about a V6 GT, this one is within your budget http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201401030786160/sort/default/usedcars/radius/1501/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/alfa_romeo/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/page/1/postcode/ba116sx/model/gt/fuel-type/petrol?logcode=p And the GT has the Busso V6 and not some GM rubbish. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 Hi Sam, welcome to AD i bet you miss the V6 sounds good in red though, any pics? The GT is a great looking car, i've not heard great things about the jts but the jtd is a good engine. common things from what i've read (haven't owned a GT but have had a 147 & 147 GTA) are the suspension is more a consumable when looking after them. knocks and rattles are common from old and tired suspension. i had to have wishbones/droplinks replaced on both of mine. I think the jts is a modified twinspark engine and injectors block up and cause a problem so out of the 2 id look at the jtd if it was me buying my favourite colours are red or black, black with red leather would be perfect although i have seen a really nice dark blue before with tan leather and that looked just as good i dont know where to suggest as the best place to buy from but if its a private sale see that it has had all the major work done at the right intervals and been toped up (general stuff when you're buying a car really) if its from a used car place/ dealership you have the benefit of a bit of warranty with it. have a drive of a couple and im sure you'll be able to see how good they are and hopefully you'll be in a GT soon 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 if you can afford the V6 though, you have to get 1, they are great had it in my GTA and just the noise is worth buying it for 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 Hi K9 Thanks for that I really appreciate the response! to be honest the Clio was a garage queen and im selling it to fund finishing a house refurbishment. I dont use it daily, but selling it means that we can finally get 2 cars of our own, currently I borrow my parents. I love the idea of the V6, its stunning and really good value at that price! I just couldn't justify the petrol costs I dont think. Im not really after perfomance to be, ive had that in the Clio for that. I spend alot of time in traffic and driving at 30! (honestly) I just really want something that you look back at when you walk away, or look out the bedroom window at and you get that tingly feeling! (like the clio) im looking at other cars too but I just dont get that same feeling! with the GT I do! even the 159 actually! My concern is, would a diesel engine be less reliable with lots of town driving? I have to be honest, im a total car man but I am fairly clueless with the Alfa which im completely ashamed of! Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 Cheers guys, sorry I got 2 responses as I was typing one! I think maybe the JTD is a better shout then, ill get out in some and see. I found one on Autotrader with 55k miles FSH etc. When I called the guy said "it must have had one owner and I dont have documents but it has FSH".... I wasn't filled with confidence! Ill try and line up some test drives for Sunday. There is a nice burgundy one (aquired taste I know) its got 19.500 miles but is thje JTS engine so its concerning when a car sits for so long I guess. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K9d 108 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 I know what you mean about fuel, I had a V6 and loved it but it hurt my wallet every time I drove it. I currently have a 2.4 diesel 156 and a 2.0 petrol 147 the petrol is more fun when you want it to be, but overall I prefer the diesel loads of torque and 40+ mpg. Part of the fun of the 147 is it selespeed, flappy paddle gearbox. I think the GT is based on the 156 chassis which is a great handling one whilst being comfy at the same time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 you can always get a couple of things done to the GT to make it quicker anyway, easiest thing is a remap and when done properly are great i know a couple of people with the 1.9 GT and they have done a few bits to them and they are quick cars Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiffy 99 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 Hi welcome to the forum The jtd is far a better engine than the jts. The v6 will be hard on fuel just doing short trips. Trust me my GTA is costing me a fortune at the minute The diesel will be fine but once and again you will have to give it the beans to clear the crap from the dpf and egr. As LJ said the front is the same as a 156/147 so look for a car that has had the front bottom and top arms changed and also drop links. Good hunting Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 Hi welcome to the forum The jtd is far a better engine than the jts. The v6 will be hard on fuel just doing short trips. Trust me my GTA is costing me a fortune at the minute The diesel will be fine but once and again you will have to give it the beans to clear the crap from the dpf and egr. As LJ said the front is the same as a 156/147 so look for a car that has had the front bottom and top arms changed and also drop links. Good hunting im not 100% sure but i think it depends on what age the car is whether it would have that or not? im sure someone will know for sure and i might be wrong but im sure i read something is slightly difrent depending on which age the car is, might be 2006 onwards?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiffy 99 Report post Posted February 12, 2014 Yeah I think your right, I know some where having one deleted and the other removed or something like that Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 13, 2014 Thanks guys, I have apparently managed to upload the photo of my Clio into my profile pic but not the topic thread!...... thanks for all the responses though, im going to test drive a JTD on Sunday with any luckm 57 plate with 57K on the clock. Ill keep you in the loop! :Big Grin: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smaky 73 Report post Posted February 13, 2014 Welcome, I think your choice of a GT when extending a family is not quite bob on, after all it is a 3 door and the hassle of geting young ones into the back seat will be tiresome after a while, especially when it's raining, I would suggest something like a 159 2.4JTDm, reasonaby priced, excellent power with economy, and uber reliable, basically it's an Insignia with style. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 13, 2014 Thanks for that, I know what you mean, I have thought about it alot, the Civic is decent for getting things in and out of the back. Funny you should say that though, I do like the look of the 159, ive seen a couple too so the chances are ill check those out too. cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trevb78 5 Report post Posted February 14, 2014 Hello Sam, I think a 159 diesel is a wise choice! 😉 Especially the Ti! Trev Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiffy 99 Report post Posted February 14, 2014 I'm looking at 159's aswell now Had to be a Ti tho Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 I wish, the TI looks amazing.. just out of my price bracket by a few K!!! lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 Ok so, im looking at a JTD 1.9 159 tomorrow. Its done 58k and is on for 6k. It has FASH, im yet to find out about the timing belts. Is there anything else I need to look for? Its funny.. when you mention alfa to anyone who hasnt looked into it, its always the same responses! is that normal to Alfa ownership? I love the Alfas, its the sort of car you look back at while you walk away! anyway, im very much looking forwards to my first test drive! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K9d 108 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 Would that response be "unreliable rust buckets"?, that what I get from my brother in law I've had 5 Alfa in the last 5 years, 2 of them were scrapped due to rust but they were older models that weren't galvanized One I parked on its side The other two are still going strong, no rust and never let me down and they have 275,000 miles between them. I also have a 25 year old Fiat based motorhome that only needed a CV boot to pass its MOT. So not unreliable, not rusty but definitely different form the herd. I like to let the uneducated sheep have their biased opinions and enjoy the fact it makes second hand Alfas much cheaper. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smaky 73 Report post Posted February 17, 2014 Ok so, im looking at a JTD 1.9 159 tomorrow. Its done 58k and is on for 6k. It has FASH, im yet to find out about the timing belts. Is there anything else I need to look for? Its funny.. when you mention alfa to anyone who hasnt looked into it, its always the same responses! is that normal to Alfa ownership? I love the Alfas, its the sort of car you look back at while you walk away! anyway, im very much looking forwards to my first test drive! The belts should be done with the water pump every 3 years on this engine, and listen out from knocks on the front suspension, it will be one of 3 things, upper wishbone (about £130 fitted), lower wishbone (about £250 fitted) or anti roll bar related (£30 for a drop link or around £100 for bushes), so factor that into the bargaining. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 18, 2014 Yes thats right! unreliable rust buckets, not seen one with ANY rust yet but certianly have on other brands of the same age! lol. I have just since sold a rear wheel drive french hatchback so im used to the jealousy Thanks for the further info, its seems as though most of the common faults are not major anyway to be honest, as long as the general maintinance has been done to a high standard. Unfortunately just as I was getting excited I was told by the dealer this car had sold so I am still looking! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 21, 2014 (edited) Off to have a little look at this one tomorrow, http://www.selseycarsales.com/used-car-alfa-romeo-159-saloon-299 will keep you guys posted, thanks for all the help so far! its had FSH and just a had a new clutch and a full service. I need to find out about Tax and MOT. The cambelt was replaced in 2011 at 58K so I assume the belts will need doing not it is at 83K and 3 years on? Ill let you know how the test drive goes! Edited February 21, 2014 by Samwilde681 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiffy 99 Report post Posted February 21, 2014 That looks a cracker Knock him down on the price to pay for the cambelt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samwilde681 2 Report post Posted February 21, 2014 Yeah Ive already got that in mind I thought the same, looks very well looked after but the pictures can hide alot in reality of course... ill keep you guys up to date, I cant wait to actually drive one! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted February 21, 2014 looks good that 1 the few 159's ive seen have got scratches from peoples keyrings on the facia part of the dash but thats easily sorted, you can either take them out and spray them or get them wrapped easily enough, seen a few people do it themselves might be worth phoning a couple of alfa specialists to get a rough idea of cost for the cambelt, i wouldn't let the seller get it done or they might either say its been done when it hasn't (unlikely but you never know) or just do the bare minimum which is no good either good luck with it, hope its as good as it looks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
