I’m staring into the Alfa dark side…
Does anyone have any proper, informed, meaningful experience of owning and/or driving one of these beauties? I’ve read as much as I can, and am reasonably (internet) informed about their performance shortcomings. But wondering if that will be much of a worry, moving from 1.8 Eunoses?
I’m test driving a red V6 tomorrow…
Steve
I was parked almost next to a red '07 939 Brera in Ruislip Waitrose yesterday. It looked very old; faded, dull, sad and down at the right rear corner.
The only reason I noticed it was because I’d never seen one before, and any AR reaching this age is extremely rare. Comparing it with the gleaming ‘as new’ look of my NC only a year younger it was chalk and cheese.
A friend had one and he absolutely loved it, the only issues he had with it was wheel bearings failing on a regular basis.
Thanks. Wheel bearings are a new one on me.
I’ve checked MOT histories (fails and advisories) on 15 that are currently on Autotrader.
Apart from tyre/brake issues (ie lack of sensible care), the only consistent problem is that nearly all of them seem to have suffered from broken coil springs! - and there are plenty of front and rear suspension arm bush failures - so nothing particularly alarming. I saw no wheel bearing issues, though. Good to know.
S
I had an Alfa Romeo 147, and had it looked after by an Alfa specialist. I asked about the Brera, and it seems underneath, these later FWD cars are all the same, and suffer the same issues with suspension wearing out quickly. If it squeaks going over bumps, you’re looking at a 4-figure bill.vThe bushes can’t be replaced except by replacing the entire arm. Electrical problems; if the battery is anything less than 100%, it will throw a code.
I enjoyed my time with an Alfa, but wouldn’t buy one again.
And its wrong wheel drive.
Not a Brera but I did own a 2007 159 Sportwagen which if I recall is built on much the same platform. It was nearly new (ex-demonstrator) when I bought it and I covered over 70k very enjoyable miles in around 3.5 years. Only had a few minor bodywork niggles such as a faulty rear window guide and a rear centre armrest that did not fully fold up - all of which was fixed under warranty.
The only real compaint I had was was the lack of any useful cubby holes / storage / cup holders. I part-exchanged it after almost 4 years only because I was receiving a car allowance which only covered vehciles up to 4 years old.
I would definely buy another Alfa and when the lease on my 330d expires, will be looking at a Guilia as a replacement everyday car.
Hope this helps
Darryl
Hi H1S VRB! Did you go for the test drive? If so what was your verdict! We’d love to know!
Late in 2008 (at Avignon rail station) we hired a brand new (11 kms) 159 Q4 diesel (as a free upgrade from a Focus/Astra!) On the twisties in the mountains to the North it was amazing, an absolute effortless delight to drive, even four up.
However, it continually wandered away from a straight line on the motorway with a noticeable dead spot in the centre of the steering, even after we’d done nearly a thousand kilometres and scrubbed in the brand new tyres. Also the ground clearance to the rear diff was embarrassingly small, I seemed to be frequently clonking it on insignificant little bits in the road, such as the the 3cm high centre stop for the gates at the truly superb chambre d’hôte we were staying in, even after making the others get out and trying to take a different line in.