Rob M
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,915
Club RR Member Number: 41
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Jan 21, 2015 16:28:41 GMT
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Been looking at these models, the 145 and 155 as potential buys. Both "appear" to be great value, certainly not stratospheric in their pricing and, I'm assuming, great drivers cars. Well they do say that true petrol heads have owned at least on Alfa in their life, right? I'm guessing that the 2.0ltr is not THAT much slower than the V6 ( in the 155) and is also lighter and makes for a better balanced car. Anybody owned either one? Driven one? Opinions?
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Jan 21, 2015 16:33:07 GMT
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I know very little other than the v6 is one of the best looking engines in a family car.
Supposed to be the one to have too.
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goldnrust
West Midlands
Minimalist
Posts: 1,880
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Jan 21, 2015 16:49:51 GMT
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I had a 155 v6 for a while, I really liked it. I've also had Alfa's 2.0TS engine in a GTV. The 2.0l 4 pot is good for what it is, it makes quite a good noise and has a nice energetic feel to it. But the V6 is something else. While the peak power isn't that wildly different between the 2, when you thrash them theres' isn't much difference in pace, the low and mid range pull of the v6 is way way beyond that of the 2l so day to day it feels much faster. The v6 also sounds amazing. Unfortunately i've not driven a V6 GTV or a 2L 155 so can't comment on the handling difference. The 155 v6 didn't handle badly, I think Alfas power steering has a good feel to it, though the torque steer was comical in low gears on damp mornings. I'd have another 155 v6, I was eyeing up the one on eBay the other day intact but can't justify it at this minute sadly. I'll warn you, if you buy an Alfa and 'get' what it's all about you're trapped forever. I both loved and hated my Alfas at the same time, they were wonderful yet infuriating. Still I spend more time thinking about them, 2 cheap daily runners which I owned for a matter of months, than any other car I've owned. I think the only solution is to buy another at some stage! This was my 155 v6, standard apart from some lowering springs.
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Last Edit: Jan 21, 2015 16:54:37 GMT by goldnrust
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Rob M
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,915
Club RR Member Number: 41
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Jan 21, 2015 17:26:39 GMT
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Brilliant, thanks for the feedback! Ive got a Loads Of Trouble Usually Serious so I'm not to frightened of their reputation for causing owners to s**t a kidney out of sheer frustration. I do fancy a V6 155 but the 145 seems to be a huge bargain, even in 2.0ltr form.
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Jan 21, 2015 17:42:34 GMT
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This thread needs noise
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1993 Fiat Panda Selecta 2003 Vauxhall Combo 1.7DI van 2006 Mercedes Kompressor Evolution-S AMG SportCoupé
"You think you hate it now, wait til you drive it"
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goldnrust
West Midlands
Minimalist
Posts: 1,880
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Jan 21, 2015 17:46:16 GMT
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I think the thing is they are probably frustrating compared to an equal age Ford/Nissan/normal car, but they're no way in the same league of frustration as a Lotus would be, or my 70's Lancia was! It's more the fact that you can get hooked on their 'Alfaness' and then everything else seems like it's lacking a certain something The 2.0L is stil a good engine, and should feel fairly spritely in the 145 which can't weigh that much? There's a nice 155 v6 on ebay…. If Pandaselectas video doesn't sway you…. this is what my 155 v6 sounded like (in the hands of a previous owner), it's a good noise.
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Last Edit: Jan 21, 2015 17:47:48 GMT by goldnrust
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MiataMark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,968
Club RR Member Number: 29
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Jan 21, 2015 17:51:18 GMT
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I've 'only' got a diesel Alfa and it's still special, I love seeing it parked in amongst all the Audi's and BMW's etc.
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1990 Mazda MX-52012 BMW 118i (170bhp) - white appliance 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 2003 Land Rover Discovery II TD52007 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon JTDm
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EmDee
Club Retro Rides Member
Committer of Autrocities.
Posts: 5,932
Club RR Member Number: 108
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Jan 21, 2015 18:01:41 GMT
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I have one. You should get one. One thing I will say is that they are tricky to lower properly. I have had several sumps on mine thus far and it doesn't even look low. Very reliable so far surprisingly. Mine's not a V6, in fact it's only a 1.8 but it goes like the clappers when it's on cam and sounds fantastic with the stainless zorst. Parts are not too much for these at the moment and other owners are really helpful. Got one yet?
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Jan 21, 2015 18:12:45 GMT
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There's a really nice looking 145 1.6 Junior on ebay at the moment. I've just passed on an early boxer-engines one and wish I hadn't.
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Jaguar S-Type 3.0 SE
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Rob M
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,915
Club RR Member Number: 41
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Jan 21, 2015 18:20:38 GMT
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Hearing those V6s on full chat has made me go all moist...... EmDee, I haven't yet but, yeah, one will be the next car on the fleet.
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Jan 21, 2015 21:00:31 GMT
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I too "only" have a diesel Alfa (156 2.4 veloce 20 valve). For what it's worth I would much prefer an older model such as the 155 in the first picture or a GTV6. Having said that I am very happy with mine.
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life's short & it's hard, like a body building elf.
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Jan 21, 2015 21:49:08 GMT
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As I own some examples of each of these, I'll wade in here.... The V6 engine sounds amazing, particularly with a decent Zorst on it... They can be a little thirsty when giving 'em the beans, but reasonable when at cruising speed... Belt changes are crucial, don't run 'em beyond the due date, it's a bl**dy expensive mistake even when you build your own engines (ask me how I know ) The 4 cylinder cars are fantastic to drive, but you have to rev them hard to get the best out of them. They rev to 7k, and my daily 1.8 Twinspark hits the redline regularly... As Emdee says, they go well on cam, but are very flat off cam, this is because although they make reasonable horse power, the torque is another matter. I would recommend either the eProm or Squadra chip, they improve the torque output enormously, without hurting fuel consumption..... The 145 is based on the Punto floorpan, and both the 145 and 155 like to rust more than you would believe!! Check outer sills, inner sills where they join to the floorpan, inner wheelarches front and rear, rear chassis legs near fuel tank, bottom of wings etc, etc, etc.... You get the picture!! The most common colour is Rosso Red 130, nice colour but most are now various shades of pink (including my daily!!) This sounds like I'm trying to put you off right? Only because it means there is one less potential buyer to compete with me, 'cos I'd buy every 155 left in existence if I could!!! I love 'em!! As said by goldnrust, if you buy one, and 'get' what it's about, you are trapped and doomed until the end of time..... The 155 is a rare care these days, only 154 currently taxed on the road in the UK this year, 173 last year... There are a few off road in project conditions, but there are very few available for sale at any one time.... A clue as to how deep you will fall, I was offered a swap for a really nice E36 328i Sport for my daily 1.8 Twinspark, and I couldn't even consider doing it. The 155 is one of the few true drivers cars still available for sensible money.... My recommendation for you would be a 2.0 16V Twinspark, Squadra chip, decent exhaust and keep it nice and clean.... Join the forum (alfa155.org ) and enjoy. As Emdee says, lows are difficult to get right, especially if the car is to be a daily. Sumps take a beating, and the exhaust hangs quite low as standard so be careful... I may have one available in a few months, but if you want one sooner let me know and I'll point you in the right direction.... Good luck....
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'96 Volvo 850T5 x2, '97 Alfa 145 Cloverleaf '96 Alfa 155, '91 XR2i 2.0 Zetec (sold), '88 BMW 520i slug (sold), '81 Escort Mk3 Project, '68 Mk1 Escort Estate, Berlingo Parts Chaser.
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THE_Liam
Yorkshire and The Humber
If at first you don't succeed... HAMMERS.
Posts: 1,363
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Jan 21, 2015 21:56:18 GMT
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I ran a 155 1.8 for a few months and I enjoyed it, great revvy engine, excellent handling, just felt special. Great car, and faultless for me...
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Rob M
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,915
Club RR Member Number: 41
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Jan 21, 2015 22:11:25 GMT
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Retroandproud and the rest of you, thank you for your views, experiences and great advice. I'm in the throes of pulling some money together, its not a case of if I go hunting for one but when, that shouldn't be too long at all. Always had a hankering for an Alfa, the two examples I gave seem to be tremendous value and, above all, a bit different. Just my kind of car. Thanks!
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Jan 21, 2015 22:15:07 GMT
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I've driven a few alfas and loved them all. especially the 147 gta.
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Jan 21, 2015 22:42:05 GMT
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I've had a 2.0 146, a 12v 3.0 V6 164 and 24v Cloverleaf, and two 2.5 V6 156s. The 146 was very quick, it weighs nothing, and is a great little engine (the early twinspark) - so good that I still have this car, half stripped, so I can use the engine in something some day... The V6 engines are lightweight so don't negatively affect balance although I do think all Alfas (that I've driven) have been very nose heavy and understeer a lot. I made the mistake of having a stainless exhaust fabricated for the 156 and it now throbs instead of singing, which is awful. It still feels special - I've been driving around in a stream of different faster, flashier, expensiver cars lately and they leave me cold compared to my old 156. All of mine have been as reliable as anything contemporary; in many cases moreso. I knew an Alfa was for me the moment I sat in a rotten diesel 156 when looking for a new daily... bought the 156 wagon shortly after and still can't bear to part with it.
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Jan 21, 2015 22:48:45 GMT
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I remember seeing a 145 cloverleaf as a youngun and being stunned by it. Looking at it now, the only thing I don't like is the front end... Would a 155 front go on? *n
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Top grammar tips! Bought = purchased. Brought = relocated Lose = misplace/opposite of win. Loose = your mum
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Jan 21, 2015 22:51:32 GMT
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The 146 was very quick, it weighs nothing,. 1,140–1,275 kg which is quite a bit for a small car... *n
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Top grammar tips! Bought = purchased. Brought = relocated Lose = misplace/opposite of win. Loose = your mum
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Jan 21, 2015 22:54:44 GMT
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The 146 was very quick, it weighs nothing,. 1,140–1,275 kg which is quite a bit for a small car... *n You have to remember that he drives a Cadillac, so everything feels like it weighs nothing compared to that
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1993 Fiat Panda Selecta 2003 Vauxhall Combo 1.7DI van 2006 Mercedes Kompressor Evolution-S AMG SportCoupé
"You think you hate it now, wait til you drive it"
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THE_Liam
Yorkshire and The Humber
If at first you don't succeed... HAMMERS.
Posts: 1,363
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Jan 21, 2015 23:10:41 GMT
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The 146 was very quick, it weighs nothing,. 1,140–1,275 kg which is quite a bit for a small car... *n Very true, my Merc 190E is only 1170kg...
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