Alfa Romeo 1994 145
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    As a roll out model, with a boxer engine I got a 20% discount from new.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Fuel economy now, after 7 years, is in the low 20's mpg. Apart from that, costs are reasonable and sevice intervals are 12,000 miles, which is a bonus.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    It IS a sporty car, making a mock of its Fiat Tipo underpinnings. A very enjoyable drive. I prefer it to a BMW 3 series compact of the same vintage.

    Performance

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Looks, handles and feels much livelier than its basic performance figures suggest, can be driven with brio and a smile.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Has never failed in 7 years, apart from one battery that died. My only problem is breakpads that scrub off often.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    It's a wedge-shaped, galvanised Alfa, with the old alfasud engine (yet fully evolved) in it. Its image is above BMW and Volkswagen yet below Audi, but it's funkier.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Genuine space inside, bright, airy, nice driving position (great seats), and I like the taut suspension. Trim has not failed. It's better than a 1996 BMW compact for trim actually.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    The immobiliser did its job when it was broken into by smashing a rear quarterlight, no worries.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    The car is superb, but the dealers and their mechanics are not. I've had the wrong service down at least twice. It's a boxer you idiots, NOT a twin spark!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    The steering rack leaks a tiny amount, the brakes use pads for fun and tyre wear is uneven.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes