Alfa Romeo 145 (1994 - 2001) 1.8 TS 16V 3d (1998/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm a bit of a lad.. but not a Chav. :D

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

It's a racing car. I must have been a fighter pilot in World War 1. :D

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely. It's a bit of a dark horse and unknown quantity.. so great value as everyone goes for a Golf or a Focuszzzz instead. Actually it's better than either of those cars to drive, to own to look at and to admire. Hero stuff.

What are you likely to buy next?

Alfa 147

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£500

When did you buy the car?

January 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. A spot of research on the alfaowner.com website helped me to learn what I should look out for.. then I used an auction website to track down the best car I could find for the money. '45s are pretty "unfamiliar" to most punters.. so great value.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed something quick and characterful but cheap and reliable while my main car was being restored.

What was the dealer like?

Private sale.

What's it like to drive?

Rocket-ship dragster.. Amazingly nippy and nimble with very quick and responsive steering. Suspension/ride is rather firm.. great on smooth roads.. a bit crashy on single bumps (a bumpy road itself is not that bad).

What's it like to park?

Not bad. Over the shoulder visibility isn't great but the car's extremities are more or less where the windows are.. so you can just park the window.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing at all. I had to replace a defective thermostat and some blown instrument bulbs.. but service history looked good and the car has been exemplary.

What's most practical about your car?

Good interior packaging, space and airiness in the cabin. Lots of room in the engine bay for servicing and basically simple design.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The 1.8 16v donkey under the bonnet.