Alfa Romeo 147 (2001 - 2009) 1.6 TS Lusso 3d (01) (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Hopefully that I put a bit of thought in to which car I bought.

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

Everyone likes the exterior, and those that have been inside are even more complimentary about the interior. They've got over asking if it's broken down yet.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, maybe a 2 litre variant, or a GTA. I'm certainly sold on Alfas

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Alfa, not sure which one though.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got it at around book price, but it has extras, so definitely a good price. It seems that some dealers don't know what to do with them, so they drop their prices to shift them quickly.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looks, engine, badge, rarity and the fact that high depreciation means that they're brilliant value second hand.

What was the dealer like?

A second hand car dealer. Wasn't a specialist in the marque so didn't know much about it, but was very apologetic when the car ran out of fuel on the test drive!

What's it like to drive?

Great fun. Baring in mind it's only got 120bhp and it's dragging round quite a weighty car, i think it goes very well. It means you can drive it quite hard, get the engine and it's noise going, and still be doing sane speeds. Handling is very good as you'd expect from an Alfa. The only real issue is that the ride can be a bit harsh over bumps.

What's it like to park?

Usually fine. The supposed lack of rear visibility has not caused problems, it's the huge turning circle. 11.5m might not seem like much, but when it comes to tight spaces it means you have to treat it like a larger car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not since I've had it and didn't get find any big invoices in the documents. The most annoying thing has been the long wait for a new windscreen after a stonechip cracked. It's not really living up to all those horror stories that people keep telling me!

What's most practical about your car?

It's not supposed to be too practical, if I wanted that I would have got something with less character! Having said that, it's never left me wanting for more practicality.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control's good, so is leather, dual zone climate control and the steering wheel mounted stereo controls are brilliant.