Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 TS Turismo 3d (01) (2001/Y) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Bought before the price rises. Not bad considering all the kit. 147 seems to have held value much better than all other Alfas too.
Costs
Insurance group high (12), fuel ok (we get exactly what the manufacturer's figures say), servicing variable (12k was about £140, 24k about £250, 36k about £360, 48k cheap again). Watch out for the 36k service if buying 2nd hand.
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On the road
Driving
Lovely be in and to drive, very sharp handling and feels secure. Firmish ride gives sporty feel. Good grip under normal driving - never tried to unstick it though, not my thing.
Performance
Not a rocket ship but pretty good - 120bhp from the 1.6 Litre engine. It's more revvy than torquey - red line is 7000rpm. Very good on the motorway. Feels pretty quick when combined with the good handling. Plenty enough for us.
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Living with it
Reliability
Totally reliable - nothing critical gone wrong at all in 34k miles. Been back to dealer for very minor stuff (e.g. airbag warning light twice due to loose wire under passenger seat).
Image
No question this is a very stylish car. Feels exclusive and we still get a kick from it after 3 years. Selespeed asside, Alfa reliability image much improved these days, too.
Comfort
Fully adjustable and supportive seating, plenty of room in the front (and plenty of room for a baby seat in the back - and the boot takes our M&P Pliko pushchair OK). Air con, very polite interior lights, electric windows and mirrors. Who needs a Lusso?!
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Security and Service
Security
Standard kit = alarm, immobiliser, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, front and side airbags (6 in total). None of it tested by us, but feels secure.
Service
Dealer service very good throughout (Cleveland Cars, Aldershot).
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Rear suspension bushes replaced at 12 months under warranty (new ones seem hardier) otherwise only really minor stuff. Front spoiler plastic skirt is easy to remove on ramps or speed bumps - half of 147s on the road seem to have it missing.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes