Alfa Romeo 147 (2001 - 2009) 1.9 JTDm 16V Sport Q2 3d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like Italian cars. I wanted something different.

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

They seem to like it. I've had lots of praise for the looks and the interior.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely. From time to time it does make weird noises which just remind you that it is an Alfa Romeo and just maybe, it could go wrong at some point... Just not yet. Just a note to self, next time I would have liked to check the car over more thoroughly. A rusting exhaust back box and paint chips are things I should have picked up when viewing it. Lesson learned, though.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not sure. I'd like to keep this for a few years yet. I like the Brera but it's no longer in production and finding good examples will become difficult. Maybe a Scirocco... Maybe another Alfa. It's still too early to say.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,000

When did you buy the car?

February 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. The price Parkers recommended for a used 147 Sport Q2 was the price I paid. However, after rifling through the receipts I noticed that the seller had paid for a clutch and dual-mass flywheel replacement. The timing belt and water pump were also replaced recently which, altogether, cost the seller £1,400 so I was very happy with the price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was my first car and I wanted something different.

What was the dealer like?

The car was sold privately but the guy was a pleasure to deal with. I was shown all relevant documents with all the car's service history and receipts for maintenance. A test drive was no problem and he kept in touch after the sale to make sure I had received the updated V5C.

What's it like to drive?

The 1.9 JTDm is quick and sounds good for a diesel but also surprisingly quiet on the motorway. If you're doing 70 in sixth the engine runs below 3,000rpm. 0-60 takes 8 and bit seconds and there's plenty of torque. Thanks to a good chassis and the limited-slip diff the car grips and handles well in the corners. The steering is very light, as light than any car I have driven but this does make it ridiculously easy to park. My only criticism is that the ride is a tad on the firm side. Actually, if I'm honest, on some roads you may require a skeleton transplant afterwards. I should note that the Q2 version has stiffened and lowered sports suspension, so a firm ride is to be expected.

What's it like to park?

The car does have a longer overhang at the front than others in its class so you need to be wary when parking. The 147's light steering will help you get used to this though. It's not overly wide or long so it shouldn't be too much different from parking a Golf or Focus. There are also times when I'd like the visibility to be better. The rear window is quite small along with the driver and passenger door windows. But like everything else, you'll learn to live with it, and it will be worth it.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Just minor niggles really. A week after I bought it the battery failed but this was simple to replace. The exhaust back box is rusting quite badly but other 147 owners say it's a common issue. The engine has clocked 68k but mechanically everything is fine. Also crucial for an Alfa, almost everything is electric and it all works.

What's most practical about your car?

It's a sports coupé so I didn't buy it with practicality in mind. I like the driving position and the majority of the controls are easy to operate while driving.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The limited slip differential and the leather sports seats are great but my favourite option is the six-speed transmission. Both the transmission and engine are good, you get quick acceleration when you need it in town and a quiet and refined ride on the motorway.