Alfa Romeo 147 (2001 - 2009) 2.0 TS Lusso 5d (01) (2002/02) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I like cars :).
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They are all massive fans of the Alfa!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Definately. It's been replaced by the Giulietta which looks stunning, so if funds ever allow might give that a try.
What are you likely to buy next?
If funds allow, I would love another Alfa - really like the 159 saloon as well as the Giulietta. Failing that, another 147 would hardly be torture!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,000
When did you buy the car?
January 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Pretty good. Unlike other used car dealers, this car actually did have everything checked and replaced prior to being sold to me. Price included new cambelt, brake pads all round and new tyres.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Always fancied an Alfa; when the opportunity arose I thought, why not?
What was the dealer like?
Pleasant enough, to be fair I was probably a pain in the backside to him because I couldn't wait to take delivery and kept hurrying it along!
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Nice :) Not as fast as you'd think for a 2.0 but my god what a noise! Responds well in any gear, but sweet spot between 3k-5.5k is a happy place! Steering is ultra-responsive, car changes direction quickly and there is a lot a grip in the chassis. Ride is OK, not brilliant but been in far worse. Best bit is refinement, when you just want to settle down and cruise on the motorway, the Alfa is surprisingly good company.
What's it like to park?
Bit of an overhang at the front, but once you get used to it, no problems. It is only a Focus-size car at the end of the day! Beware of scraping the front airdam on speed humps, have to go very carefully otherwise you'll damage it easily.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Nope. Supposed myth of Italian cars completely blown out the water. Had routine servicing and wear-and-tear items, but never once let me down and always started first time, every time.
What's most practical about your car?
It's not supposed to be an ultra-practical car, is it? Can seat five and has an OK-sized boot, but if you need extra room buy an estate!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Pop-out cupholder is neat, lots of gadgets including cruise control and dual climate air-con. Love the deep red glow of the dials at night.
