Alfa Romeo Brera (2006 - 2010) 3.2 V6 JTS Q4 SV 3d Owner Review

10 months into owning a Brera ( wanted one for years ) and every drive is something to look forward to. Had to have the 3.2 V6 Q4 - specced manual, with the must-have SV glass roof and dodging the usual black+grey interior. Mine's oxblood and beige. Downside is it is terrible on fuel - about 20mpg urban, 24 long distance, plus crippling road tax. Upside is its pennies to buy - my private £ purchase began with a "2" and afterwards (plus hammerite on the front subframe and a bottle of radweld to the radiator) secured an MOT with no advisories. 6k miles since (120k in total) and whilst it can rumble around town comes into its own as a planted autobahn-busting GT - 6th gear really needing 75mph+. Great noise from the engine, purposeful feel to the gearshift, zero drivetrain slop, strong grip and everything but the oil temperature gauge works ("they are all like that, Sir"). Back seats fold giving fairly useful luggage area but wholly impractical as a 4 seater. Front subframe will need renewing, new radiator does needs fitting, oil requires lots of changing, front wishbones knocking a little, cam chains for certain one day, but absolutely nothing to take any shine off the fun. Regret it? The very opposite. Delighted I did and, for the first time in quite a few cars, I have to always sneak a last glance when I park and walk away. It's glorious, Italian, handsome and I love it. Try one!