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buying a 146 TS


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#1
azxel

Posted 28 November 2006 - 04:49 PM

azxel

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Been thinking about getting a 146 TwinSpark lately... just wanted the input
of Alfa Romeo drivers in here. My guess would be that it would probably be
a 1997 car? Thinking of getting one for less than RM25K (hope I can get a
100% loan.. hehe).

It's a 10 year old car. As folks say, it would be like buying a time bomb
but it looks great. Of course the new ones look better but they're out of
my reach for the moment. Is it still worth getting? Anyone know any place
where I can get one, priced reasonably and in good running condition?

Thanks in advance! :)

#2
Venturi

Posted 28 November 2006 - 10:39 PM

Venturi

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Well..i guess if you post here you`re usually gonna get positive
responses for whether it is still worth getting or not.

If you got the $$$ why not.

By the way,...i`ve never driven or owned an alfa...so i can`t comment any
further Big Smile

#3
alfaTS

Posted 03 December 2006 - 11:57 PM

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What ever it is, dont get the boxer model not easy to find parts
nowadays.

I have driven my 146TS for the past 2 years and it is rather an expensive
car to maintain. If I could have reverse time, I would most probably got
a bimmer back then.

There are interesting things about alfa 146 anyway. Speeding (not
cruising) is definitely a plus on this ride as it tends to give more
acceleration power the faster you drive. Mine has no flat spot / less
noticable flat spot going from 100 - 180km/h. But yes it feels like
driving a tank when accelerating from 0 - 50km/h.

Maintenance, all Alfisti will agree.. its darn expensive even compared to
most conti. Belt change RM700.00, Top-overhaul RM 1.6K (re-use valve,
belt change), Cam Variator (approx every 120K)RM 900.00, Absorbers RM
360.00 front each and RM 2XX++ rear, oil-filter RM25, Brake Pad RM
160.00, Brake disk RM 190.00 each, d/shaft RM 360.00 (CV only), spark
plugs RM 120 (set of 4, main plug (Brisk Performance) and RM 60.00 each
X4 for secondary plugs (NGK Platinum only) and too many others too
mention. You will be suprise on how much you can learn about cars once
you own an ALfa. One of the reason is that most of us takut wanna trial
an error coz parts mahal, not like japanese car. Cheap to maintain but
drive's with no dignity.

So, its not much of a teenager sort of party boys car. Although its cheap
to buy due to its resale value, but I still grade it as a big boys toys.
No money no Alfa!!

If you are ready to spend and can hold to your wife's nagging (like most
of us) then Alfa Romeo is definitely for you. And bro, look for the 2000
and above model like mine. Its cheaper to maintain as the engine is
similar to the 156 models, more reliable too.



#4
azxel

Posted 04 December 2006 - 10:36 AM

azxel

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Hi AlfaTS, Thanks for the rundown.

Would boxer parts be cheaper eventhough they're harder to find? No wonder
the 2nd hand Boxers are so cheap these days.

What you mentioned seems to be a major maintenance, right?
Belt change would be done every certain thousand over km, I presume?
When does one do a Top-overhaul?
Absorbers should last at least 2 years or more, I hope.
Brakes? Maybe 6 months to a year?
How often do you spend on your car? Estimate RM per year?

I do agree that it's a big boy's toy. Comparing to other car makes, it
won't be cheap but from what I've heard from Alfistis is that it's not that
expensive either (maybe when comparing getting Ori parts for other cars,
not OEM).

I didn't realise that they had year 2000 146 models. Thought it was all
before 2000. Will check up on that. Thanks again!

#5
azxel

Posted 04 December 2006 - 10:38 AM

azxel

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Oh yea... also, would the 155 be a much better car to buy and easier to
maintain?

#6
lon88

Posted 04 December 2006 - 02:21 PM

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no power la 1.6,2.0 got power.2.5 lagi best.2.5 crank + 3.0 block 2.8 rev
8000 happy.kalau berani beli alfa agak tak berani kau beli
wira,waja,perdana,kancil atoz,kembara,liteace,vannate,corolla,charade,

#7
abool146

Posted 04 December 2006 - 03:38 PM

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Hi Azxel, this is my opinion/respond to some of your questions.

Boxers are expensive to maintain?
To certain extent yes coz it has extra belts and bearings. Other wear and
tear are almost the same like TS. Engine failure (slipped belt thus damaged
valves) mostly due to owner’s failure to check/tighten the belt after 20k
mileage. I also kena once.
Major maintenance.
Recommended every 200k km. Mine is almost due.
Belt change would be done every certain thousand over km, I presume?
Alfa recommended every 40k but some Alfisti do it every 30k km, just to be
on safer side. Don't over stretch it, you'll be in deep trouble if it fails!
When does one do a Top-overhaul?
Do you need it? most Alfisti i know blast off their cat to get rid the
carbon deposits.
Absorbers should last at least 2 years or more, I hope.
Depends on the road condition. Potholes every where would make your shocks
life span shorter. Mine given up after 7 years.
Brakes? Maybe 6 months to a year?
Depends on your driving style. If late / hard braking is your staple food,
expect it to fade sooner than others. With normal driving, it’s safe to say
that it can last more than a year.

Saw your query in IA too. It’s good that you didn’t limit yourself to one
source of info. Dig all the needed before committing yourself to an Alfa.
Don’t forget to search for good workshop so that you don’t simply throw
money unnecessarily to certain so call Alfa expert.



#8
azxel

Posted 05 December 2006 - 11:10 AM

azxel

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hi abool146.

Thank you so much for that info. Will certainly check up on more info
before I get one.

#9
subsonique

Posted 07 December 2006 - 11:20 AM

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you cannot get 100% loan la haha. either way, get a good one bro.

#10
powerhaus

Posted 07 December 2006 - 03:27 PM

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no offense, but if you are looking for 100% loan to buy such a car,
chances are you cannot afford to maintain it. i have seen many of such
cases. for this car, you must be willing to have cash handy.