[foolkiller]

Forumers,

I have recently returned to Malaysia after nearly 4 years working
overseas. I have been a regular passive reader to the Autoworld forum,
reading up views on nearly all the cars that is within my current budget.
I used to drive a Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec but sold it off before I came back.

My hunt for a car in Malaysia has been taking quite sometime, but I think
I better speed up search as driving my mum's Kancil or taking the ERL to
work everyday is taking it's toll on my body and time.

Last, Saturday while car hunting I laid my eyes on this black 155 1.8 TS
(A) in a used car lot. The price was at RM38,800 but managed to get it to
RM36k. It's ICE was quite impressive and it seems like it has a Ragazzon
Exhaust muffler. It was awe at first sight.

Apart from seeking from any Alfa owners out there whether the price for
the car is not too high for such a model, I would also like to ask what
kind of fortitude does it take to own an Alfa. How much money and time do
I have to set aside to take car of its regular servicing and preventive
maintenance.

I have received mixed responses from a few of my friends who I asked about
owning an Alfa. Some came up with an outright "No", some are ready to
recommend workshops they know, but never an outright "Go for it".

So, inputs from current 155 owners or other Alfa owners is greatly
appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

spinS

[PeNyu]

Go for it. Just do it. Workshop are plenty to go by. No problem.

[sky146]

Yes, just buy it.Feel it. If breakedown, sent to workshop.get repaired,
pay and drive.

I'm not using 155, but my others frens of 155 owners seem to happy with
their's.

[subsonique]

hey footkiller, welcome to pre-owning a Romeo hehe. for a 155, it's
definitely a superb car no doubt. i'm getting one myself and currently
trying my luck looking for the 2.5 V6 hehe. as for 1.8ltr, is it the 8V or
16V? if 8V for that price i reckon it's a bit pricey though. you can get
1.8ltr 8V for below RM30k, and depending on which year of make.
16V is definitely a more powerful one.

but if you can stretch a bit of your budget, then why not go for the 2ltr
16V? now that is a true runner. seriously, you've been bitten by the
Romeo bug, once bitten, no way you turning back haha. go for it bro,
and join us at www.italiaauto.com as we do have members who drive
the 155.

[foolkiller]

Forumers,

Thanks for the replies. I am not really looking for an Alfa. Current
budget now looks like second hand Wira or the Alfa. Not really a
comparison. But I do need something that is quite reliable, can't really
spend much time at the workshop as I live in Ampang and work in Putrajaya.

I saw a workshop near the nasi beriani gam doing Alfas, so quite
convenient (I think).

Going to look for a 2ltr one would take quite a bit of time.

The car I'm looking at is a 16v year 96/97.

Anybody can give me an idea of the average time and money to spend on the
car a month. That would really be useful.

Thanks again.

[neo79]

I think tere would be lots of 2lits around, only thing is, whether are they
the 8V or 16V...

[karboo]

fookiller,

I think it's quite individual when it comes to maintaining an alfa. Some
owners really take good care of their cars, do a lot of upgrades and
modification and add a lot of accessories. Some also take good care of
their cars, but don't spend much on upgrades etc. I am the latter type.

Mine is a 1996 2 litre 16 valves wide body stock standard unit. Other than
servicing the car according to the mileage, I only replace what is broken
or when its useful life has expired.

When it comes to servicing, since my car is under use, I only have an oil
change a year and that is always before its mileage is due. Somehow the
time is up already (lubricant lasts only a year whether mileage is up or
not). During the service, if other parts are due for change, I will do so
accordingly. During non service times, if something goes wrong, I also ask
the workshop to have a look and change accordingly.

Every year, I spend less than RM5,000 to maintain the car. That includes
replacing broken or rusted exhaust. Of course I don't bring my car back to
Milan Auto for servicing but at a workshop specialising in Alfa. MA is
gone anyway.

By the way, parts that I replaced were mostly original new but sometimes I
also opted for used parts to reduce the price. So far, I have never asked
to replace parts with upgraded features like K & N filters or what.

This way, at least I can continue to ensure lower maintenance costs as
compared to highly upgraded ones. Also, I use the car with extreme care.

I hope this can help you to make some decisions.