1998 Alfa Romeo Spider review from UK and Ireland

Where should I start

Within 1 week of ownership, the plugs failed and the battery needed replacing (work carried out and paid for by the Alfa garage that sold me the car)

Within 4 weeks of ownership, the windscreen wiper motor failed. I had it replaced only for it to fail 2 weeks later.

Air-conditioning unit failed.

And to cap it all my suspension sub-frame needed replacing at a cost of £1,200.

I appreciate all the positive comments relating to the cars performance, it's a nice toy and looks good, but, and I mean, but, as soon as it starts going wrong get rid. I'm afraid to say that the whole experience of buying an Alfa is not one I would repeat.

In hindsight the dealer seemed only too quick to get rid of the car, the after sales service was questionable.

After a very short period of time the car repeatedly failed (details given above) culminating in a £250 service costing me £2,200.

I sold the car after 10 months of owning it and I'm pleased to get rid. What hurts is that I paid £13K at a main Alfa dealer (Tates of Brighton) only to get £6 part-ex when I passed it on.

I've been left with an overriding feeling of being cheated and unless you have money to burn or expect to do fairly low annual mileage DO NOT buy an Alfa there are far better cars out their that will cost you less in the long run.