2001 Alfa Romeo 147 Turismo review from UK and Ireland

Motor Control System Failure

ABS Failure

ASR Failure

Imobilizer Failure

Fog Light Problems

Interior Rattles

Weird Air Con Smells

Premature Seat Wear

Rear Wiper Problems

Boot Catch/Alarm Problems

Paintwork too Easily Chipped.

-Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and special motorcars in its league with an apparently solid build.

However I experienced so much utter frustration with my first example (bought in February 2002 at 5 months old with a low mileage). The accumulated time that it spent off the road having mechanics of dubious aptitude attend the various 'motor control system failures' (throttle potentiometer), interior rattles, immobiliser problems, fog light problems, ASR and ABS problems, weird air con smell problems, rear wiper problems, boot catch problems etc. etc. etc. etc. - ran into weeks.

Fortunately the dealer eventually provided me with an ex-demonstrator replacement car (at slight extra cost to myself) which I sincerely hope means trouble-free motoring - though even this one pulls to the left, and has interior rattles.

I would advise to only buy new. However if a used example attracts your attention - in addition to my second paragraph - make sure you carefully check the paintwork, especially around the front, as chips manifest without due reason, mainly in the darker colours. Also cloth seats wear quickly.

Also note that some examples are ex-rental, and, being Alfa Romeos, are more likely to have been thrashed.

One further warning: Alfa Romeo's customer service infrastructure is based in Milan. This unfortunately means inevitably difficult conversations based around their long, erratically placed lunchtimes.