2005 Alfa Romeo GT JTD review from UK and Ireland

This is my first Alfa. A decision that I was actually quite proud of until Thursday 5th May when all hell broke loose.

Travelling alone the motorway at around 60-70 miles per hour the car decided to red-line without me putting any pressure on the accelerator. The car wouldn't let me slow down other than by taking it out of gear. By now I'm doing well over the speed limt and then the smoke started coming out from the bonnet and through the air vents. I couldn't see where I was going so I pulled onto the hard-shoulder and ran before calling on the services of the police and the fire brigade. A very scary moment and I am thankful that it happened after midnight when there were very few cars on the motorway with me. It could have been a lot worse.

The car is now with the dealer where its been for a day whilst they find out what happened and why.

I will update on this once I know more.

Other than the above incident I've had the same issues as everyone else:

Electric windows pausing when opening and or closing which does happen on a regular basis. I find this is reset if you fully open the window and keep the button pressed for a second of two before closing it.

Sticking rubber which barks like a seal every time the boot is opened.

The panel in the drivers door for the electric windows and wing mirrors doesn't sit as flush as the passenger panel. Seems to operate OK.

I will get the dealer to look at all of these whilst they sought out the engine.

Has this put me off the Alfa GT. No. It's a car that is fantastic to drive and looks like a poor mans Maserati, which for me works. Has it put me off having this particular car back. Yes.

The rear visibility is as bad as everyone has commented on in past reviews, but when you consider how often you spend time reversing, it's an issue that is quickly forgotten.