2002 Alfa Romeo 147 Lusso 1.6 Twin Spark

Summary:

The best small hatch I have ever driven

Faults:

Not much has gone wrong with the car.

Being a car of close to 13 years old when I first acquired it, it was in very good condition. One cannot expect to buy a vehicle of that age and that mileage, and expect it to be as good as one from a showroom floor.

I have had to replace the thermostat, lower control arms, one rim, the exhaust, and I had the cambelt service done.

Other than basic maintenance, this is by far the best second hand car I have ever owned.

General Comments:

It is a brilliant car in almost every aspect. It drives like a sports car, feels like a sports car, and gives you a sense of satisfaction when driving.

It is by no means perfect, no car is. But once you get to know the 147, you will regret not getting one sooner.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2015

2002 Alfa Romeo 147 Distinctive 5 door 2.0 TSPARK

Summary:

A good performer of doubtful quality

Faults:

My cam seals blew at 19000 km.

After the repaired the cam seals the car has been consuming oil at approximately 0.5 liter per 1500 km.

The rear door handle broke at 41000 km.

The brakes are making a loud growling noise. The engine is making a diesel car like sound.

General Comments:

The car is beautiful and I love it for that.

It is either I bought one out of bad batch or the model has a serious technical problem.

I believe the car is running the same engine as the 156 range and owners of that range are extremely happy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th November, 2003

14th Nov 2003, 01:21

The diesel noise is due to the inlet cam phase variator which is starting to wear. It is a recurrent problem on many twin spark engines which requires a pure and simple replacement of the variator. Technical bulletins have been issued by AR- just browse the internet. Try to have it repaired under warranty. Hope that helps

4th Jan 2013, 19:18

Half a litre of oil per 1500km is normal. These engines are designed this way.

If you don't top up the oil... you will have problems.

And the person after you, who will then go on to proclaim Alfas as unreliable.

Know your vehicle... it's an Alfa... they DO NOT tolerate fools.

2002 Alfa Romeo 147 Distinctive 2.0 Twin Spark

Summary:

A perfect performance hatch!

Faults:

I have had absolutely no trouble with my Alfa since the day I bought it. It is an extremely reliable car.

General Comments:

I am in love with my 147, it handles like a sports car, it looks like an Italian exotic, it goes like a bat out of hell, and it will probably stay together just as long as a BMW or Mercedes. I just love the way it looks, love the way it drives and love the way it sounds. Mine has the optional MOMO Leather, and the BOSE sound system; both are a worthy upgrade. Well what can I say? It is a great car, and I will never sell it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2003

17th Dec 2003, 06:01

Honestly. It sounds like you are working for Alfa.

26th Sep 2004, 19:42

Honestly, if you own an Alfa, you're working for Alfa... Magic!

4th Jan 2013, 19:19

True!

5th Jan 2013, 14:34

Read, people, read! The review summary column says this person drove the car from 2002-2003 (one year) and covered 29,000 km - nothing too unusual if used as a rep car or travels long distances within a year. The review was also from South Africa - ever drove Johannesburg to Cape Town? It's perfectly possible that despite this being an Alfa, driving one for merely a year may not show any problems.

9th Jan 2013, 02:26

You make it sound as though problems are to be expected if driving an Alfa. Not so! If you look after them, they will reward you.

2001 Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 T/Spark 1.6 Twin Spark

Summary:

A seriously safe beautiful luxury car

Faults:

The wiper motor arm broke after 3 months.

The cam-belt broke at 50 000km causing the pistons to bend the valves. The dealer took two weeks to repair the vehicle.

Seats have started to wear.

General Comments:

The car is beautiful and has more than enough power. The active and passive safety features sets new standards. The braking system is amazing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th June, 2002