1999 Alfa Romeo 145 1.6 Twin Spark Junior 1.6 Twin Spark

Summary:

Excellent car, love it to bits!

Faults:

Since I got the car about two months ago here is what's gone wrong:

Electric window on drivers side, diagnosed as wire snapped in door, just general wear and tear, cost 25 quid!

Bulb in sidelight and fog light in passenger side (can't be bothered fixing it yet)

Alfa Badge been stolen off front of car (dam children!)

Had a chugging and flat spots in the engine. Diagnosed as valve full of water and damamged spark, again only cost 25 quid!

General Comments:

I love this car! It's so unusual and although its not an out and out sports car you do get the feeling that your car is just slightly better than others in its class.

The shape is beautiful and the comments you get from passers by when your washing it are always good, young lads especially like it!

The driving experience is great, The engine is noisy, but I like it that way, it makes a great growl when you drive it fast and its is quite quick.

The handling is superb, I have never one yet felt like I was not in control.

Insurance is brilliant on the car. I'm 18 and only paying 1100 quid a year fully comp which compared to other racy looking 1.6's is brilliant!

The seats are so comfy and they look great especially with the word 'junior' on them with this particular model. Has a nice chunky leather steering wheel and gear knob and it really is comfortable to drive, especially with the foot rest.

The passenger side has a stupidly large amount of room and I find that visibility in the car is excellent.

A downside to the interior is that some of the bits are poorly, made and a bit flimsy. Also the steering wheel doesn't seem to turn as far as other cars which can be a bit awkward from time to time.

Now another downside, fuel economy. Out of 10 quid I get roughly 80-90 miles which I don' see as good.

However, the driving experience more than makes up for any downsides for this car, as do the looks. Like I said before although this car may not be a proper sports car it still manages to turn heads and I love it to bits, Smashing Motor!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2004

13th Oct 2005, 16:13

I also have a 145 and have a flat spot in the engine the lifters also sound noisy and have been told it is going to cost £1100.00 to fix. I've changed the lambda and the cat I just wonder if you can help.

30th Nov 2005, 07:51

Go to www.alfa145.com. They will give you all the help you need for your Alfa 145/146!

29th Apr 2006, 11:49

What insurance company are you with?

I am 19, have had my license since September and get quotes at about £2700 for a 145 or 146 1.6 TS.

1999 Alfa Romeo 145 Junior 1.6 Twin Spark

Summary:

Great car for the money I paid

Faults:

Scraping noise from under car - diagnosed as a loose exhaust by Alfa dealer fixed while I waited!

General Comments:

Very reliable so far.

Cracking engine.

Super car to drive.

Comfortable and well put together.

Drivers seat too high even on lowest setting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2002

1999 Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf 2.0 twin spark

Summary:

A brilliant driver's car that looks stunning

Faults:

The car has been completely trouble free!! The only deterioration has been rust appearing on the wheelnuts!

General Comments:

A truly fantastic hot hatch. A real driver's car that handles and drives superbly. It begs to be revved and driven hard - the more you drive it the more you want to drive it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2000

12th Feb 2001, 09:09

Yes my wheel nuts have gone rusty too!

Also do your windscreen wipers not wipe properly over 80mph?

17th Jul 2001, 05:59

Yep, wipers are rubbish, very annoying when they start squeaking. Rev happy engine, is quite happy to be driven hard. Shocking service costs though, ouch.

Minor electrical faults - rev-counter light has gone out and also one of the lights behind the fan control. Has been like that for ages now, too scared to get a quote for repair, I know its gonna be pricey.

I'd say a very expensive car to keep and maintain, especially with its depreciation.

...buuuuut loads of fun to drive, looks stunning, great leather seats, eats up Golf GTIs :)