Faults:

A leaking oil pressure switch, which was replaced, cheap and easy to do.

And a dry solder joint on the speedo sender unit.

General Comments:

This car is exotic stylish and oozes Italian passion. I have owned the car since 1999, and it has been 100% reliable, what a wonderful car. Maintain it well and it will never let you down.

The Recaro cream interior is very expensive looking and comfortable on long journeys. The handling is good, with the weight being beautifully balanced, with a typical slight under steer to over steer on corner exits. Torque and power are good for the year.

The car could do with power steering for parking, and the steering wheel is too big. Otherwise, buy a good one, and you won't regret it, the car has bags of individualism and charisma.

Faults:

After about 8 months of ownership every corner of the car started squeaking badly. Took it to an Alfa main dealer and an Alfa specialist. Unsurprisingly went with the specialist as his quote was a lot less. Still, roughly a £1000 later and it still creaks at the back. Have been told this requires a new rear spring arm (£230.00), great news..

It died in the middle of my street on a busy Friday morning. Dash panel lit up like a Christmas tree. Completely blocked everyone in. It was towed (not a happy site) to the Alfa dealer who simply reset the system and said try it and see. Not a very satisfactory answer. After all, breaking down isn't that much fun. They also left the car in their customer car park unlocked for a whole weekend - I was not a happy chap when I found that out.

The usual stuff of the windows not shutting is common for us all, and to be honest I live with it now.

Freezing weather however, can turn the Alfa into an impenetrable rock. Best advise keep some warm water handy.

The oil cooler is leaking.

The cam belt and water pump need replacing very soon.

I need the tracking done on the front as I'm eating tyres far to quickly.

The rear disc brakes and pads are just about to be replaced.

That's about it.

General Comments:

It's a lovely thing to look at and to drive. The interiors a nice place to be and it's not to badly glued together.

Sometimes though, I have envious eyes for my next door neighbours Golf. It's problem less life is certainly an envious thing.