2002 Alfa Romeo 147 Lusso 2.0 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Who needs reliability when you're having fun?!
Faults:
ABS and automated driving aid warning lights came on for no reason. This could be resolved by turning the engine off and on again, but the frequency of the warning became tedious. Problem due to a faulty brake sensor and was fixed under warranty - apparently this fault should have been picked up in the pre-delivery checks. I bought this car from Wundercars and saved over £3,000 on the UK list price, but the car was filthy and the tyres dangerously over inflated. The company have since gone bust - you get what you pay for!
Under tray is hanging down underneath the car - possibly caused by me driving into a "ramp" on some resurfacing works too fast! Parts currently on order as these are falling off right left and center. Not covered by warranty, but only £35 to fix back on or can be taken off completely. Still, a bit miffed as it sounds like a design fault to me.
General Comments:
It's know as the black dream - metallic fire black and it goes and looks like a dream! Red leather interior is well upholstered and fun, but a bit garish for some tastes.
I love the look of the exterior, but the cockpit sold it to me. Classy, fully loaded, solid. reminded me of the Audi TT which was over £12,000 more!
Sounds great too - how many cars will you drive for an hour with the stereo turned off and the windows open so you can hear the engine singing to you?
Rear seats a cramped and the latch to move the seats forward on the 3 door look and feel fragile.
Drinks plenty of oil, but this seems to be the norm for 147s.
I hate dealing with garages and being without the car for a while, but on balance it's worth it - just look, listen and feel it!
It could do with more pace from 0-30 mph, but from there it does fine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th August, 2003
7th Oct 2004, 12:09
Mine is fire black with raven dark grey leather.
Would love to hear from other owners to discuss ownership / problems / modifications etc.
Sts89@hotmail.com.
9th Oct 2004, 21:51
I got one black 147 Ti a month ago. Great leather seats, fantastic 17" wheels and engine sound from heaven. I'm thinking of changing exhaust and air filter in the future. Fuel consumption is more than just high for my 22yrs old standards... I LOVE IT!!
Stathis (ATHENS)
16th Apr 2006, 16:57
Got the 147 1.6 with full body kit and twin exhaust. Gun metal grey - sweet! Took it for a spin on the back roads of Wicklow, handles beautifully. The body kit really makes this model stand out from the normal spec ones. Its true about the engine - sounds beautiful!
7th Oct 2004, 09:28
Metallic black exterior and red leather interior, that's exactly what will be arriving to me next week. I bought the 147 because I fell in love with it on the passenger seat. I've never even driven it. Here's my excuse: I'm a victim of Alfismo.
The car has a 10-CD-changer in the back, but after reading several reviews I wonder if that was worth it: It seems I'll be listening to the music of the engine all the time.
Isabel (Geneva)