Rattle from behind driver's side rear three-quarter panel caused by seat belt: replaced under warranty.
Water leak causing moderate accumulation in driver's footwell eventually traced to "A" pillar and repaired under warranty, but took dealer 2 weeks to do this.
It is difficult to imagine a more satisfying car to look at and drive without entering the realm of unaffordable exotics.
Roadholding, performance, level of equipment, and engine note are very pleasing.
Petrol consumption not too bad (40 mpg), but not brilliant either.
Alfa dealers don't match the car's aspirational quality.
Update from author of this review -
After writing the review, the suspension of my 147 developed a knocking noise which necessitated the replacement of the drop links at the front (if I remember correctly). This was done under warranty.
I traded my 147 for a new Audi A4 2.0T Quattro in March 2005. My enduring memory of Alfa ownership is of the unremittingly dire quality of my dealer. For example, my 147 was returned to me from its last annual service with the service indicator not reset; the (main dealer) Alfa technician told me he couldn't do this because "he didn't know anything about these cars" and asked if I could come back another day for this to be done! And when I got home I discovered they hadn't closed the bonnet properly. Warranty repairs were all done - eventually; but always involved two separate trips: the first for diagnosis, and the second (sometimes extended) for the actual work.
But - despite all this, I miss my Alfa. There was something about it which compensated for the frequent trips to the dealers; something which my Audi doesn't have (apart from the frequent trips to the dealers - but that's another story). So when I come to change cars in a year or so I will be very tempted by a Brera or a 159.
The Brera's a gorgeous car. I can only hope Alfa gets back to the States within my lifetime. I've heard about quality issues with Alfas, but when will you ever own something as beautiful?
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