2002 Alfa Romeo 147 Selespeed from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Update to an earlier review.

Still some annoying problems with the computers. Odometer flashes occasionally ( no explanation) and audio hunts for the changer (not fitted) Dealer seems reluctant to fix it, unable to decide whether the car needs new body computer or or radio head unit.

Noise from front suspension became quite alarming, but fixed over three days under warranty with new sway bars etc.

Climate control struggles in warm Australian weather and the car can get really stuffy

The "glovebox" is laughably small and so oddly shaped as to be useless.

The same old story with Euro cars in this country. Dealer always needs the car for the full day and parts always have to be "ordered" then "delivered" and the vehicle has to go in again. Courtesy cars are rarely available and then generally executive cars available for the day only and charged for!

Dealer attitude is polite, but ineffectual.

I think it took almost 10000km to get used to the Selespeed, I really like it now - very relaxing as a city commuter

Now the novelty has worn off my kids don't like the back seat - it is pretty tight and dark in there.

I bought my Alfa 147 a month ago from Alfa Centro in Rushcutters Bay. I absolutely love my new acquisition.

However I am also experiencing all the problems you have outlined in your review, odometer flashing when I fail to start the engine on first attempt, audio systems looks for a changer out of the blue, clunky suspension noise (I was advised this was normal by the dealer!), climate control proves almost ineffective in some hot Australia days (At times I even thought I had forgotten to turn it on!). The "glovebox" is literally a "GLOVE BOX", impractical and awkwardly designed.

Despite what I hear about Selespeed issues, I have had a good run so far. I am dreading the embarrassing Selespeed failure right in the middle of a busy road!

On all other fronts, the car is an absolute pleasure to drive. I have been an Alfa fan from a very young age, but never mustered the courage to buy one. I am glad I finally did thought, great purchase.

Another follow up to my earlier. After three more visits and services the dealer has now "decided' that the cause of the electrical glitches is the use of recorded CDs. They gave me a1/2003 FIAT service bulletin to justify this position. I remain sceptical, the problem is still happening and I am religiously sticking with genuine CDs.

For the rest the car is a dream - bedded in nicely now, quite good economy and very easy to drive. I am looking for a new car for my wife and this 147 has set a high benchmark.

I have bought the alfa 147 selespeed and at first this cars looks really got me going. the drive is superb and it oozes class, but thier are a couple of things that really do bother me and those are that the services are so expensive and the parts are to be imported all the time. I really do have a problem with this most of all because the car then needs to stand at the dealer for a long time up to 8 weeks at the owners risk. then there is the problem of finding the proper technician to fix the problem. the other problem I have is the selespeed failiar indicating noise the comes on when driving on a long road this is very irratating. when asking the technician to check it out he explains that the car has to stay there and it would cost me quite a penny because he needs to put it on a diagnostics machine and then run it.please alfa is a wounderful car to drive the service that the agents/representitives offer is very bad. this type of service makes me want to go back to buying a BMW or merc just to get the satifaction of getting what you want when you want and having excellent service at the same time. Oswald South Africa.