Clutch replaced at 3500 miles. Alfa diagnosed the problem when I complained of shuddering when engaging first gear. The clutch was replaced under warranty and I only paid £10 for insurance on a courtesy car.
Other than that, I have not experienced any of the tell tale 147 faults. Regular oil and coolant checks are necessary.
The Ti pack is amazing: Makes it handle like a giant Go-Kart! The only info I found on the Ti was at http://www.buyyouralfa.co.uk/alfa147.htm. The pack gets you Ti sports leather seats, firmer suspension, Ti 17” wheels, GTA headlights, chrome tailpipe and spoiler. The seats, suspension and wheels glue you to the road!
The fuel consumption is devastating! A friend told me to fit an air filter to improve this, but I don’t know whether to go for K&N for £50 or Autodelta for £28.
If anyone has been able to improve their fuel economy I’d like to hear their advice.
Beware of the facelift 147, I've noticed a lot of cheaper parts creeping into the cabin that bring the quality down, e.g. sun visors, and the instrument panel. My dealer told me the facelift model is a Fiat Stilo underneath it all. Can anyone shed light on this? I’ve noticed a lift/reverse gearstick which wasn’t on the previous model. Is this Fiat part creeping in?
I don’t trust my dealer: They have told me conflicting information about the car. I didn’t get the car when I wanted because of over charging and hassle. When I picked up the car, they had not made a cosmetic repair that I requested (Dented rear tweeter speaker) However, I took the car with the reassurance it would be fixed at a later date. It took 3 trips to the garage and numerous phone calls by myself over 3½ months. Eventually replaced free of charge.
This car costs me SOOO much money in every way, but this has always been my dream car. Stunning looks and a beautiful cabin. It’s not that quick, but it feels fantastic to drive.
At such a low mileage I wouldn't waste your money on a different air filter for economy purposes as they don't make a lot of difference with mpg, just to the engine note. Also if over-oiled they can affect your MAF sensor and clog it. Try a search on www.alfaowner.com regarding K&N Filters etc.
My 1.6 averages around 34.5 mpg now after 20,000 miles, but the 147 is a heavy car for the size. Just sit back and enjoy the ambiance and the looks!
Having owned a number of Alfas in the UK, I can confirm that as a general rule their franchised dealers suck! My experience is that they are overpriced, bordering on dishonest and offer a very poor service.
My advice is to find an established independent (there are loads of them for alfa/fiat- I wonder why...?!) - in general, they cost less, treat you as though they want your business and are as enthusiastic about your car as you are.
I agree that some Alfa dealers suck, but I've owned Alfa's over the last 10 years and the dealers are definitely getting better. My local main dealer (Amersham) had a new manager about 3 years ago and it is now one of the smoothest, well organised dealers I've ever visited... and that includes BMW, Porsche and Audi dealers. Definitely recommended.
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If you are really concerned about fuel consumption... perhaps you should consider changing rims. The stock 1.6 comes with 15' but you have 17' right? The extra rolling resistance of your wider tires are just making their presence felt.
On 15' the car becomes real agile and responsive and accelleration is also greatly improved. At 120 bhp, there is no fear of breaking traction so easily so the 17' are a bit overkill, if not considered from a cosmetic perspective.
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