Faults:

When I got the car it needed some work doing on it, but since I have had that fixed nothing has gone wrong (touch wood)

Things I had to fix which are fairly typical for the mileage were:

Suspension wishbones

MAF sensor

Airbag ECU - this not so common.

General Comments:

Firstly I'd like to say I did my homework before buying one of these as they can quite easily bite you on the bum if you're not careful. If it were not for the fact I have a very good independent alfa garage a mile from my home, I don't think I would have taken the plunge.

Buy boy am I glad I did! This is one amazing car.

The steering is super-direct, even more so than my really old 205xs. It really makes twisty roads a pleasure. The handling is pin-sharp, thanks to the excellent suspension.

Inside is very beautiful - you look ahead to just the speedo and rev counter and the other dials on the centre console face towards you. The instruments are cowled so the passenger cannot see your speed (handy!).

6 speed gearbox is quick and sharp.

Now all this is merely window dressing for the real reason anyone should buy this car - THAT engine!

The Alfa V6 engine is truly one of the last affordable classics if our time. No variable valve timing, just revs revs and more revs. It comes on cam at about 3500-4000 and pulls like a freight train till 7000 from there. Not that it's any slouch below this level with 190hp.

The soundtrack is beyond compare unless you are willing to buy a Ferrari - I'm not joking. You will have a smile from ear to ear for years. From a bassy rumble to a meaningful growl to a scream to insanity, this engine is a masterpiece.

Stomp on the pedal whilst trundling along and you'll be breaking the law before you can say V6 24 valves. Having said that, you can still have fun at 30.

The number of people who have stepped out of the car looking shellshocked at the engine is amazing (no, it's not my driving). It's as if they've found out what an engine can sound like.

The downside? Oil consumption is interesting so you need to check the level each time you fill up. Low oil on one of these = trouble. Parts are expensive, but do the sums: second hand V6 £6000 depreciation in 3 years £2000. New Ford Focus £9200 depreciation £4000. Leaving you with £2000 to buy a warranty and fill it with petrol.

Faults:

Delivered with engine management system fault. Three attempts required to repair it.

Rattling dashboard Three attempts to almost cure problem.

Safety recall on braking system.

Air bag system fault. Two attempts to repair. Spare module took three months.

Hand brake fell apart. Repaired and fell apart again.

Fuse box cover kept falling down which required four attempt to cure.

Rear passenger air vent fell apart.

Replacement air vent also fell apart after being used three or four times, but as it was a year after the previous one and out of warranty I didn't bother.

All the above in the first year.

The air conditioning never worked properly until I paid for a service at four years. (£45)

Rear disc's seized at 30000 mile. Pads needed replacing. (£158)

Front stainless steel exhaust failed at 38000 miles. Mild Steel section still OK at 44000 miles (£265)

Water leak floods passenger foot-well, possibly from sun roof. About £360 to investigate and repair, but with guarantee of a cure.

General Comments:

Whilst this car has had more problems than all my previous cars of the past 20 years (All Fords) it is still the best one I have owned.

It is a delight to drive.

I would like another when I replace this one, but I doubt I will because in my experience Alfa Romeo and the dealer network do not respond effectively to problems.