1984 Alfa Romeo Alfasud ti 1.3 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Quick and great fun, but be prepared to fettle
Faults:
Coil lead pulled out on the second day of ownership.
Needed new front tyres after 3000 miles.
Headlights would blink on and off whilst driving.
Blower motor failed.
Headlights needed rewiring every 12 months.
Rust, especially the front wings.
Front brakes and pads always needed attention.
Shock absorber burst through the rear beam axle.
One head gasket went at 70,000 miles.
Clutch slave cylinder failed, a pig to change.
General Comments:
Despite all the faults listed above, the 'Sud was a hoot to drive. It was a logical progression for me, having come from a Mini.
The twin carb boxer engine would pull like a train, sounded utterly glorious, and it handled like a dream. She would cruise all day at 85, and shame many 'faster' cars when out for a blast. I would seek out tunnels, hairpins and twisty stuff, when I should have been doing more productive things.
I acquired another 'Sud and a Sprint for parts to keep her going, and keep the costs down, but it did seem that I was forever attending to those inboard front brakes.
Having done 80,000 miles in her, the tin worm finally killed her; I jacked her up, and the jack went right through the sill, so I tried the other side and that was the same... very sad to see her go to the scrap yard in the sky.
I had a 33 1.5 and a 16v after that, but they were no comparison. If I had a double garage I'd have another, but the TVR Chimaera needs the space.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd March, 2011
29th Jun 2023, 17:22
Nice honest review, these were interesting cars.