Remote boot release intermittent - replaced under warranty.
There seems to be 2 categories of Alfa owners, those that are very happy and those that have had a really bad time with dealers and vehicle unreliability.
I have to admit that after reading the various reviews scattered around the place that I was in two minds whether to go for an Alfa or opt for something else. Having test driven various Swedish & German machinery I took out a 156 for a spin. Twenty minutes later and very impressed a deal was struck and I was the proud owner of a black 156 JTD Lusso Multijet.
Working in automotive Quality Assurance means I know a thing or two about build quality - the Alfa does not disappoint its not quite up to the build quality of the premium marques, but is more than acceptable and as good as if not better better than most in this price range.
Driving the car is a dream, the engine is outstanding with an awesome blend of power, torque and economy. In practice this means that there is always enough power on hand for any occasion with fuel consumption in the forties.
Performance wise its not a sprinter, acceleration is adequate, along the lines of a Golf GTI, but its true forte is in the 60 - 120 MPH range where it is more than a match for most vehicles on the road. Comfort and handling are more adequate for my driving style, I reach my limit before the car does.
As far as dealer service goes I am more than happy with the PLC where I bought my Alfa. Service is efficient friendly and speedy, but expensive, but then if you want to run a car like an Alfa it is a small price to pay.
Would I buy another one? so far yes, it remains to be seen over the next two years how it measures up. My previous car was one of the first post VW Octavias. We all know how VW turned that Marque around. I suspect Fiat will do the same with Alfa Romeo.
I think you are totally right on built quality of recent Alfas. It seems that even they are not up to scratch, they are way better than reputation suggests. On the other hand, the lack of constant quality of parts is a real let down- I mean I had my 147's anti roll bar replaced under warranty to cure the infamous silent- block noises only to find out (after a week) that the new and supposedly reinforced bar was also defective...
Its now 2 years and 40,000 miles since my original review.
You may recall an initial reluctance to purchasing an Alfa given some of the horror stories so are they really as good as I initially hoped they would be or has the initial rush of enthusiasm worn off.
Reliability was perceived as a potential issue, I'm pleased to say that it has been absolutely brilliant, I have not had a single problem with the vehicle, and other than servicing time it has not spent a single moment in the garage.
Performance and drive are still outstanding, its so reassuring to know that there is power to spare in any situation, and more than enough to mix it with the boy racers if I am feeling frisky.
I cannot fault this vehicle, have I been lucky? who knows, but I have just signed on the dotted line again and bought a Brera.
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