Cars - Advice/Opinions needed please!

[ToneMonkey]

I'd agree with that.  I was amazed that you could get a Brera for 10k though, even if it is a diesel.

[Brow]

I agree on the Alfa thing tbh. My mate had 1 of their smaller cars and it was nothing but trouble! I would love to have an Alfa at some point in the future though!

Cheers Don! At the minute the Focus is still the front runner but I'm going to see the A3 tomorrow and a Civic later today, so I'll see how it goes  8)

[Twinfan]

Check out PCP deals on brand new Vauxhalls and petrol Seats/Skodas - VAT off is a 20% saving!  You may get a nice cheap monthly payment with your trade-in...

[mikeluke]

Alfa owner top tip

Always drive in the near lane on the motorway - that way the hard shoulder is never too far away.....

:-)

[Stevepage]

So why do people buy Alfa's? I hear all these stories about them breaking down but people still love them.

[gordiji]

people buy them cause they're 'sexy'. good reason to avoid if you ask me. my ex missus had one from new(petrol)
new engine after 30k, although with arm twisting alfa paid 80%.just outside of warranty.
 Focus are great although fords have never been great for diesel engines unlike the french who make v.good diesels.they are generelly complicated though, my sister in law flattened her battery by leaving on the lights overnight and had to call out renault (megane) to open it, reset the computer and supply a new battery.350euro.
nissan , honda and toyota don't make anything that isn't good, petrol or diesel.
finally diesels are not what they used to be and they do get you moving.

[Ratrod]

Some of you take Jeremy Clarkson way to seriously.

Alfas will only cause you problems if you mistreat them. Rule number one: don't rev them when the engine is cold. For the rest: check fluids on a regular basis and replace only with quality stuff. If you get it serviced, take it to someone who has experience with more brands than just Vauxhall and VW and who still has an ounce of passion left. That one will see it as the mechanical work of art that it is and accepts the challenge. The other one will see it as hell and will do a half assed job and try to get it out of his shop as quickly as possible.

I have driven Alfas for years. It goes into service and MOT once a year. Yes, I had problems but not as many as my neighbours who choose so called reliable German cars.

Asking why people buy Alfas is like asking why some people demand more qualities from food other than nutrition. Some people also want it to taste good, look good, be refined, excited even get to you on an emotional level.

[Brow]

As of Saturday morning I'll be the owner of a 57 reg Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.0L Sport Diesel :)

It was just as nice to drive as the Focus I tried a few weeks ago, but was about £1800 cheaper (which always helps) :)

[Plexi Ken]

Some of you take Jeremy Clarkson way to seriously.

Alfas will only cause you problems if you mistreat them. Rule number one: don't rev them when the engine is cold. For the rest: check fluids on a regular basis and replace only with quality stuff. If you get it serviced, take it to someone who has experience with more brands than just Vauxhall and VW and who still has an ounce of passion left. That one will see it as the mechanical work of art that it is and accepts the challenge. The other one will see it as hell and will do a half assed job and try to get it out of his shop as quickly as possible.

I have driven Alfas for years. It goes into service and MOT once a year. Yes, I had problems but not as many as my neighbours who choose so called reliable German cars.

Asking why people buy Alfas is like asking why some people demand more qualities from food other than nutrition. Some people also want it to taste good, look good, be refined, excited even get to you on an emotional level.

Good luck finding one of those in the UK, I've been searching for over 20 years... no luck yet  :?

[Stevepage]

Good choice on the Mazda, they look very nice.


I'm thinking of getting a Fiesta Zetec S TDCi. Looks like an ST but cheaper and better on the fuel.

[Brow]

Good choice on the Mazda, they look very nice.


I'm thinking of getting a Fiesta Zetec S TDCi. Looks like an ST but cheaper and better on the fuel.

Yep, and if you have the 1.6L TDCI it's only £20 a year road tax!

[BigK]

I came late to the party with this, but I was going to suggest a mazda 3 diesel sport (I have the petrol one) as they truly are great underrated cars.

For the money you wont get a better spec either. The Bose stereos are very good too.

I hope it serves you well.

[HTH AMPS]

Some of you take Jeremy Clarkson way to seriously.

Alfas will only cause you problems if you mistreat them. Rule number one: don't rev them when the engine is cold. For the rest: check fluids on a regular basis and replace only with quality stuff. If you get it serviced, take it to someone who has experience with more brands than just Vauxhall and VW and who still has an ounce of passion left. That one will see it as the mechanical work of art that it is and accepts the challenge. The other one will see it as hell and will do a half assed job and try to get it out of his shop as quickly as possible.

I have driven Alfas for years. It goes into service and MOT once a year. Yes, I had problems but not as many as my neighbours who choose so called reliable German cars.

Asking why people buy Alfas is like asking why some people demand more qualities from food other than nutrition. Some people also want it to taste good, look good, be refined, excited even get to you on an emotional level.

Good luck finding one of those in the UK, I've been searching for over 20 years... no luck yet  :?

^ +1

all the mechanics I've been too see it as a job and nothing more - and I tend to go to local family-run garages where you'd imagine that kind of spirit is alive and well  :roll:

[Ratrod]

You could also go to a garage specialised in classic and/or exotic cars. Big chance they have passion for cars and big chance they've seen and done it all.

[Brow]

I have a garage local to me that mainly deals in performance cars more than anything else and they're 2 of the best, nicest mechanics I've ever come across. They're cheaper than going to the dealer as well.

I'll count myself lucky by the sounds of it!