> From: MeatballTurbo >
> Organization: Bouncing-czechs.com
> Newsgroups: alt.autos.alfa-romeo
> Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 14:00:17 +0100
> Subject: Considering an alfa as my next car. Need advice.
>
> Problem I have is that both me and the missus have conpletly different
> tastes in cars.
>
> I like them to be long(ish) (Saab 9000, 900, Skyline/Supra/GT3k) she
> likes nice dumpy round mini hatch types (PT cruiser, most superminis, Nu
> Beetles). just about the only cars we have agreed to liking are the 147
> and the 156.
>
> Much as I would like to go out and buy either of them, the budget won't
> stretch.
>
> So I've been looking at some of the older ones. I'm looking for
> something a little small (in exterior length) than the '84 Saab 900 T16S
> that I currently drive, and something a little more town drivable than
> the Saabs's "Nowt, Nowt, Oh **** new underwear please" lag/boost
> scenario. But I want something that I can have fun buzzing arround in
> too.
>
> After asking other italian car drivers/former owners I have aquaintance
> with, they suggested either 164 (bargain basement, not to bad rust wise,
> nice cam chain engine (I like that)), or 155 (again camchain on the
> narrow bodies, some bargains).
>
> now looking at them, and others I've looked at, I like the look of the
> 145, although I have been advised against it, becuase it's too heavy for
> the boxer engines, and the TS models are too pricey still, adn they are
> the belt rather than chain twinsparks.
> I realise buying an alfa, I'm getting out of my <£500 car bracket that
> I've stuck to until now, but I fancy something a little better under the
> hood, on the outside, and in the cockpit (I can have any 2 from 3 in my
> budget category).
>
> So, would a 145 cloverleaf be a good first Alfa, am I going to lose
> loads on it in a couple of years. How big compared to another car is it?
>
> Is the 155 (2.0 again probably) a large car, compared to say a Saab
> 9000? I think the 164 would be too big in this case, as I want to reduce
> the size of car, plus I really don't like the starship enterprise dash
> panel in the centre console.
>
> Which is the bigger of the two? The 145, or the 155?
>
> I won't be carrying passengers very often, so it isn't really a problem
> if back seat space is a little down.
>
> I appreciate that with the 145 I'm going to be suffering the dealer a
> lot more for belt changes (although probably on one during my ownership,
> I tend to change cars, if now marques regularly, and only do a couple of
> hundred miles a week). Is there a list of independant specialists
> throughout the UK anywhere online?
>
> How are basic jobs like filters oil and plugs like on the 145 and 155?
> I don't want a hulking beast this time, buit equally, I don't want a
> supermini either.
>
> TIA
> --
> The poster formerly known as Skodapilot.
> http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

I have a 164 Tspark and it really isn't as bargelike as you might think. I
got a 164 TSpark 95N with 90k miles on the clock in beautiful condition and
FDSH for £700 about two years ago, but the prices seem to be going up a bit
as they are pretty much all owned by enthusiasts now. The 145/6 is nice, but
there aren't many particularly cheap ones about. I would think the 155 (or
maybe a 75) is probably the car for you, the earlier 155 TSparks were the 8v
with chain rather than belt (all the 164 Tsparks are, and I prefer it as an
engine, not only is the power delivery a bit smoother, they seem to be a bit
less fragile). There's a few 155s on ebay at the moment.

If you want a real idea of what alfa ownership is like, check out the forums
on www.alfaowner.com.