Does anyone here own one of these?
[drool]
(http://www.ms-design.com/uploads/tx_wcmsproducts/msdesign-alfa-159-race-vorne_02.jpg)
If so, tell me all about it. The good, the bad, the bella :D
I was looking at the Audi A4 3.0 TDI, somewhere around the '06-'08 model. They're such a beautiful and sophisticated car.
Then I found the 159. Alfa 159 Ti 3.2 JTS V6 to be exact...
Here's my comparison so far-
Prestige: Audi
Looks: I think they are pretty much on-par.
Performance: Both all-wheel drive, Audi quicker? Alfa better in the corners?
Reliability: Audi. I know older Alfas have a "dubious" reputation, is this still so?
Fuel consumption: Audi. I've read the Alfa has less than average figures.
Price: Alfa, cheaper. Audi hold their value better.
Popularity: I see Audis everywhere in Tassie, I see relatively few Alfas. (This is good)
Unfortunately there is no Alfa dealer in Tassie, and there are no 2nd hand 159s for sale.
I'd love to take one for a spin, but rarely even see one, let alone get the chance to have a drive.
My old man has an A4, I drive it every time I'm in Brisbane, that's why I like it so much.
What do you think fellow Monsterererers? [popcorn]
buy a street fighter [thumbsup]
All I hear is extortion when you get it serviced, anything euro is going to have expensive parts and services. I wanted a C200 CGI Benz but I could not afford so I went for a Japper WRX. So far so good! And so far because of the earthquake there is hardly any wide body models out on the road. ;D
Rob
I really like the Audi
But I love the Alfa [drool]
Mmick
I have always loved the Alfa GTV [thumbsup]
What a motor! [thumbsup] ;D [thumbsup]
Two very good choices. I am a TDI fan and the 3.0 VAG engine is a brilliant engine.
The 159 has style to make all the Germans weep, it is a Bella automobile and has beautiful lines from whichever way you look at it.
If it's style only then the 159 would be your car but then if there is no Alfa dealer local for you service and any other issues might be difficult to sort out.
The Audi would be the safe choice if you can get it seen to locally and it's not likely to have many issues.
Now that style and potential mantainence issues are done let's get to the cars.
Sure the Audi might be faster but they generally do suffer from heavy nose syndrome when it comes to cornering, as many modern cars they have an inherent understeer built-in to them. Audi do suffer even more from it but then you also have to be driving it pretty hard to get to that level of feel.
The 159 might well corner better but can I ask you what is it you are buying the car for?
If you want a prestige sedan that has a train for an engine, has refined style and handles itself to a point that many never really find then my money would go to my local Audi shop.
If you want something that goes like stink handles like a slot car and looks mean as a mother farker....
Evolution X
Pm mostro900, can't recall which alfa he has, perhaps a 156 rather than a 159
The 3.0 tdi is a sweet motor, also went though this a year ago or so, and ended up in realizing that the fozzie is ok for now.
I ended up at the a4 quattro 3.0 tdi, it started with m3's and rs4's! Ask Matty - he rode though my ordeal and tempted me along the way!
Oh yeah buy a 3.2 6cyl M3
The sound of that motor is one of the prettiest mechanical symphonies I've ever heard.
Along with an RS4 in full sound through the RNP
Or the Maseratti 3200GT.… [drool]
I'll stop there.
The mother in laws supercharged S4 is one wicked car!
Though buying an Audi you do get that stigma that Clarkson promoted.
My nect choice will be the Audi or the Benz c200.
Rob (Am I getting old or what?)
Matty, I think I wan't just about everything you described... Prestige, style, good handling, and mean [evil]
Evo X? Although I'm sure they go like stink, they're just a bit too "boy racer" for me.
RS4, Maseratti??? Yeah - I wish.
I need something I can comfortably cruise around in, limousine style, but still be able to have fun on the backroads.
Handling must be sufficient for "spirited" driving. It's not as if I'll be taking it to the track (or will I?) There's roads down here better than the track anyway ;)
I've pushed the A4 reasonably hard (for a car that's not mine) and would be happy with that. For a while anyway.
Servicing would not be a big issue for the Alfa as there is an authorised service and parts supplier in Hobart. The auto engineer who inspected my Suzuki races an older GTV in Targa Tas. Hopefully he knows something about them too. I'll have a chat to him when I move back there.
I've had my heart set on the A4 for a while now. I've only just started to consider the 159.
I might have to start stalking local 159s so I can get a drive :P
I owned an Alfa 156 selespeed, servicing was expensive, It did break down once, the pump in the selespeed shit it self. That was covered under warranty though. Beautiful car to look at and drive. I lost a lot of money at trade time...
It is italian [roll]
Like said before - Beauty, style driving experience, buy the Alfa. Resale, reliability and comfort, buy the Audi.
dave only had gtv,s but they were a pleasure to work on and drive , i think alfa went down hill when fiat took over get a gtv 6 for an old car they fly [bow_down] cheers bazz
Always liked the look of the 159. Don't know much about them at all but the look alone has been enough to tweek my interest. [evil]
Then I'd say it's a A4 3.0TDI Quattro that you're looking for then.
I certainly would be unhappy with that being parked in my drive.
Quote from: Bazz21 on September 14, 2011, 07:06:14 PM
dave only had gtv,s but they were a pleasure to work on and drive , i think alfa went down hill when fiat took over get a gtv 6 for an old car they fly [bow_down] cheers bazz
Hey Bazz, I have been told the 6 is too heavy in the front. I have been told the 4 is a better car. I have never driven one so I can't speculate. Any truth to what I have been told??
Rob
yes the 6 is heaver by 30 kilos but the 6 is a stronger built in the suspension and has better shock and torsion bars ,ive had both and the six handles better and leaves the 4 in its wake [thumbsup] i dig up some pix , the 4 i built up from the ground looked better tho cheers bazz
What you need is an F250 ,it will do all you ask of it plus more , even burn off some of these you speak of .
Someone on the board has had first hand experience of its devil within [evil]
Not enough cause you won't let me but maybe this summer when I buy the other toy...
Were you talkin' bout me?
Back to the other purchase at hand, buy the A4 [thumbsup]
;)
F250 vs Evo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swgl0SGSRZw&feature=related#)
Quote from: goldFiSh on September 14, 2011, 05:20:32 AM
Pm mostro900, can't recall which alfa he has, perhaps a 156 rather than a 159
The 3.0 tdi is a sweet motor, also went though this a year ago or so, and ended up in realizing that the fozzie is ok for now.
I ended up at the a4 quattro 3.0 tdi, it started with m3's and rs4's! Ask Matty - he rode though my ordeal and tempted me along the way!
yep, got the V6 156.
beautiful to drive. Italian electrics, which just means warning lights go on randomly, but not much else. I'd love to get a more practical car(ie. 4WD for camping, etc.), but I love my 156.
I think Tricolore summed it up pretty succinctly...
Now that my studies have finished I'm back on the hunt for the new car.
I had decided that the A4 and Alfa were just a little too much money. So I was looking for a Liberty GT Spec B, or STI.
Unfortunately I haven't found one to drive yet.
Yesterday, a friend and I just happened to be at the Audi shop. Next thing I know, I'm tearing around some country roads near Evandale, in this...
(http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm441/Zook_2008/Other%20crap/Audi.jpg)
2008 3.2 Quattro
OH_MY_GOD :o
I liked the diesel engine, but it's got nothing on the petrol. And the handling, the handling [drool]
Unfortunately it's about 20K more than I wan't to spend...
at least its not black like 99.98% of A4's sold
Quote from: Brett76 on December 20, 2011, 03:36:33 AM
at least its not black like 99.98% of A4's sold
Says the guy with the red Ducati in his avatar [laugh]
I'd never paid enough attention to Audis to notice.
;D
i want a v6 brera!!! [drool]
MMM.... very nice cars.
I've been giving some thought to Mecedes C200 Kompressor Sports (02-03) thought it would be a nice drive for the wife.
Anyone know any problems with them or quirks that I should be made aware of?
Mmick
Quote from: monstermick58 on December 21, 2011, 01:48:51 AM
MMM.... very nice cars.
I've been giving some thought to Mecedes C200 Kompressor Sports (02-03) thought it would be a nice drive for the wife.
Anyone know any problems with them or quirks that I should be made aware of?
Mmick
Mick drove the 2011 c200 by sheer luck in January. A very nice car indeed thou the motor was only a 1.8 turbo. If it's any reflection you see people driving mercs when there 20 years old cause thy just cant part with their comfy reliable car.
[thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
Rob
How about the Liberty STI? Something like this >>> http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/subaru-liberty-2008-11818553?cr=0&distance=25&vertical=Car&eapi=2&sort=default&VNAV=A&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294963801%204294963605%204294788225%20900&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~1 (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/subaru-liberty-2008-11818553?cr=0&distance=25&vertical=Car&eapi=2&sort=default&VNAV=A&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294963801%204294963605%204294788225%20900&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~1)
The heart says Audi (it's a stretch, but not totally out of the question), the head, and bank balance say Subi...
Audi A4s are boring. Not sure what you're looking for in a car (power, lux, reliability, looks)?
But I've got a 2007 Liberty GT Spec B manual in dark grey with just over 75000Km on the odo.
It's currently running on Volk Racing TE-37 forged alloy 18 inch wheels in gunmetal and Pilotsport 3 rubber.
PM sent, PM me if you're interested. ps - I'm in the ACT.
Reason for selling: can't justify a fast bike AND a fast car (planning on a new bike when I go onto a full lic.) as I already maintain a small car for the missus and might possibly keep my 250 as a commuter.
Quote from: monstermick58 on December 21, 2011, 01:48:51 AM
MMM.... very nice cars.
I've been giving some thought to Mecedes C200 Kompressor Sports (02-03) thought it would be a nice drive for the wife.
Anyone know any problems with them or quirks that I should be made aware of?
Mmick
Mick - My sister is selling hers, not sure what year but its a C200. If you like I will check with her.
P.S. Its used to be my mums, its in top nick and only driven by sensible ladies. Mum bought a new one, they both love them. Great car.
Quote from: tricolore on December 21, 2011, 03:35:04 PM
Mick - My sister is selling hers, not sure what year but its a C200. If you like I will check with her.
P.S. Its used to be my mums, its in top nick and only driven by sensible ladies. Mum bought a new one, they both love them. Great car.
Like anything I purchase, I have a good look around, find the good/bad check the price, and have another good look around.
What I'm trying to say is I'm not in any hurry to purchase, but yep, let me know.
Mmick
I had a drive of this one the other day:
(http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/carsales/car/private/cp4614244995133032854.jpg)
'08 Liberty STI
Very nice. :D
It was very comfortable to cruise around in, not a harsh ride like I expected.
The handling was on-par, if not better than the 3.2 Audi.
Acceleration was quick, nice and quick.
It wouldn't quite get the "Holy Sh1t" reaction I got from the passenger, while test driving the 3.2 Audi.
I'll put that down to the different power delivery of the 4cyl turbo, compared to a bigger 6.
On paper, the Audi has 1kW more power, and 20Nm less (but over a much wider range) according to car sales.
It's a bit unfair to compare the two, as the Subaru is over 20k cheaper.
The Liberty's condition is nothing short of spectacular.
It has three tiny stone chips, some small scuffs under the front spoiler, and one small scrape on the front left mag.
Interior looks absolutely brand new.
Engine bay is surgically clean.
Full service history from Subaru Brisbane.
2nd service was missed, but it was done at the 3rd.
Mileage is getting towards high, currently at 68500.
The car spent most of it's life on the Sunshine Coast, which leads me to believe it was used to commute to Brisbane.
I was initially a little concerned about the mileage, but I don't think it will be an issue.
The car has been very well looked after, and appears to have had an easy life (so far ;) )
I wasn't in a rush to buy, at all. But I had a look and it's hard to say no!
Now I just have to agree on a price, get it inspected, then shipped back to Tassie ;D
Looks nice.
White is the new black so you're on a winner there.
What's the asking price?
I couldn't get him any lower than 36k. He was very firm on the price :(
There are others in NSW and Vic with less km's, they are around the 40-42k mark.
My only question at this stage is, is it better to pay more for a car with less km's?
Mmmmm STI ........... aka The Lebo Porsche [evil] 8)
Quote from: Yellow Meanie on December 25, 2011, 03:31:03 PM
I couldn't get him any lower than 36k. He was very firm on the price :(
There are others in NSW and Vic with less km's, they are around the 40-42k mark.
My only question at this stage is, is it better to pay more for a car with less km's?
how much more ?
4-6 grand for a few less kays not IMHO
buy on condition and service
That's what I thought.
The deal is done [beer]
Quote from: Yellow Meanie on December 25, 2011, 09:14:24 PM
That's what I thought.
The deal is done [beer]
Congratulations ... not driving her home?
Would love to, then I'd stop in for a beer. :P
Unfortunately I can't get the car on the "big red bus" until 5th of Jan.
It will cost about a grand to ship the car from Brisbane to Launceston, which isn't much more than driving.
Quote from: Yellow Meanie on December 25, 2011, 11:38:39 PM
Would love to, then I'd stop in for a beer. :P
I'm sure we could have organised something.
Quote from: Yellow Meanie on December 25, 2011, 11:38:39 PM
Unfortunately I can't get the car on the "big red bus" until 5th of Jan.
It will cost about a grand to ship the car from Brisbane to Launceston, which isn't much more than driving.
At this time of year ... it'd probably cost you a lot more travelling through NSW ... and then VIC [leo] [bang]
Quote from: Betty on December 26, 2011, 12:25:45 AM
I'm sure we could have organised something.
Yup...... [drink] [drink] [drink]
Quote from: Betty on December 26, 2011, 12:25:45 AM
At this time of year ... it'd probably cost you a lot more travelling through NSW ... and then VIC [leo] [bang]
Yeah, but... [drink]
[popcorn]
Mmick
That's great, I'm sure you'll be happy with the new toy.
Quote from: monstermick58 on December 26, 2011, 04:06:58 AM
Yup...... [drink] [drink] [drink]
Yeah, but... [drink]
[popcorn]
Mmick
Mmick, you've such a way with words... [laugh]
You almost had me hooked, but unfortunately I'm already back in Tassie.
Matty, I'm very happy. I only had time for a short drive before dropping her off at the depot.
The shenanigans will have to wait till she gets to her new home. (Too many [leo] in Qld for my liking)
(http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm441/Zook_2008/Subi/Subi1.jpg)