AudioCircle
Community => Non-audio hobbies and interests => Cars and Bikes => Topic started by: Emil on 16 Apr 2017, 11:35 am
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We know that the Italians can design and engineer beautifull cars but reliable?
Any feed back yet on the new Alfas?
(http://images.buyacar.co.uk/img/med/alfa_romeo_giulia_2_2_jtdm-2_180_super_4dr_auto_-_demo_saloon_5549912.jpg)
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Not reliable as US cars, also maintenance is expensive, very.
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And knowledgable service is another concern, especially on a road trip.
Out here in the hinterlands picking brands is largely by reliability and available service. So FCA brands rank very low. In fact the local FCA dealership is being investigated for sending a potential customer out on a test drive in a used car with no brakes that resulted in a fatality.
We have Michigan's largest Toyota dealer 35 miles away and it's a very good one. And we have a local mechanic who is well versed in Subaru. So those are the brands I've settled down with. The Camry is a better vehicle (more reliable and cheaper to operate) but the Outback is great in the winter and can haul wifey's rabbit cages (she shows them).
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A heartstrings looker for sure.
Reminds me of the Maserati sedans with Ferrari motors in them. Would love one, and they are surprisingly affordable 4-5 years old. Then you check the maintenance costs. Ouch! But what a sound from that motor!
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Not reliable as US cars, also maintenance is expensive, very.
I would never keep a car like this after it's warranty period. I would say the same for BMW, Mercedes or Audi.
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And knowledgable service is another concern, especially on a road trip.
Out here in the hinterlands picking brands is largely by reliability and available service. So FCA brands rank very low. In fact the local FCA dealership is being investigated for sending a potential customer out on a test drive in a used car with no brakes that resulted in a fatality.
We have Michigan's largest Toyota dealer 35 miles away and it's a very good one. And we have a local mechanic who is well versed in Subaru. So those are the brands I've settled down with. The Camry is a better vehicle (more reliable and cheaper to operate) but the Outback is great in the winter and can haul wifey's rabbit cages (she shows them).
I can understand that, JLM.
I believe Alfas are being sold and serviced by Chrysler dealers here in the US so I don't see this as being much of a concern getting service anywhere in the US.
I would also consider the Maserrati but here on Long island the closest and only dealer is 45 minutes from me.
Don't seeing myself traveling that far for an oil change.
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I have a test drive scheduled for later this month. Will post impressions.
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I can understand that, JLM.
I believe Alfas are being sold and serviced by Chrysler dealers here in the US so I don't see this as being much of a concern getting service anywhere in the US.
I would also consider the Maserati but here on Long island the closest and only dealer is 45 minutes from me.
Don't seeing myself traveling that far for an oil change.
I'm very close to that dealer and I wouldn't touch a Maserati for a number of reasons. I just had to deal with major FCA warrantee issues at work. While the Guilia is beautiful and a great performer, at the end of the day it is a Fiat. Fiat reliability was a running joke in the 1970's and it hasn't gotten much better.
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Fiat reliability was a running joke in the 1970's and it hasn't gotten much better.
If you want to keep one running, buy 2. Second for parts. :thumb:
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I've been thinking about the QV to replace my modded 2007 BMW 335i coupe, but then I saw this article:
http://www.motortrend.com/news/alfa-romeo-giulia-quadrifoglio-luck-of-the-half-irish/
I think I'll wait a while before jumping in. Then there's the AWD M5 coming out too, but I've learned the lesson to never buy the first year of a new generation of BMW's.
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I would never keep a car like this after it's warranty period. I would say the same for BMW, Mercedes or Audi.
I have an '03 525i. Just one repair of significance (alternator); very reliable.
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Fiat reliability was a running joke in the 1970's and it hasn't gotten much better.
F I A T
i t g o
x a n
i y
n
:lol:
So true. Sister had a Fiat 131 in the 70's. What crap.
What a shame
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So Fiat owns Alfa, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep as well. Not a stable of reliable cars I would say.
I did buy and still have a 2011 Jeep Compass for my daughter agisnt my own better judgement. I must say it is better than I thought it would be.
I have had Toyotas for the past 10 years. Pretty vanilla but reliable as hell.
Wife has a Camry and I'm on my 3rd Prius.
All 70 horses and 82 pounds of torque, baby :lol:
(http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2015/05/30/00/03/2015_toyota_prius_five-pic-5640244198888418979-1600x1200.jpeg)
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I have an '03 525i. Just one repair of significance (alternator); very reliable.
Knock on wood :thumb:
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My 2009 BMW M3 has 73,000 miles and has needed nothing outside of maintenance work (brakes, oil changes, etc...).
I was contemplating getting an Audi RS6 when I remembered how frequently my S4 had to be repaired over a three year period and came to my senses.
The Giulia is beautiful and I am sure fun to drive, but no thanks for me.
George
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Knock on wood :thumb:
My son and I have had 3 and 5 series cars (all used) for the past 30 years and drove them like we stole them. One head gasket, not much else, if you don't count the ones he wrecked.... :banghead:
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Fiat reliability was a running joke in the 1970's and it hasn't gotten much better.
Overall quality control of vehicles has gotten much better since the '70's. I don't think you can make such blanket statements.
Look how many Mercedes are in this list! :o
http://www.newsday.com/classifieds/cars/consumer-reports-least-reliable-new-cars-include-the-fiat-500l-jeep-cherokee-and-nissan-pathfinder-1.11016600
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I would never keep a car like this after it's warranty period. I would say the same for BMW, Mercedes or Audi.
Sir you are out of touch with today. BMW's full line isn't as reliable as older generations but the 3 and below have continued to be very reliable. Audi until the early 2000's were not reliable but throughout the early 2000's the totally changed into being reliable that is ranking often in the top 5.
MB has been a travesty since the 80's, entirely fizzling out by 1993. Shame. Although the AMG line would be a blast to drive if you can afford it, and aren't keeping it after a few years.
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My last gf worked for a Porsche racing team and sold Porsche/MB parts online. Prices are unbelievable... the cost of owning a German car is a real turn off imo.
The Giulia Quadwhatever runs a Ferrari derived motor pushing 34 psi of boost, if one of those motors made it to 100k miles without using a quart of oil every couple hundred miles I'd be shocked, and I'd bet most won't get near 100k miles. It does seem like a great car to lease for a few years though... :lol:
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We know that the Italians can design and engineer beautifull cars but reliable?
Any feed back yet on the new Alfas?
(http://images.buyacar.co.uk/img/med/alfa_romeo_giulia_2_2_jtdm-2_180_super_4dr_auto_-_demo_saloon_5549912.jpg)
FWIW. They were impressed. No clue on how it will hold up in the real world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT8LrA21vuo
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My last gf worked for a Porsche racing team and sold Porsche/MB parts online. Prices are unbelievable... the cost of owning a German car is a real turn off imo.
The Giulia Quadwhatever runs a Ferrari derived motor pushing 34 psi of boost, if one of those motors made it to 100k miles without using a quart of oil every couple hundred miles I'd be shocked, and I'd bet most won't get near 100k miles. It does seem like a great car to lease for a few years though... :lol:
European cars in general - from VW to Porsche - have become good cars to lease but not good cars to buy. In fact, the current thinking is that if you can' afford a new European car you can't afford a used one. Two factors contribute to this: especially in the German Marques, the remarkable engineering also tends to be remarkably complicated. A lot of parts are model-specific, and replacing a normal wear part can be more complicated that it is on a Japanese car. And yes, these parts can be very expensive, as I can attest from the VW's and BMW's I have owned. Another factor is that many of these engines have very high specific output. Audi's 2.5t engine makes 400 turbocharged horsepower, and as Dave indicated we are unlikely to see 300,000 miles on one these. My Subaru will do that easily (with a head gasket or two).
My personal experience is that ownership of a marquee brand European car is death by a thousand cuts. As the warrantee period runs down you will be bombarded by nuisance maintenance issues (switchgear, electronics, lighting seatbelts, latches, etc.) that will grind you down.
I live in a well off area and I see a lot of Maserati's around. My prediction is that when these go off-lease they will find their way into the same market as preowned MB and BMW models. People who couldn't afford a Maserati new (but want to look like they can) are going to buy one with 50 or 60 thousand miles on it for $25k and drive it until the maintenance headaches begin.
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Even my '09 Outback is nickel and diming me compared to my '12 Camry. Both have roughly 150,000 miles, but the Subaru has racked up $11,900 in total maintenance cost compared to less than $2,700 for the Camry. I've had to give up on the Subaru dealer (expensive, couldn't fix simple stuff, and were trying to tell me I needed to fix stuff that wasn't broken). Fortunately out here in nowhere I found a good mechanic that likes Subaru cars.
Body hardware has been a repeated issue for the Outback (gas cap release handle, trunk lid handle, rear wiper, ignition key and the batteries). Rear brakes have been replaced twice. Traction control, front control arm bushings, ignition coil, spark plug wires, rear wheel bearings, and numerous headlights have all been replaced.
But an axle seal and tires are the only non-scheduled maintenance the Camry has needed.
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chrysler will add value to italian imports by making the italian cars less fun to drive as well as adding a big gulp cup holder to suit north american market.
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European cars in general - from VW to Porsche - have become good cars to lease but not good cars to buy. In fact, the current thinking is that if you can' afford a new European car you can't afford a used one. Two factors contribute to this: especially in the German Marques, the remarkable engineering also tends to be remarkably complicated. A lot of parts are model-specific, and replacing a normal wear part can be more complicated that it is on a Japanese car. And yes, these parts can be very expensive, as I can attest from the VW's and BMW's I have owned. Another factor is that many of these engines have very high specific output. Audi's 2.5t engine makes 400 turbocharged horsepower, and as Dave indicated we are unlikely to see 300,000 miles on one these. My Subaru will do that easily (with a head gasket or two).
My personal experience is that ownership of a marquee brand European car is death by a thousand cuts. As the warrantee period runs down you will be bombarded by nuisance maintenance issues (switchgear, electronics, lighting seatbelts, latches, etc.) that will grind you down.
I live in a well off area and I see a lot of Maserati's around. My prediction is that when these go off-lease they will find their way into the same market as preowned MB and BMW models. People who couldn't afford a Maserati new (but want to look like they can) are going to buy one with 50 or 60 thousand miles on it for $25k and drive it until the maintenance headaches begin.
These are reasons why buy the higher end models are burdens. A BMW 3 series will have a 2.5 engine at 230hp, instead of 400hp. Not a big deal. The parts are all refined handy downs. It's utterly unfair to group the highly reliable BMW's with any MB. The only MB worth owning for daily use is their work van.
I see people driving around old used and done for luxury cars that are thug like. But they are always the higher end models and falling apart. But the BMW 1-3 are passed on to kids or such and driven into oblivion with really high mileage before they meet a final fate in an accident or 350k miles.
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Even my '09 Outback is nickel and diming me compared to my '12 Camry. Both have roughly 150,000 miles, but the Subaru has racked up $11,900 in total maintenance cost compared to less than $2,700 for the Camry. I've had to give up on the Subaru dealer (expensive, couldn't fix simple stuff, and were trying to tell me I needed to fix stuff that wasn't broken). Fortunately out here in nowhere I found a good mechanic that likes Subaru cars.
Body hardware has been a repeated issue for the Outback (gas cap release handle, trunk lid handle, rear wiper, ignition key and the batteries). Rear brakes have been replaced twice. Traction control, front control arm bushings, ignition coil, spark plug wires, rear wheel bearings, and numerous headlights have all been replaced.
But an axle seal and tires are the only non-scheduled maintenance the Camry has needed.
Was my exact same experience with the Subaru Dealer I bought my WRX from several years back. I'd take it in for scheduled service that was included with the purchase, but when I went in to pick it up, something would be broken. They claimed that I brought it in broken and the arguing began (first time it was the rear view mirror. It was cracked and the coating was blacking out half the mirror [day/night magic stuff]) and it took several discussions before they reluctantly agreed to replace it. Happened again when I brought it in and they said it was time to replace the cabin filter - they badly scratched up the center console while replacing it. Looked like a screwdriver went about 1" across the lower corner of the panel. They refused to acknowledge it was their fault. I later learned that this dealership was famous for doing this.
This is why I traded my beloved WRX in for what became my Wife's Maxima. Find a great Dealer and buy your cars from them or have a good Mechanic lined up.
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.....But the BMW 1-3 are passed on to kids or such and driven into oblivion with really high mileage before they meet a final fate in an accident or 350k miles.
Yep, that's been our experience! :thumb:
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Was my exact same experience with the Subaru Dealer I bought my WRX from several years back. I'd take it in for scheduled service that was included with the purchase, but when I went in to pick it up, something would be broken. They claimed that I brought it in broken and the arguing began (first time it was the rear view mirror. It was cracked and the coating was blacking out half the mirror [day/night magic stuff]) and it took several discussions before they reluctantly agreed to replace it. Happened again when I brought it in and they said it was time to replace the cabin filter - they badly scratched up the center console while replacing it. Looked like a screwdriver went about 1" across the lower corner of the panel. They refused to acknowledge it was their fault. I later learned that this dealership was famous for doing this.
This is why I traded my beloved WRX in for what became my Wife's Maxima. Find a great Dealer and buy your cars from them or have a good Mechanic lined up.
Brutal. Fuck them.
You bring up a very good point however, your dealer in the area should be looked up because a warranty is worthless if you can't use it. That's as much as considerations as the car itself depending on the age and package you're getting.
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I'm sure the Gulia would be a fun car to own and drive, to a point. That point would be coming up against FIAT's deplorable reliability record.
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Alfa Romeo of today sure isn't FIAT of the 70's!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWBGGo6cXIk
You can see where the car manufacturing jobs are going.... away. Cool video though.
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I think there is a point to be considered whenever anyone is looking at a "Hyper horsepower 4 Door sedan" with extreme limits and amazing sports car like capabilities here ;
This could be anything from a a Cadillac CTV or a BMW M or an Audi S or the Alpha. They all can have VERY expensive repairs surrounding the specialized limited production run components that were made as the design teams don't consider the same exposure to everyday miles as the regular production car parts. Hence, the companies won't find out if the "Uber sedan" they created is truly reliable as compared to the base line model the vehicle is based on fir many years (and many miles) after they release the design on the public sector.
As a side note - I spent a decade inside these companies selling them both manufacturing systems and sourcing/designing custom production parts for them. Just as many of the posters here have indicated here, Japanese vehicles are typically designed with more reliability. The whole concept of continuous improvement runs deep within that culture's manufacturing of cars! Some of those "lessons learned" have been carried to other car manufacturers mind you. But the gathered statistics of cars running reliably over 200,000 + miles is still a flag carried by more of the Asian designs. The statistical analysis and reporting proves this out entirely.
As to the Alpha, you'd wonder where I stand since I am not really expecting it to be up to other manufacturer's reliability with a higher cost of repair as well? That said. it is on my very "short list" to purchase once these are a few years old and being resold. Reliability at times will probably be a nightmare at time but the cost savings of more than $30K off the new price will be factored in and cover those costs to a point (in my mind). And my answer?
This is the very first 4 door Ferrari (IMHO) that drives better than any other 4 door car near it's price. It's a friggin Ferrari through and through that I actually can afford! :thumb:
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stay away from alfas they are the worst. other than Ferrari which is Ferrari, stay away from anything fiat or chrysler for that matter. watch videos where they show how alfas have common parts with cheap Fiat and chrysler models.
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Anyone in the market for a car like this isn't typically going to be too concerned about repair costs and longevity, they're going to keep it while it while it's under warranty and then move on, or they're going to lease it. I have a foot in the cheap ass camp with a Toyota and a couple of BMW's, one of the BMW's, 2006 330xi, is a keeper, the other, 2015 M235x is the one that gets turned over for another fun car when the warranty expires...The Alpha is on the test drive list.
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actually that was my second point, someone who pay that much money will be really bummed when he or she sees that the window up/down buttons or door hanfdles are the same as a crappy chrysler. Also cost of maintance is one thing, the time and the inconvenience is another
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Anyone in the market for a car like this isn't typically going to be too concerned about repair costs and longevity, they're going to keep it while it while it's under warranty and then move on, or they're going to lease it
True. But then being under warranty is if little consolation when you're on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
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I don't agree. I'm appalled by the idea of paying a lot more money to get a turd. Now if the performance was that of a Formula 1, then I'd know the wear and tear was to be expected because everything operates on margins. But these cars have never seen margins let alone need to operate like they have them.
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stay away from alfas they are the worst. other than Ferrari which is Ferrari, stay away from anything fiat or chrysler for that matter. watch videos where they show how alfas have common parts with cheap Fiat and chrysler models.
Did you watch the video? Sure doesn't look like that's true in this case.
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I have had encounter with alfas and alfa owners on multiple occasions throuout the years but have never owned and also have not seen this particular one. The 4C made waves and everyone loved it but also a friend of mine who owns one told me that he loves how it drives but it is a pain. anyway yes maybe this new 2017 model has none of the issues. when dealing with car companies though history is the only thing you have to go by. I think the video that mentioned the parts shared was from KBB and for the 2015 or 2016 alfa quadrifoglio. my point was about Fiat in general not a particular model. From quality to costumer service I adviuse staying away from Fiat affiliated.
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I think there is a point to be considered whenever anyone is looking at a "Hyper horsepower 4 Door sedan" with extreme limits and amazing sports car like capabilities here ;
This could be anything from a a Cadillac CTV or a BMW M or an Audi S or the Alpha. They all can have VERY expensive repairs surrounding the specialized limited production run components that were made as the design teams don't consider the same exposure to everyday miles as the regular production car parts. Hence, the companies won't find out if the "Uber sedan" they created is truly reliable as compared to the base line model the vehicle is based on fir many years (and many miles) after they release the design on the public sector.
As a side note - I spent a decade inside these companies selling them both manufacturing systems and sourcing/designing custom production parts for them. Just as many of the posters here have indicated here, Japanese vehicles are typically designed with more reliability. The whole concept of continuous improvement runs deep within that culture's manufacturing of cars! Some of those "lessons learned" have been carried to other car manufacturers mind you. But the gathered statistics of cars running reliably over 200,000 + miles is still a flag carried by more of the Asian designs. The statistical analysis and reporting proves this out entirely.
As to the Alpha, you'd wonder where I stand since I am not really expecting it to be up to other manufacturer's reliability with a higher cost of repair as well? That said. it is on my very "short list" to purchase once these are a few years old and being resold. Reliability at times will probably be a nightmare at time but the cost savings of more than $30K off the new price will be factored in and cover those costs to a point (in my mind). And my answer?
This is the very first 4 door Ferrari (IMHO) that drives better than any other 4 door car near it's price. It's a friggin Ferrari through and through that I actually can afford! :thumb:
The longevity of the motor will probably vary quite a bit depending on driving habits, this is the last car I'd want to buy used... Unless there's some all new piston ring design/material I'm unaware of that is a quantum leap over conventional, a motor running 34 psi boost on pump gas isn't going to last that long before it starts using lots of oil.
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Alfa Romeo of today sure isn't FIAT of the 70's!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWBGGo6cXIk
You can see where the car manufacturing jobs are going.... away. Cool video though.
Great vid!
And puts the lie to all the manufacturing jobs "coming back".
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Sure does! :duh:
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GTV6 is the only car I've ever owned that burned itself to the ground. Perhaps I got a bad one and the new Alfa's don't have the same problem. I'll never know.
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GTV6 is the only car I've ever owned that burned itself to the ground. Perhaps I got a bad one and the new Alfa's don't have the same problem. I'll never know.
That was 40 years ago. I'm sure nothing like that is remotely a consideration now. Not that I'd hold my breath on their general reliability/longevity, as others have pointed out. The performance, however, is something to marvel at.
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I thought it was a foregone conclusion that anyone thinking practically and logically would not buy a car like this.
It looks cool. And different. And it goes fast. Oh, and it's Italian. I'll wear a scarf (even though I live in the tropics) and drink espresso. And life will be better.
I go through plenty of EL34s and 6SN7s. Expensive and impractical. But, I'm not buying a Bose any time soon.
I'd like to see a coupe version.
If it breaks down a lot, I'll get to be friends with my mechanic. I will call him Gino (no matter what his name is). And we will drink espresso together and dunk biscotti.
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What a shame :duh:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/03/consumer-reports-2017-alfa-romeo-giulia-ti-basically-lives-dealer-service-bay/
Really wanted to consider the Alfa as being my first midlife crisis car now that college tuition bills are over with.
I guess I'll look at my other favorite.....................Jaguars :D
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I respectful suggest never buy a modern sport car, just rent for some days.
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What a shame :duh:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/03/consumer-reports-2017-alfa-romeo-giulia-ti-basically-lives-dealer-service-bay/
Really wanted to consider the Alfa as being my first midlife crisis car now that college tuition bills are over with.
I guess I'll look at my other favorite.....................Jaguars :D
The new F-type is savage :D
but also really you can have more fun with a lowly miata :d
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I respectful suggest never buy a modern sport car, just rent for some days.
I like that :thumb:
Rent one for a week or so just to scratch that itch but keep my Prius as a daily driver :lol:
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I respectful suggest never buy a modern sport car, just rent for some days.
I prefer owning my BMW M3.
I definitely enjoy more than just a few days a year.
That said, I do think having a Miata would be a blast and much cheaper.
George
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The new F-type is savage :D
Always found German and Japanese styling as "cold"
This is HOT IMHO
(http://www.jaguar.in/Images/FTYPE_17MY_FTYPE_S_COUPE_KEEPME_desktop_1366x770_tcm163-206064_desktop_1366x770.jpg?v=3)
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Always found German and Japanese styling as "cold"
This is HOT IMHO
(http://www.jaguar.in/Images/FTYPE_17MY_FTYPE_S_COUPE_KEEPME_desktop_1366x770_tcm163-206064_desktop_1366x770.jpg?v=3)
I have admired the classical lines of Jaguars of old and now but following in the vein of the AR Giulia reliability speculations, are the newer Jaguars more reliable than the Jaguars of years past? I remember people gripping how bad they were in terms of reliability and if it was not for that Indian conglomerate purchasing and refurbishing them, how ironic is that?, Jaguars might have gone the way of other historical marques that are no longer.
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http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-jaguar-xe-long-term-test-update-review-2017-jaguar-xe-page-2
While this is a different car, the reports on reliability or dealer incompetence are not new.
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Watch this video before buying such a car :P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGFUSgPfJog (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGFUSgPfJog)
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I considered the Alfa, went with a M2.
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So.......
Now that the Alfas have been out for a while, reliability issues still a major concern?
Anyone know someone who actually purchased one?
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So.......
Now that the Alfas have been out for a while, reliability issues still a major concern?
Anyone know someone who actually purchased one?
From the car mags/sites/forums I read there are definitely continuing quality issues with the Giulia and Stelvio.
This is too bad as both are good looking and performing vehicles.
George
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From the car mags/sites/forums I read there are definitely continuing quality issues with the Giulia and Stelvio.
This is too bad as both are good looking and performing vehicles.
George
I was afraid of that. Shame
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I think the new Vettes are wicked looking.
I do believe they offer a ton of performance for their price. But , I’m not sure of this.
I just know I would like to strap in and drive these beast!!
https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-corvette-2018/
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I think the new Vettes are wicked looking.
I do believe they offer a ton of performance for their price. But , I’m not sure of this.
I just know I would like to strap in and drive these beast!!
https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-corvette-2018/
No doubt about it!
Maybe when I retire but for now, my Prius will do :lol:
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I don't know what that Alfa sells for, but if it's over $100K, I would look here: https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2016-tesla-model-p-90/6628845663.html
Gas cars are becoming obsolete at an accelerating pace.
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I'm not sure about that! :scratch:
Here's when electric cars will become acceptable. When I can pull into a battery station (not a gas station) and say, replace my battery!!!
Gene
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I don't know what that Alfa sells for, but if it's over $100K, I would look here: https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2016-tesla-model-p-90/6628845663.html
Gas cars are becoming obsolete at an accelerating pace.
Oh, I wouldn't mind a Tesla myself :thumb:
Until there are recharging stations located in every gas station that can recharge a battery in say 5 minutes
we will always have gas powered vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles should be embraced and should be an option in more and more cars. It's a mature technology and one can travel without the worry of finding a charging station.
Et tu, Ferrari?
https://jalopnik.com/ferrari-says-that-a-hybrid-v8-is-coming-for-2019-will-1823706532
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I'm not sure about that! :scratch:
Here's when electric cars will become acceptable. When I can pull into a battery station (not a gas station) and say, replace my battery!!!
Gene
It won't happen overnight but the announcements by GM, VW, Toyota, Volvo that they have determined to stop making gasoline powered vehicles by stated goal dates, pretty well casts the die. Many of you will surely want to hang out in denial about this inevitability but mass transit and electrically powered personal vehicles are the future of transportation. It would benefit you all to start thinking that way. Be the first on your block to part ways with fossil fuel. I intend to be that guy on my block.
The replacement battery station will probably spread pretty quickly once deep pocket investors see its time has come. The key to keeping dirty gas cars viable lies entirely in battery cost. When somebody is able to sell a versatile commuter car using battery power for under $25K, you can start making funeral arrangements for the ICE.
You gas car people are using candles when light bulbs are available.
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I intend to be that guy on my block.
You evidently intend to just stay in your neighborhood! :green:
Gene
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I won't be an early adopter for electric (else I would already own one I guess!) but for our local use cars I could see it in the next 5 years.
I only drive about 6-8K miles a year these days (more train and plane travel) so the vast majority of our trips are around town. It could work.
My wife will likely retire in the next 5 years. Once that happens, she could transition.
My only long term gas car will be whatever toy car I have at the time. Until it becomes the Red Barchetta!
As for the Giulia, every time I see one I love it. Until I think of maintaining it.
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I'm not sure about that! :scratch:
Here's when electric cars will become acceptable. When I can pull into a battery station (not a gas station) and say, replace my battery!!!
Gene
It's call Tesla service center :D
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It's call Tesla service center :D
Still not feasible
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It's call Tesla service center :D
They must be awful fast! :thumb:
Gene
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Time for a new car for the wife and with nothing better to do that day, went to my local Alfa dealer on a Saturday for a looksee.
I asked the salesperson about current lease programs but he insisted that before we speak, I needed to take it out for a drive. Sure! Why not.
He asked me what I was driving now. I told him a Prius. He chuckled. Bastard! :lol:
I want this thing. Sure, I really have nothing to compare it to. I've never driven a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi before or even the latest Camaro or Mustang.
Maybe its my Italian heritage that's connecting with it.
yes, I've heard of the reliability issues as we've discussed earlier but the salesperson assured me that those were greatly exaggerated. He wouldn't lie would he? :lol:
Would the Alfa replace the Prius? No. This is for "the wife"....at least 80% of the time. The other 20% would be mine :thumb:
Still shaking with excitement, I sent these pics to the wife. "Nice "she says. "I want to look at the Mazda CT3. My friend has one."
I don't see things going my way :cry:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190566)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190567)
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I'm still waiting to get my Austin Healey 3000! Maybe I should give up? :green:
Gene
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Time for a new car for the wife and with nothing better to do that day, went to my local Alfa dealer on a Saturday for a looksee.
I asked the salesperson about current lease programs but he insisted that before we speak, I needed to take it out for a drive. Sure! Why not.
He asked me what I was driving now. I told him a Prius. He chuckled. Bastard! :lol:
I want this thing. Sure, I really have nothing to compare it to. I've never driven a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi before or even the latest Camaro or Mustang.
Maybe its my Italian heritage that's connecting with it.
yes, I've heard of the reliability issues as we've discussed earlier but the salesperson assured me that those were greatly exaggerated. He wouldn't lie would he? :lol:
Would the Alfa replace the Prius? No. This is for "the wife"....at least 80% of the time. The other 20% would be mine :thumb:
Still shaking with excitement, I sent these pics to the wife. "Nice "she says. "I want to look at the Mazda CT3. My friend has one."
I don't see things going my way :cry:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190566)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190567)
Check the lease hacker forums, I believe there were some serious lease deals at one point on these.
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From the outside, looks like a 3 series BMW
I’d say c300 is better looking on the outside, may have nicer interior.
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I had a Stelvio SUV. We leased it and kept it 10 months. It was great to drive, when there wasn't traffic, which is never in Portland anymore. It was very herky jerky in traffic which drove my wife nuts, and it was her daily driver. However, after 2 recalls and a weird check engine situation where the throttle was cut to keep the car under 45mph, we decided to trade it and take a hit on it. We really want to love it, and it was much better driving than the others we previously had (2015 X3 and Q5). We also drove the GLC300. However, the dealer was also difficult to get a loaner despite the promises of getting one whenever we needed service. The problem was they had 1-2 techs and no one had experience fixing these since they're new. When the recalls came they didn't have enough loaners. I was able to get them to loan me a Giulia for a week and it was a blast to drive. Best sedan I've driven, also compared to Audi, BMW, Mercedes, in terms of dynamics and fun. Quality, not so much. If I were looking for a sport sedan I'd be looking at the Genesis G70. I've had 2 Kia's, currently leasing a Sorrento SX, and I'm really impressed with the quality (I know, hard to believe). I'd say the interiors are better than BMW, but still behind Audi and Mercedes, but not by much. Anyway, just my $.02.
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For what it's worth, just got my new issue of Consumer Reports.
They have the Giulia listed in the luxury compact car group.
On their rating scale, they give it a 78 (low marks for value and audio).
Top car in that group is the Tesla Model 3, with a rating of 92, followed by the Kia Stinger at 87.
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I have a 2018 Stelvio Sport, it’s the base model, not too many bells and whistles and I love it. Compared to my 2008 wrangler rubicon it’s huge leap in technology and comfort. It hasn’t been problem free, a couple of issues with water getting into the door wiring harness and causing the windows to act funky. It was fixed. It’s red, Italian and fun! I have a 60 mile one-way commute, I do about 20k miles a year, we’ll see how it holds up.
I bought it from Tacoma Fiat/ Alfa Romeo
Buy one, just be prepared, they’re not for everyone.
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Oops :roll:
Who uses cruise control anyway :icon_lol:
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/03/08/alfa-romeo-recalls-giulia-stelvio-cruise-control/
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The new F-type is savage :D
but also really you can have more fun with a lowly miata :d
I always thought a Miata would be fun (if completely impractical), although they've gotten up there in price. If I add in what I want, it'd be over 35k MSRP.