OK, Alfa folks. I need your input. An Alfa is on my bucket list. As Clarkson says, you can't be a true sports car enthusiast until you've owned an Alfa. I've spotted this '86 Spider Veloce. Seems pretty straight and runs strong. 102K. Do I want to do this? Needs to be usable on a regular basis. What should I look out for? How tough are parts and maintenance?
I own a black 89 Quadrifoglio. Parts and maintenance are easy. Timing chain engine, so no pissing with belts every 40k like a Fiat or V6 Alfa. Make sure the cooling system has been maintained - even a slight overheat can kill these things forever. This late in production, they are not that different than any other 80s car; Bosch fuel injection, improved (but far from excellent) electrics, build quality on par with other Euros. Rust, like usual, is the big killer of these.
I took a gamble on mine and have not regretted it once. Perhaps you should too! They are not as scary as many will tell you. Just don't expect a Miata either, remember that these are a 60's design pushed all the way through to the 90's with minor changes.
Resources: Alfabb.com International-auto.com Centerlinealfa.com Vickauto.com
EDIT: I should add that I've been daily driving mine since May and outside of a flaky ignition switch have had no problems whatsoever. It has also, shockingly, never done worse than 23MPG across a tank (and that's in city traffic). With some freeway time I see low 30's.
Good info. Thanks.
This probably doesn't help at all but............I have always loved them and hope to own one some day too.
Do it! Just be aware of these shortfalls.
With all of the above being said I think you should go for it. These are fun little cars that are easy to work on with a very active fan base.
First and reverse are non-synchro? Like the old MGs and such?
Loved my 88 Spider Veloce. Miss it on great sunny days. You must do it.
Been there, done that. Glad there is an MR2 turbo in the garage now. You do need to work on an alfa though, makes you appreciate the engineering and quality materials.... used on other brands.
In reply to Argo1:
Yep, non-synchro. After a while it becomes a non issue, as one remembers to lightly engage the 2nd gear synchro before putting the car into 1st, or 4th for reverse.
I've had about a dozen or so Alfa's, about half of them Spiders, and never found them that difficult to live with. The trick is to find a good one that's been maintained. If you buy an abused one, it will abuse you, and they do require maintenance by the book. They don't put up with slacked maintenance.
If you do that, they are pretty reliable, at least on par with a BMW or Porsche of similar vintages. And try to use OEM parts if possible. Funny thing about the MR2 Turbo, that was my daily driver for 7 years back in the '90's, when I owned 8 or so Alfa's and Fiat's at the same time, and I spent far more on the MR2.
On the Alfa, the 2nd gear syncro is going to suck, live with it and get over it. Never shift into 2nd while the car is cold, and slow the shift when warm. You can fix it, but it will come back. Rust is the other big issue, and I would avoid one rusted, as there are still plenty that are not or have been fixed. The later the car, the better they are for rust protection. But in my opinion, the best motor is the carbed 1750.
Quasimo1 wrote: In reply to Argo1: Yep, non-synchro. After a while it becomes a non issue, as one remembers to lightly engage the 2nd gear synchro before putting the car into 1st, or 4th for reverse.
I use 3rd instead of 2nd. since 2nd is usually so beat up. Seems to help a little.
And +100,000,000 on racerdave's suggestion to find one that's not been abused- assuming you are not planning extensive work on it anyway. Having carefully built a few motors, just doing it well makes them last a long time.
They certainly are not for everyone.
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