Alfa Romeo 145 1.6 IE 3d (1996/P) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
As a roll out model, with a boxer engine I got a 20% discount from new.
Costs
Fuel economy now, after 7 years, is in the low 20's mpg. Apart from that, costs are reasonable and sevice intervals are 12,000 miles, which is a bonus.
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On the road
Driving
It IS a sporty car, making a mock of its Fiat Tipo underpinnings. A very enjoyable drive. I prefer it to a BMW 3 series compact of the same vintage.
Performance
Looks, handles and feels much livelier than its basic performance figures suggest, can be driven with brio and a smile.
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Living with it
Reliability
Has never failed in 7 years, apart from one battery that died. My only problem is breakpads that scrub off often.
Image
It's a wedge-shaped, galvanised Alfa, with the old alfasud engine (yet fully evolved) in it. Its image is above BMW and Volkswagen yet below Audi, but it's funkier.
Comfort
Genuine space inside, bright, airy, nice driving position (great seats), and I like the taut suspension. Trim has not failed. It's better than a 1996 BMW compact for trim actually.
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Security and Service
Security
The immobiliser did its job when it was broken into by smashing a rear quarterlight, no worries.
Service
The car is superb, but the dealers and their mechanics are not. I've had the wrong service down at least twice. It's a boxer you idiots, NOT a twin spark!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
The steering rack leaks a tiny amount, the brakes use pads for fun and tyre wear is uneven.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes