Alfa Romeo GTV (1996 - 2004) 2.0 TS 16V 2d (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Understated style and luxury

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all love it!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, cos its fun and Italian and looks and sounds great!

What are you likely to buy next?

Have only just bought this to undecided yet

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,995

When did you buy the car?

January 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Couldnt get a deal on the sale price, but decided to purchase anyway as, lets face it, its an Alfa, and also because of the unusual colour/trim combination AND factory fitted sunroof

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The looks! Its a poor mans Ferrari

What was the dealer like?

Salesman was rude and arrogant and didnt know what he was talking about. For example when I asked about the flashing red light on the dash he said it was a random light to show would-be thieves the car has an alarm. Having now read the manual it is actually linked to the alarm and the number of times it flashes shows you if the alarm has been set off and via what entry point on the vehicle! He also couldnt explain the mayonnaise in the oil filler cap (usually a sign of head gasket failure). However having researched this prior to purchase, these cars can get "oil condensation" in the oil filler cap when not used for a while. I've used the car every day since purchase and the mayo has disappeared and not been seen since. However the aftersales service was good.

What's it like to drive?

Pure pleasure! Excellent engine noise especially between 2,000 to 3,000 revs. Its comfortable and quiet, the steering really makes you feel in control of the vehicle and it corners like its on rails. However due to being low I find people misjudge the speed and I often get pedestrians walking out on me and other cars swerving into me, especially on motorways. Perhaps thats because its green?

What's it like to park?

A pain, difficult to see out the back when reversing, large turning circle, wide doors means you need large gaps to be able to get in and out, also no body rubbing strips means you get alot of parking dinks from other vehicles opening their doors into the side.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes: recurrent yellow EOBD warning light on the dashboard, the cause for which cannot be ascertained. Flat battery once, have since changed the battery.

What's most practical about your car?

Not alot! But its an Italian sportscar, so you dont buy it for practicality do you?

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I especially love the lights under the doors that light up the ground!