Good value second hand cars - COVID times, Falcon/Commodore tax - Page 17

roKWiz · 27-03-2024, 09:48 AM

Bit of class needed here.

V12 series 1 Jaguar. $10 000. all the fruit options.

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Walt Kowalski · 27-03-2024, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

I would not recommend an Italian car to anyone who cannot tune a musical implement. They will not be sufficiently “dialled in” to optimise its performance or forestall any mishaps.

Good point, hadn’t thought of that aspect. Some people are no good in an Alfa - or any Ital car.

Does your comment also apply to French cars? I just bought a nice 208GTi at auction interstate but haven’t driven it yet.

My first word was “Cutomline” apparently when pointing at a Cusso. Dad loved telling the story and I have been dialled in to cars ever since. When I built my ENDURANCE weight race car (separate thread) I wanted RWD, lots of grunt and lots of grip. LS (Thanks Profi) solved the shit Rotary seal issue and the only other FD RX-7 in the country that was as fast was a WTAC FD that had WTAC aero to do the dialling in.

I always wanted a bum dialled into the grip and it was a great time in my life.

Update on Giulietta: I love it more and more. Much easier to live with than any of my 12x S550’s. Last time I drove my MY23 GT I minor damaged the front bar at walking pace hitting a council rock garden that I didn’t see OVER long bonnet from drivers seat.

F@(k!g thing still in workshop because radar dislodged.

Must be getting old.

Walt Kowalski · 27-03-2024, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Bit of class needed here.

V12 series 1 Jaguar. $10 000. all the fruit options.

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image

I have fond memories of those. Friend owned a general store in Cowra. Goldmine. Bought one of those V12 weapons. He also held down a job as a cop but mostly did night shift shooting foxes. And dogs at the mission in the dark. With a confiscated silencer.

One day we were going to Bathurst Horse Races and approached a cop car with the old KR11 on the side of the road with a customer looking at the KR11 screen to show why he was being booked when we approached at warp speed (235?)
and our speed popped up. Later that night over beers many laughs.

The old days. I miss em.

kevino · 27-03-2024, 04:59 PM

Isn’t the Guilietta the reliable Italian cause it was such a long running model?
How’s the driving position Walt? And is it a manual?
What’s it like for fuel use?

Walt Kowalski · 27-03-2024, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

Isn’t the Guilietta the reliable Italian cause it was such a long running model?
How’s the driving position Walt? And is it a manual?
What’s it like for fuel use?

Not sure why it is reliable but the 1.4 MultiAir TURBO (Alfa / Fiat name for VVT) is in a lot of stuff including the MX5 based Fiat Spyder. Probably built millions of them.

1.4 T has good grunt! Only revs to 6,000 ish from memory and weird after the 5.0 Mustangs going to 7,500.

I think Giulietta ran from 2010 to late teens, maybe 2020 not sure. Just checked Wiki. They made 469,xyz of them!

Still gorgeous after 15 years.

Mine is Jan 2015, Sunroof, full red leather, electric seats, memory seats for 3 drivers, nice fat leather flat bottom steering wheel, 18” alloys, Brembos (they all seem to have Brembos not sure, 6 speed manual that is silky smooth like a Honda, great instrumentation, DRL’s and all the usual Sexy LED Tail lights etc all 4 auto down windows, TPMS, etc as well as usual 5 Star stuff.

Driving position perfect for me (183Cm - 95kg) and better if i remove my right sandal (that i live in) because typical Italians they want you to drive in Italian driving shoes. They also want you drinking tiny piccolo espresso not USA fat drinks.

It would suit much larger body frames then me. VERY ROOMY in all directions TOO.

I love it and think i will keep it. At least until my S650 GT Convertible arrives. If ever.

Giulietta is a fun gadget. Puts a smile on your face that Japanese and Koreans have only recently worked out with GR and N cars.

And I can park it anywhere no probs. No worries.

Fuel burn? Haven’t checked but seems good

Happy to answer questions at any time. I am in Qld. Quite a following of Italian mechs up here and can recommend Angelo at APF Geebung.

He also has the strangest Italian cars there at different times. I saw a mid 50’s Bambino STATION WAGON! It was awesome. Must have 10x 500’s getting full rotisserie restos and some other interesting stuff, Maserati, Alfa, FIAT, etc.

Doesn’t like SMS and prefers old school no rush phone calls. Up for a chat.

In Sydney there is a bloke named Rocco. Old Italian. Ask him about his POLICE work in Italy! Fascinating. Loves a chat, allow an hour. He wrecks everything Italian and has parts in his shed at Doonside. If the advert on eBay, Gumtree, Marketplace etc uses the term “ wreaking “ thats him.

Then there is Vlad in Brisbane. Always in a rush. Knows what bits to sell you depending on model/year. Has OEM bits cheap, and really knows these cars.

Vlad. Strange name for an Italian. Never been game to ask him but prob a Russian and BRATVA vibes.

Walt Kowalski · 27-03-2024, 09:23 PM

Hey
I just noticed Franco Cozzo started this thread.

He he like Lenny who owns Muscle Car Sales? He said I was nuts when I told him I bought an Alfa.

Lenny as in Leonard with a dago surname thar I will not type publicly. Good bloke HATES Italian cars. LOL.

kevino · 27-03-2024, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt Kowalski

Not sure why it is reliable but the 1.4 MultiAir TURBO (Alfa / Fiat name for VVT) is in a lot of stuff including the MX5 based Fiat Spyder. Probably built millions of them.

1.4 T has good grunt! Only revs to 6,000 ish from memory and weird after the 5.0 Mustangs going to 7,500.

I think Giulietta ran from 2010 to late teens, maybe 2020 not sure. Just checked Wiki. They made 469,xyz of them!

Still gorgeous after 15 years.

Mine is Jan 2015, Sunroof, full red leather, electric seats, memory seats for 3 drivers, nice fat leather flat bottom steering wheel, 18” alloys, Brembos (they all seem to have Brembos not sure, 6 speed manual that is silky smooth like a Honda, great instrumentation, DRL’s and all the usual Sexy LED Tail lights etc all 4 auto down windows, TPMS, etc as well as usual 5 Star stuff.

Driving position perfect for me (183Cm - 95kg) and better if i remove my right sandal (that i live in) because typical Italians they want you to drive in Italian driving shoes. They also want you drinking tiny piccolo espresso not USA fat drinks.

It would suit much larger body frames then me. VERY ROOMY in all directions TOO.

I love it and think i will keep it. At least until my S650 GT Convertible arrives. If ever.

Giulietta is a fun gadget. Puts a smile on your face that Japanese and Koreans have only recently worked out with GR and N cars.

And I can park it anywhere no probs. No worries.

Fuel burn? Haven’t checked but seems good

Happy to answer questions at any time. I am in Qld. Quite a following of Italian mechs up here and can recommend Angelo at APF Geebung.

He also has the strangest Italian cars there at different times. I saw a mid 50’s Bambino STATION WAGON! It was awesome. Must have 10x 500’s getting full rotisserie restos and some other interesting stuff, Maserati, Alfa, FIAT, etc.

Doesn’t like SMS and prefers old school no rush phone calls. Up for a chat.

In Sydney there is a bloke named Rocco. Old Italian. Ask him about his POLICE work in Italy! Fascinating. Loves a chat, allow an hour. He wrecks everything Italian and has parts in his shed at Doonside. If the advert on eBay, Gumtree, Marketplace etc uses the term “ wreaking “ thats him.

Then there is Vlad in Brisbane. Always in a rush. Knows what bits to sell you depending on model/year. Has OEM bits cheap, and really knows these cars.

Vlad. Strange name for an Italian. Never been game to ask him but prob a Russian and BRATVA vibes.

That’s a good wrap
I m on the Gc
We have a good Fiat Alfa Peugeot mechanic here- Revolution Automotive
I used them a few years ago for timing belt and water pump change on an Lt Focus diesel - motor in these was a joint Peugeot Ford design.

Yeah these Guilietta s seem to get a good wrap

I have an itch for a manual …. But something a bit different and a drivers car

Citroënbender · 27-03-2024, 10:00 PM

Bazz of “On the Spot” Alfa repairs would be my recommendation for the Brisbane area. I know Rocco in Sydney, he is a character; typical hundred-miles-an-hour Romano but I think he actually spent more time working for Concrete Constructions than with the Carabinieri protecting witnesses and informers to the Red Brigade.

I don’t think Italian cars actually need more upkeep, it’s just they don’t respond well to being ignored or neglected.

Vlade isn’t Russian BTW - I’ve met him a few times.

**FTE217** · 28-03-2024, 07:26 AM

Sometime back we needed to update the old man’s next ride and after many BM MB some good some not we decided getting an Alfa V6 169 even though we thought it may bite us for it was too good a car to say no.
The seating was superb !
Cabin was brilliantly appointed.
Had all the bells and whistles.
To hear that V6 was typical screaming Italian nice sound.
Handling great it was a pleasure driving it.
Till one day we noticed water on the floor the heater core was leaking.
Omg what outcome that was and having to replace it twice that involves dropping the whole dash.
Just had to get rid of it by then was costing way too much.
Sorry to see it go but had to cut your loss’s.
GTV’s V6 were a passion of mine - came close to rebuild one but knew what I was getting into and thought not in the end.
A mate is an Alfa devotee through and through but only buys new and rolls over each lease.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**FTE217** · 28-03-2024, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Sometime back we needed to update the old man’s next ride and after many BM MB some good some not we decided getting an Alfa V6 169 even though we thought it may bite us for it was too good a car to say no.
The seating was superb !
Cabin was brilliantly appointed.
Had all the bells and whistles.
To hear that V6 was typical screaming Italian nice sound.
Handling great it was a pleasure driving it.
Till one day we noticed water on the floor the heater core was leaking.
Omg what outcome that was and having to replace it twice that involves dropping the whole dash.
Just had to get rid of it by then was costing way too much.
Sorry to see it go but had to cut your loss’s.
GTV’s V6 were a passion of mine - came close to rebuild one but knew what I was getting into and thought not in the end.
A mate is an Alfa devotee through and through but only buys new and rolls over each lease.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Correction typo it was a 166.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Citroënbender · 28-03-2024, 08:59 AM

Passione insufficiente. That’s like getting a divorce after sleeping on the couch twice.

kevino · 28-03-2024, 10:49 AM

I have heard Alfa s are troublesome.
But the Guilietta seems to be the exception.

Comments on Guilietta welcomed.

Walt Kowalski · 28-03-2024, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

That’s a good wrap
I m on the Gc
We have a good Fiat Alfa Peugeot mechanic here- Revolution Automotive
I used them a few years ago for timing belt and water pump change on an Lt Focus diesel - motor in these was a joint Peugeot Ford design.

Yeah these Guilietta s seem to get a good wrap

I have an itch for a manual …. But something a bit different and a drivers car

How about a 2014 Pug GTi
Red
Carbon F roof
Black n red interior
91,000 Klms
One lady owner
Was serviced on GC
Now in Townsville
$10k

Walt Kowalski · 28-03-2024, 11:16 AM

200hp
1.6 t

Walt Kowalski · 28-03-2024, 11:20 AM

Alfa are like a Hot Italian woman. Sexy. Perfect. Til she has a dummy spit. Then she bites hard. LOL

**FairmontGS** · 28-03-2024, 11:22 AM

If you're looking for Italian car specialists in Sydney then Frank is about a k from me. Always dozens of interesting metal parked on The Hume outside his place.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fr...er=0&entry=ttu

kevino · 28-03-2024, 11:23 AM

The Guiliettas come with lumbar support for my old back

The 208 Gti is a bargain but some thing says that 1.6t engine is a hand grenade?
And no lumbar support

kevino · 28-03-2024, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt Kowalski

Alfa are like a Hot Italian woman. Sexy. Perfect. Til she has a dummy spit. Then she bites hard. LOL

Does that apply to Guilietta though
They built that car and the 1.4 for a very very long time surely they ironed and fixed the issues as time went on

Citroënbender · 28-03-2024, 11:36 AM

I’m sniffing at a late ‘00s 5-series Beemer for some people who are seeking a cheap car, they’re better value than standard VE Commodores at present when comparing year/condition.

roKWiz · 28-03-2024, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

I have an itch for a manual …. But something a bit different and a drivers car

Slightly used 69 ?? GTV down the road. Rock celeb status.

kevino · 28-03-2024, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

I’m sniffing at a late ‘00s 5-series Beemer for some people who are seeking a cheap car, they’re better value than standard VE Commodores at present when comparing year/condition.

2 litre turbo?
Less than 120000kms?
Yes they are cheap - prob even cheaper for you as you know where to look

**FTE217** · 28-03-2024, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt Kowalski

Alfa are like a Hot Italian woman. Sexy. Perfect. Til she has a dummy spit. Then she bites hard. LOL

yep how I've looked at them for yonks as well.
Got to accept a early costly divorce haha....

kevino, great for an affair, got to do it once lol

Yer re the Pug GTi hatchs, for me about the only pug I'd ever consider.

FairmontGS, my young wife came from Enmore, therefore our first property had to be close by so Petersham it was.
The whole inner west was my realm visiting many workshops, great days, Annandale/Leichardt/up to Ashfield/Five Dock/Croyden Park - Frank Crotts Alfa.
Incl FPM as mentioned, last of the mohicans.

roKWiz · 28-03-2024, 02:35 PM

Almost a panel van. 2007 BF. $13 000

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Walt Kowalski · 28-03-2024, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

Does that apply to Guilietta though
They built that car and the 1.4 for a very very long time surely they ironed and fixed the issues as time went on

So far so good. This is what I have been able to reliably find out from 3 experts who all agree:

Giulietta has COMMON FAULTS AND FIXES
Oil leak
When you take off engine cover sometimes you can see a oil leak from PCV
There is an O-ring that plays up sometimes
Vlad his own one which is a fit and forget type

Electrical
Boot button might not work and lights play up
If odometer STARTS FLASHING you have three days to disconnect battery
Sometimes on the early cars, the wiring loom on the hatch breaks and needs to be replaced
Vlad has a replacement which ha says is much better

COOLANT TANK
Replace every 4 years when timing belt is done
Replace return line to coolant tank st same time. 10mm heater hose

GENERAL
To adjust the clock or the headlights the buttons are on the right hand side of the steering wheel

If the tyre pressure monitoring system alarm comes up pump up your tyres and reset the system on the special button to the right of the radio

My car is fitted with one of those stupid start stop mechanisms that makes engine stop at the lights

There is a little button in front of the gearstick. It is the one on the right. Sometimes the warning light comes up on the dash because the stop button isn’t working.. that’s probably because I turned it off because it’s stupid and I want Air Conditioning running BECAUSE Queensland.

Turn the engine off at lights or when you stop and hold your finger on that button and then start the engine and it generally goes away first time. But sometimes it takes more than once I’m not quite sure why maybe I’m not doing it right

I’m still working it out.

Doorhandles
The first one to go will be the drivers door handle. Angelo says it’s because Australians are too rough with it. You can buy replacement doorhandles about 20 bucks on eBay, but I think I would buy one from Vlad if I was going to get one. Mine os OK @ 115klms

The other option is Alfa Romeo will very kindly sell you a whole complete door card replacement for about 400 bucks - no thanks.

That’s about all that goes wrong apparently. The rest of the car seems bullet-proof, especially the motor which is very strong.

There are also Diesel variants but I think they are Automatics and from what I can gather they often have too much torque for the Automatic and burnout the clutch

The 1.4 petrol turbo has plenty of torque is a beautiful engine to drive

That’s about it so far

I love it. Talk about fun bang for the buck. These were $40k new.

Steve