Cliche stereotypes...
Hi Everybody,
I just test drove both the Stelvio and Giulia.
Thought they both drive just great. Based on
historical reputation, Alfa's are "much worse then average"
according to consumer reports. Are the new Stelvios and
Giulas any better or should I just expect lots of maintenance
and repairs. I had Fiat convertibles in the 80s and I loved
them but I sent my mechanic's son to college based on my
repair costs. Any insights would be helpful.
So here's another side of the story....CR likes appliances....not visceral cars...I have a cousin with a Camry....Worse seats I've ever sat in....most vague steering I've ever experienced...but they love it....I would never take their recommendation for a car seriously...they're not car guys...
Next...I've owned 6 Alfas in my life and a few German cars....Funny how Italian cars don't get the "Benefit of the Doubt" when it comes to issues but German cars are allowed faults because they're "Over engineered"...the hypocrisy is, at least in my eyes, laughable.... for example
911...IMS bearing failures leading to complete engine replacement
M 5 Rod Bearing failure....complete engine failure
M 5 SMG Clutch ....perhaps the most expensive clutch repair this side of a Maserati Cambio Corsa F 1 Gearbox
M 3 Sub Frame cracks...not covered by warranty
3 Series High Pressure fuel pump failures....UBER QUALITY ....
The Alfa 164 was considered "unreliable"....well, I've got 85000 miles on mine (still with its original clutch) and I've maintained it properly...which, for that car, means Timing Belt at 30,000 mile intervals....At that point, one should replace the tensioner and the water pump....may seem excessive, but the 164 has an interference motor and if the belt snaps, pistons and valves meet in a very ugly fashion...so, draw the conclusions you want...High performance cars have high performance needs .....Give BMW credit..they know how to "market" ...some might say "brainwash"....
The car comes with a warranty...be unique.....don't follow the herd...that's my $0.02....D