WISE BUYER
The still affordable way into Alfa ownership. Here’s how to go about it
Why you want one
The svelte looking 156 saloon changed the fortunes of Alfa Romeo in the UK. The slick good looks were backed up by exceptional dynamics and fuelled by its newfound mojo and a terrific new platform on which to base other models, the firm introduced its new range of small hatchbacks in 2000 and was declared European Car of the Year. Also sharing the 156’s range of punchy Twin Spark engines, the 147 is a brilliant machine – and still very affordable. There’s terrific backing from great owners clubs and specialists, too.
On your search, you’ll happen upon three and five-door cars with a range of trim – Turismo was standard and Lusso was proper posh. The most popular engine is the 2-litre Twin Spark, although the 105bhp 1.6 TS is eager enough. That engine was also available with 120bhp in the Lusso, courtesy of variable cam timing. The 1.9 JTD was available as either 8v 115bhp, 16v 150bhp (from 2005) or 170bhp (in the run-out Ducati Course special edition). Top of the pile for many was the 2002 GTA, with Alfa’s 250bhp 3.2-litre V6. The 147 was equipped with air-conditioning, alloys and leather on top models, the whole thing feeling nicely screwed together. The car got a 2005 facelift, with the addition of 159 and Brera styling themes, while the suspension was sharpened up. Not much could be done to improve space though. If it’s roomy a cabin you want, it’s not for you. Still tempted? Then step this way…
MARKET ANALYSIS
Numbers are in decline, and we’ve spotted more than a few in scrapyards in 2025, so now is the time to start saving the good ones. There isn’t a huge choice anyway, so get in with the owners’ clubs for the best examples. Fellow members are likely to charge you top dollar, as the cars will have no doubt been cherished. Expect to pay up to five grand for the nicest example of a Twin Spark or JTD. A look further afield and on the usual websites and forecourts and you’ll find good 1.6-litre models for as little as £1500, while a later TS or diesel will set you back just £2500. As for the GTA? Ten grand gets the best, although we’ve seen them go for a few thousand less at auction recently, so keep your eyes peeled.
The inspection
The Twin-Spark units are truly delightful, but aren’t without their issues. They tend to guzzle oil – in some cases a litre every 1000 miles.
What doesn’t help is the fact that the cylinder head features oil jets to cool the pistons, which allows the oil to vaporise. Make sure the cambelt has been replaced every 36,000 miles (72,000 or six years on the JTD). When you’re replacing the cambelt you should fit the newer metal tensioner, not the plastic one. The 2-litre 16v has a balance belt and tensioner that will also need replacing, otherwise the belt tensioner can break, and the debris become trapped in the cambelt drive. A special camshaft locking tool is required if you change the cambelt yourself.
Oil changes need to be done annually or every 12,000 miles, preferably using Selenia 10w40 semi-synthetic, although the slow-burn HPX 20w50 brew may reduce oil consumption on high milers. The variable valve timing variator on the TS unit can get noisy and make the engine sound like a diesel, especially if run low on oil. It screws into the end of the camshaft and costs about £250 from a main dealer and £150 from an independent. When replacing the spark plugs, be aware that there are two different lengths and you need to be careful not to overtighten the smaller of the two; also, remember to refit the earth wire at the back of the engine. As there are eight spark plugs, it’s just as well they only need replacing every 60,000 miles. Incidentally, if you spot oil in the spark plug wells, replace the cam cover gasket. JTD units are robust. If there are problems with cutting out, though, suspect the high-pressure diesel pump.
Twin Spark lump is an absolute belter of an engine.
The storming 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 GTA is rare and its 24mpg fuel economy could rule it out for some owners. Again, oil use seems an issue and it’s important to keep an eye on the cooling system, specifically the rad, as it must do a lot of work.
Gearboxes on all models are reasonably strong, although synchromesh can fail with age, especially on JTD models. Reconditioned units sell for around £550 from gearbox specialists, while used units sell for £100-£150. Some ’boxes also suffer shaft bearing noise, but stripping the ’box and changing the bearings solves the problem. Clutches are self-adjusting so a high biting point signifies that a new item is around the corner. Autoboxes are good, but the Selespeed paddle shift option can sometimes stick in gear or fail to shift properly. It’s not always the ’box at fault – the pump under the front wing, the actuator, trip switches or the three-piece clutch may also be to blame. On those models, check that all of the different ways of changing gear work – from the paddles to the gear knob and ‘city’ mode.
Cabin is nicely made, but check everything works.
Like the 156, the 147 is prone to bush wear, and because Alfa doesn’t supply the bushes separately, main dealer replacements can prove pricey. It’s common to find wear in the upperand lower arms, bottom balljoints, link rods, droplinks and anti-roll bar bushes (which can knock). The top strut mounts are also a weak point – they start squeaking, and if you notice uneven tyre wear at the front this could be why. Unlike the 156, there’s been little call for replacement steering racks, but if yours should go (symptoms being a knocking sound when turning the wheel from lock-to-lock) reckon on spending £250 from an independent. Beware rusting power steering pipes. Meanwhile, the GTA is so ridiculously nose heavy, front suspension components wear quickly, and with so much power on tap, the diff takes quite a hammering. The Q2, Alfa’s Torsen mechanical limited slip differential, is worth having if one’s not been fitted as an option already. Some 147 owners have experienced ABS warning lights appearing, usually due to adjustment on the brake pedal switch. Setting it up properly is a tricky job requiring feeler gauges. The only brake malady concerns sticking rear pads – simply free them off and apply a small quantity of copper-based grease to the back surfaces.
Inside, the 147 was well made but look for tired trim as it isn’t that easy to find. The driver’s side window regulators can fail, while wiper motors have been known to go wrong. Poor connections and dodgy switches are normal, as are mysterious blinking dash lights. With that in mind, start by checking for a failing battery – it’s the cause of many an issue for a car of this era.
‘All the spirit of an Alfa, but easy to live with’
One of the greatest badges of all.
WHAT TO PAY
PROJECT £500-£1500
GOOD £1500-£4000
EXCELLENT £4000-£10,000
TECH SPEC
ENGINE 1970CC/4-CYL/OHC
POWER 148BHP@6300RPM
TORQUE 133LB FT@3800RPM
GEARBOX 5-SPEED MAN
TOP SPEED 129MPH
0-60MPH 9.3SEC
ECONOMY 31.7MPG
WHAT WE SAY THE ONE TO BUY
James Walshe…
This completely outrageous little 150mph shopping cart is all about the engine, isn't it? All you have to do is stamp on the throttle and your ears are assaulted by the melodic howl of Alfa Romeo’s majestic 3.2-litre V6. Sure, the GTA isn’t blessed with the finesse of a Focus and while it lacks the grip of an Impreza and slickness of a Civic Type-R, who cares? The GTA still feels sharp and agile and delivers the kind of maniacal thrill that few others can. We should be glad they made it. It’s delightfully unhinged.
Matt Tomkins…
I'll confess here to rather enjoying the combination of excellent chassis dynamics and lower power output, so will seek to combine the 147’s good looks with that frugal oil burner, please. I'll delight in conserving momentum and exploiting the suspension to the full once I've fitted some fresh bushes. I might even make good use of the 1300kg braked towing capacity to ensure I have the best looking rig in the paddock! I’d enjoy those oft-repurposed seats, too, which ensure it’s a comfortable place to be behind the wheel.
Danny Hopkins…
I have owned three of these little beauties and the current example, a lowly 1.6 three-door, is the best of them. Three doors means a nice taut looking body and the 1.6-litre engine revs wonderfully; above 3500rpm you just don’t notice its lack of cubic capacity. The cabin of the 147 is majestic –it's an environment where the driver is king from where the handling and roadholding turn this brilliant little shopping trolley into a superb driver’s pet. The 147's styling is maturing extremely well, too.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Alfa Workshop, alfaworkshop.co.uk
Alfaholics, alfaholics.com
Autolusso, autolusso.co.uk
EB Spares Ltd, ebspares.co.uk
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