(Posted on behalf of Rickboy who can't get access for some reason.)
I'm thinking of replacing my 4.5-year old Octavia vRS Hatchback (in March) with another one. I'm really wedded to this product as this would be my third! It does the job and I can easily squeeze a couple of bikes in the back. I don't think really think I'd want the Estate version
However, I'm really rather taken by the Mailshot of the Volvo V50 R-Design that I recently received in the post. Full brochure arrived this morning. I guess it would have to be the 2.0 petrol, but my little brother runs a Focus ST which is trés rapid and I believe the Volvo T5 variant is the same engine? His Focus (along with his S-Max) is a company car. There
could well be some 'industry' discount available on the V50.
Alas, I've just called into my nearest Alfa dealership and have veiwed the GT Blackline Special Edition 2-dr Coupe. It's very sexy, so I've arranged a GT Test Drive next week!
Is Alfa reliability up to scratch these days or should I expect lots of aggro over the next 3-years, despite the reassurances/warranty's? It's obviously the most impractical of the three for accomodating cycles (I could always buy an external carrier), but Mrs RickyBoy has always had a soft spot for the 147/156 so the GT would undoubtedly put a smile on her face?
Forget economy as it's not an issue I'm 57 and want three more years of reasonably exciting motoring before I 'downsize' to a Corsa and when we finally run out of oil or road taxation makes moving about on four wheels prohibitive, I'll travel by bike. I'm well prepared as I have currently a 'stable' of 4 (2 x Road, 2 x MTB).
Drive the Deal does attractive deals on the Octavia and the Volvo, but not on the Alfa! Should I be aware?
Any thoughts much appreciated...
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The Alfa GT has a remarkably big loadspace if you fold the seats down. Go on ....you know you want to !
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You will probably get a lot of guff from non Alfa owners about how terrible these cars are ..... personally speaking, I'd love an Alfa GT which is one of the best looking cars on the road.
Go for it!
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I'd love an Alfa GT though I would also love a V50 T5 which fits the OP's criteria much better than the Alfa.
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Anyone would love an Alfa GT. But unless it was a V6 one, wouldn't the Skoda be quite a bit quicker? Depends what you really want I guess.
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Reckon with 220ps the T5 would be quicker still.
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Sensible choice is another vRS if you love it. But you weren't put on this earth to be sensible all the time.
Get the Alfa :)
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As anyone regular to this forum knows, one person's meat is another's poison. Rickboy is obviously an enthusiast, and will be able to spot differences between these 3 that an A-to-B motorist wouldn't.
He needs to get as long a test drive as he can in the Volvo and the Alfa, and also in a new Octavia vRS which will be improved over his current one. I'd guess he'll either love or loathe the Alfa - and in the showroom why not look at a 159 Sportwagon? He should also vocheck residual values - Volvo slightly better than the others I think but not much.
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I had an Alfa GT for a week whilst my previous car was undergoing accident damge repair.
It was black with a tan leather interior and looked beautiful inside and out. I think it was a 2.0 petrol but it was not what you would call quick.
My major issue with the car was space around the driver. I'm only 6', so not huge, but I found it very cramped inside.
Beautiful car though, no doubt.
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keep the skoda and buy an mx-5
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If you buy an Alfa and then lumber it with bikes and a bike rack I shall find you punish you for such a crime.
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The GT is a great car, it is such an agile car, quick steering, it never fails to make you feel special.
I drove the 1.9 JTD, and that was surprisingly good!
Doesn't the blackline use a 1.8 JTS unit? may be worth trying the larger engined units (but never tried it personally!)
Alfa alllllllll the way
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When my Passat was off the road for repair in 2003 I got an Alfa 156 20 JTS... loved it. Great to drive and great to sit in so to speak. Didn't want to get the Passat back in many ways but it was bigger. My Passat was a 150ps 1.8T Sport and the Alfa 156 was more sporty, more agile, more fun, faster.... spec was lower though.
So try the Alfa if it fits your needs including the bike transportation.
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I had chosen my new GT - colour, interior etc.. and just had the test drive to confirm.
Loved the car, the looks, the performance of the diesel, but inside, it was so cramped. I am just over 6 foot tall, and of average build, but could not get comfortable. Seats were very narrow. Ride was also very hard.
Came away so disappointed, I was so sure that it was the car for me!
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Alfa if you think with your heart.
Skoda if you think with your head.
Volvo if you have a hidden craving for Werther's Originals.
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Volvo if you have a hidden craving for Werther's Originals.
Whisky tango foxtrot!
As for the GT - is there not a 2.4 JTDm version available? Also, how are Alfa's of the last 3 years reliability wise - any evidence of improvements?
2.4JTDm 156 was on my list, till I checked my insurance quotes...!
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Volvo if you have a hidden craving for Werther's Originals.
What about the T5 species - a Werther's Original with the methadrenaline centre?
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I thikn the Volvo V50 is a lot smaller than the Octavia Hatch or Wagon. I test drove an S40 a year or so back and was dissapointed how little interior space there was.
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What about the T5 species - a Werther's Original with the methadrenaline centre?
Maybe, but I still can't get the image of a cloth cap and the whiff of damp tweed out if my head. ;-)
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What? 3 Skodas in a row? How dull is that to have 3 cars the same in a row?
Get out a bit more, live a little and get that Alfa!!
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Get a Brera. mmmmmmmm!! :)
(I would have if 'er indoors would agree to me selling the kids)
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