[aoh]

I've had my CVT Cooper for 6 months now... thinking of changing to an Alfa 147. The Cooper is still fun to drive but the small problems like squeaks & rattles and occasional stalling is starting to take its toll.

The 147 should also have more poke... not sure about handling

Anyone with thoughts on this subject ? You reckon the 147 is a good choice ?

[punkeyfunky]

On Alfa's in general: I found that their interiors scratch and scuff very easily, and the electrics are 'suspect'.
My Mar 03 cooper has no stalling problems; you got the latest software installed ?

[aoh]

Yes, I have heard that Alfa's have their fare share of problems as well... at least in the past anyway. Heard that the current one's are much improved ?

Haven't done the software upgrade yet.

[Prowse]

My parents were recently talking to an Alfa salesman whilst their little Fiat was in for repair. My father mentioned that the Alfas should be built better than the Fiats; to my fathers suprise the Alfa dealer quietly told him that they looked very pretty, but weren't built any better than the Fiats, and had plenty of faults, rattles, problems, etc.

[Harpo]

I've just sold my Alfa 156 2.4 JTD (manual).

Had it for 2.5 fault free years and I'd have another but the family's flown the nest, so I'm going Mini on Saturday.

During a service on the 156, the dealer gave me a 147 Selespeed to play with for the day, and I covered about 150 miles of varied driving.

Selespeed is great in principle, but in practice it's not there yet. Gearchanging is soooooo S-L-O-W, you'll be VERY frustrated. I personally wouldn't go anywhere near one for at least another five years.

Otherwise there are great fun, and you would have to be a real hooligan to get them to step out of line.

[Weeman82]

I narrowed my choice down to an Alfa 147 and the MC, but after driving the MC - the 147 didn't come close. In the Alfa you felt every bump shudder through the cabin.

The MC is just a better car build/drive and most important enjoyment.

[aoh]

Great feedback from all.

I did test drive the first generation 156 Selespeed about 3 years ago, did find the gear change rather slow and jerky.... hoping that there's been some improvement since. Must say the MINI CVT isn't all that quick either.

WEEMAN82, which model 147 did you drive ? - 1.6 or 2.0 Did you find the Alfa engine more responsive, more power ?

The thing is, I can get a 2.0 147 for the same price as a MC here... thinking I'll get more hp/$

Hope to test drive the 147 this weekend and make a comparison...

[Weeman82]

I test drove the 1.6 Lusso (wasn't the selespeed). I didn't find any huge difference in power - the alphas 120bhp and the MC is 115bhp.

The question you have to ask is do you want Fiat Quality or do you want BMW Quality.

The apha comes with a better spec - but to me the minis a better drive and cheaper!!

[punkeyfunky]

Quote:

Originally posted by aoh
(snip)Must say the MINI CVT isn't all that quick either.(snip)

I disagree - I know the MC CVT isn't the fastest (I won't go on about my Supra, again...), but it's got a reasonable speed in terns of gearchange (yes, even though there are technically no gears!)

I've learned to use the CVT effectively, which in turn, makes the Cooper respond better and goes, er, faster.
I found that if I don't try and drive it like a manual, but drive it bearing in mind it's a CVT, rapid pace can be achieved.

You'll need to concentrate more on your driving style, to ensure that you are in the right 'gear' at the right time, but it gets easier.

And once the engine has loosened a little (say 5000+ miles) it's much easier to get to the 4000-5500rpm fun zone.

I regularly have 'manual' mode fun in the traffic between the M1J2 and Cheapside (London city centre for the uninitiated).

Just a shame I couldn't get the 'S' auto... I wonder if a conversion...

[rev]

I drove the 147 1.6 T Spark. Great handling, but not on par with the Cooper.

Based on my own experiences and others, I have the impression that the Mini is a somewhat badly built BMW whereas the 147 seems to be a very well built Alfa. Not sure whether this puts the Alfa ahead of the Mini though.

[Jonny Wells]

I'm a sucker for good looking cars.
And the 147 is a good looking car.

I had a 156 when they first came out in 98.

It is true what people say above, compared to the my CR/W Cooper it just fell to bits, and mine was a 2.5 V6.

Steering (not handling) was superb, engine note was brilliant, but after a while you'll get sick of the problems that you will have.

I too seriously looked at another Alfa when I ordered the mini but ultimately, the mini is just more pleasureable to own and drive.

[aoh]

Maybe I should wait for the new Audi A3's to get here instead then...

[Hat]

the 147 was the other serious contender when i got my cooper. Great looking car, much bigger all round & yes, a better standard spec but around £2k more than a similar specced cooper & depreciation is much higher so the value in 2 yrs was around £2k less than the cooper These combined make a £4k difference, some of which can be lost through the reasonable discount you can get on the Alfa but it still ends up costing more to own.

It is a beautiful looking car though. If only the quality reputation was better...

[cooper4us]

We don't get Alfas here in the US.

[wils]

2 cars i was considering: alfa 147 2litre (147 only comes in 2litre in australia) selespeed and mini cooper CVT
my thoughts: both cars are great looking! if u were to get the 147 u HAVE to get the 2 door! great looking car! similar in size, 147 looks really good inside and out (but then so does the mini) and although the 147 is faster (only by a little bit), it is also more expensive (although it's a 2 litre so maybe it's worth it) but to be totally honest, NOTHING (for the price) handles like a mini! and i'm sure everyone will agree with that!
another thing, i've been told there's a new model of 147 coming out?? so if u buy it new now, in a little while it won't be new anymore (if u catch my drift) and what else attracts attention like a mini? well it does in australia anyway, EVERYONE loves it!
so well i chose a mini and haven't regretted it since! 147 is a great car though! very tough decision! have fun
go test drive both on the same day...and go for the one which makes u smile more...for me it was the mini all the way

[aoh]

The 2 litre 147 Selespeed fully loaded is actually cheaper than the CVT Cooper here in Malaysia... !