In the coming months I am going to be looking for another car to drive occastionally up here in Annapolis (The spider I will keep down in Florida).
I have a couple of criteria for my next car:
1. Seats 4 people comfortably
2. Reliable (well, at least decently so)
3. Cool/Unique
4. Good milage on the highway
5. Will stand up to the occasional snow we get up here.
6. Less than 7000$
So I have been looking around. My first thought was a Honda Accord v6, but they are for the most part too expensive for what I am looking for.
There is a great condition Alfa GTV6 for around 4000$ rust free. I thought this car would be a great way to "keep it in the family." I could use the extra money too, but I mostly just think its sweet.
I also have been looking at BMWs (3-series and 5-series) which are know to be great cars. One example I have seen are around 6000-7000.
Any thoughts?
BMW vs. ALFA GTV6 - "Other car search"
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Mad-Machine
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mdrburchette
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So Cal Mark
The BMW would be more reliable if it's had maintenance performed, parts are easier to come by. Lots more direct importers and aftermarket parts for the BMWs. Both cars are expensive to repair though, in both parts and labor costs. And I would think since BMW is now coveted by the younger, upwardly mobile crowd that resale would be better than the Alfa but the age of either model would be important
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Hjulen
I was afraid you goes would say that, of course I already knew the answer to my question. 
I think I just like the idea of having a GTV...the fact that its an italian car that you could at least pretend to be practical.
I have always like beamers, but once you are hooked you are hooked I guess. I dont think I plan on buying anything for the next couple of months so we will see.
Anyone know as to what models to stay away from as far as beamers go?
I think I just like the idea of having a GTV...the fact that its an italian car that you could at least pretend to be practical.
I have always like beamers, but once you are hooked you are hooked I guess. I dont think I plan on buying anything for the next couple of months so we will see.
Anyone know as to what models to stay away from as far as beamers go?
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So Cal Mark
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Joe Clemente
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:35 am
- Location: Vancouver, B.C. CANADA
I'll differ with Mark on this one.
With all due respect, the notion that the 3 or 5 series Bimmer is the more reliable car or easier to find parts for is just nonesense. To start, both the Alfa and the BMW are good, buying one that has been regularly and properly maintained, preferable as that is, doesn't make a strong case for one car's reliability over the other. It just means it has been well maintained. I can certainly vouch for how good Alfas are though. My father has had his Alfa since new and after 18 years, I think he replaced one head gasket and a belt tensioner, that's it. Still runs like a clock and makes lots of grunt.
Secondly, finding spares and accessories means knowing where to look, that's all. I would also strongly recommend comparing prices for replacement parts, OEM or otherwise. Maintenance for an Alfa can be pricey but you won't escape the big bills with a BMW. Buying one Bimmer usually means budgeting for two when it comes to maintenance.
As for performance, the Alfa has longer legs. Much better car on the open road. My take on them in any case.
Don't take my word for it though. You should not buy one of these cars on impulse nor reject either based on perception. By all means scope the other forums, ask questions and make an informed decision.
Start here: http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/index.php?
Lot's of expertise on that forum.
Good luck
Joe.
With all due respect, the notion that the 3 or 5 series Bimmer is the more reliable car or easier to find parts for is just nonesense. To start, both the Alfa and the BMW are good, buying one that has been regularly and properly maintained, preferable as that is, doesn't make a strong case for one car's reliability over the other. It just means it has been well maintained. I can certainly vouch for how good Alfas are though. My father has had his Alfa since new and after 18 years, I think he replaced one head gasket and a belt tensioner, that's it. Still runs like a clock and makes lots of grunt.
Secondly, finding spares and accessories means knowing where to look, that's all. I would also strongly recommend comparing prices for replacement parts, OEM or otherwise. Maintenance for an Alfa can be pricey but you won't escape the big bills with a BMW. Buying one Bimmer usually means budgeting for two when it comes to maintenance.
As for performance, the Alfa has longer legs. Much better car on the open road. My take on them in any case.
Don't take my word for it though. You should not buy one of these cars on impulse nor reject either based on perception. By all means scope the other forums, ask questions and make an informed decision.
Start here: http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/index.php?
Lot's of expertise on that forum.
Good luck
Joe.
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Hjulen
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Joe Clemente
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- Location: Vancouver, B.C. CANADA
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So Cal Mark
Joe
by reliability I meant length of service. I've encountered many Bimmers with over 150,000 that haven't needed major service. Of course I've seen lots that needed big buck repairs with less than that also. I just think the Alfa is abit more fragile in terms of high mileage.
Of course knowing where to find parts makes it easy, but there are more BMW outlets so that usually means better prices and less waiting time.
Both cars have their strengthes and weaknesses and I'm a much bigger fan of Alfas than Bimmers. I'm just trying to look at it from other points of view
by reliability I meant length of service. I've encountered many Bimmers with over 150,000 that haven't needed major service. Of course I've seen lots that needed big buck repairs with less than that also. I just think the Alfa is abit more fragile in terms of high mileage.
Of course knowing where to find parts makes it easy, but there are more BMW outlets so that usually means better prices and less waiting time.
Both cars have their strengthes and weaknesses and I'm a much bigger fan of Alfas than Bimmers. I'm just trying to look at it from other points of view
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Joe Clemente
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:35 am
- Location: Vancouver, B.C. CANADA
Mark,
I hope you did not take offense to that response. I wasn't dissin ya. Just disagreeing. I too was just throwing another perspective at it. I appreciate your remark about the length of service, though that isn't what I understood from your post. I'm afraid I cannot speak intelligently about how far most people have driven their BMWs without major service as I haven't personally seen too many with that kind of mileage you're suggesting. But I have often seen some pretty extortionate, grievous bodily invoicing for the guy paying for maintainence on his "ultimate driving machine".
My particular point with regards to Alfas is that they are also pretty stout cars. And as such I still have to disagree with your contention on their relative "fragility. The unfortunate reality though, is that a typical GTV-6 will probably rust away on you first. But high mileage isn't a big deal with these cars mechanically. Having said that, if I was in James' position I would not be looking at buying either one of these brands with high mileage and not expect to perform some kind of major work on it at that point.
If that was to be ruled out of the purchasing criteria then I would just go with an Accord instead. Boring as hell but faultlessly reliable.
I hope you did not take offense to that response. I wasn't dissin ya. Just disagreeing. I too was just throwing another perspective at it. I appreciate your remark about the length of service, though that isn't what I understood from your post. I'm afraid I cannot speak intelligently about how far most people have driven their BMWs without major service as I haven't personally seen too many with that kind of mileage you're suggesting. But I have often seen some pretty extortionate, grievous bodily invoicing for the guy paying for maintainence on his "ultimate driving machine".
My particular point with regards to Alfas is that they are also pretty stout cars. And as such I still have to disagree with your contention on their relative "fragility. The unfortunate reality though, is that a typical GTV-6 will probably rust away on you first. But high mileage isn't a big deal with these cars mechanically. Having said that, if I was in James' position I would not be looking at buying either one of these brands with high mileage and not expect to perform some kind of major work on it at that point.
If that was to be ruled out of the purchasing criteria then I would just go with an Accord instead. Boring as hell but faultlessly reliable.
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bandit
I would say that either Alfa or Bimmer can be a good choice as for
a car that will last longer then the other from what I've seen working
on both Alfa and bimmer on a limited bases the bimmers are built a
little better but thats what i have seen . The wiring and plugs inside
and under the dash and engine compartment go's to the bimmer over the alfa as for the Engines and trannys it would be a tose up .
It would be best to just look from a miles condition point of view
if your shopping for one of these cars if you come across a good
alfa then buy it maybe you'll find a great BMW. I'd say shop around
till you find a really good car theirs alway people out their who
take amazing care of a car and then after years of caring for it
lose interest , buy a new car , need space or just tired of driving
the same car for over 10 years or more .
Many of the cars i bought over the years have been used and i
have had some amazing cars cause of someones careful maintain
and service .
One BMW that seems to be over looked or rarely seen any more is
6 series 633 n 630 these babys are cool not a lot of room in the back
seat area but not bad and very sporty and fast .
GL to you ...
Dan
a car that will last longer then the other from what I've seen working
on both Alfa and bimmer on a limited bases the bimmers are built a
little better but thats what i have seen . The wiring and plugs inside
and under the dash and engine compartment go's to the bimmer over the alfa as for the Engines and trannys it would be a tose up .
It would be best to just look from a miles condition point of view
if your shopping for one of these cars if you come across a good
alfa then buy it maybe you'll find a great BMW. I'd say shop around
till you find a really good car theirs alway people out their who
take amazing care of a car and then after years of caring for it
lose interest , buy a new car , need space or just tired of driving
the same car for over 10 years or more .
Many of the cars i bought over the years have been used and i
have had some amazing cars cause of someones careful maintain
and service .
One BMW that seems to be over looked or rarely seen any more is
6 series 633 n 630 these babys are cool not a lot of room in the back
seat area but not bad and very sporty and fast .
GL to you ...
Dan
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Hjulen
I love those early M3s, unfortunately most of them I see are pricey. If I could find one of those for around what I am looking for I would run with it! They are definitely a sweet ride.
Never seen an old 6-series...I will have to check it out.
As far as major repair I am not too afraid of that, as Joe said it is to be expected. I figure if I buy at or below 7000 and get a solid car put still have to do some work in it, then I have a great car for under 10k. Fine with me.
Never seen an old 6-series...I will have to check it out.
As far as major repair I am not too afraid of that, as Joe said it is to be expected. I figure if I buy at or below 7000 and get a solid car put still have to do some work in it, then I have a great car for under 10k. Fine with me.
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Jim DeShon
Heck, I'll work on it myself ! ...J.D.-
mbouse
all this discussion about a BMW? How does that fit to specification #3 .. cool/unique?
last I looked around here BMW was far from unique, and the "cool" factor only means that the driver (or her daddy) had way too much spare change to pay a resonable sum for a reasonable vehicle. Therefore "cool" equates to richy rich.
Sorry, I don't equate BMW to unique. I see beemers every day. Recently returned from a week vacation in S Carolina; where i saw beemers on every street corner. The last Alpha I saw was over a month ago at FFO '06.
In my opinion, you have an awefully wide set of criteria.
last I looked around here BMW was far from unique, and the "cool" factor only means that the driver (or her daddy) had way too much spare change to pay a resonable sum for a reasonable vehicle. Therefore "cool" equates to richy rich.
Sorry, I don't equate BMW to unique. I see beemers every day. Recently returned from a week vacation in S Carolina; where i saw beemers on every street corner. The last Alpha I saw was over a month ago at FFO '06.
In my opinion, you have an awefully wide set of criteria.