(G) AR 147 1.9 JTD Q2 Sport v Bravo 1.4 Tjet Sport?

So........going to have a test drive in the Bravo 1.4 Tjet Sport with the 18" rubber today then the ALFA Romeo 147 1.9JTD Q2 Sport.

I realise you guys will be a bit biased here but I'd welcome your thoughts - my head says Bravo (price,toys, practicality, style) but my heart says 147 (image, handling, leather interior, economy?)

Any comments would be appreciated and valued.

I had a similar choice and opted for the Bravo 150 multijet. Even though I currently drive a 2.4 JTD Sportswagon, well because I currently own a 2.4 JTD actually, £3350 of un -wellcome, unexpected Alfa bills helped my decision.
I look forward to seeing your choice but am happy with mine

Bear in mind that the Alfa is derived from pre-Stilo era engineering (147 was out in 2001), and is soon to be replaced - might hit the residuals a bit.

I think Alfa are bringing out the 149 soon? I have to admit I am over the moon with my Bravo 150 T-Jet Sport.
I could'nt fine anything near it for the price.
I do love Alfas though and would have bought a 159 if I could have aforded one.
The Bravo is very Alfa like in the way it drives and the dash lay out.
In the end though its down to personal taste.
You wont go far wrong with either

Get rid of the Alfa before its first MOT if you go for that option....any good Alfa dealers near you? (honest question not sarcasm as there are hardly any left!)

Just 'some' alfas would be good.. we have none near us. Over 50 miles to our closest one. A good one might be even further!

Honest answer.......there have NEVER been any 'good' ALFA dealers near me - if you're talking servicing that is. Since 2000 I've owned a 156 & two GTV's.....starting with Caledonia, then Reg Vardy and finished off with Arnold before I sold the 3.0 GTV.

Now the only dealer for sales near me is in Edinburgh; Western ALFA (arround 60 miles one way) but I beleive even though Arnold & ALFA have had a 'fall out' at the turn of the year and have lost the sales franchise I believe Springburn Road, in Glasgow can still carry out ALFA servicing. I reckon I can trust them with an annual oil and filter change. And rumour has it the Western are looking to open a dealership in the west at some point too.

Thanks for the pre MOT punt advice though. But since I've only had the 100HP for just over a year you will see that I tend to get shot before the three years in any case. 147 replacement and the new 'Junior' will be out by then so I'll maybe give them a try If I'm lucky enough to still be around then and have the finances to support it.

147 Q2 and the 1.9 JTDm engine were both superb by the way.

As for the Bravo - didn't even have a test drive.....Arnold in Broxburn had managed to transform the bodywork into a dog in around 4500 miles - kerbed alloys, damaged side skirts and paintwork scratches on bumpers and rear wing. I now know I should have had a better look at the one at Arnold's in Paisley with only 48 miles on the clock - hey ho..."wit's fur yae i'll no pass yae" as the say.

How they kerb the alloys? I've hit some granite kerbs (yeah I know I was practically crying the second i touched it). Got out, went around to look at the damage and....



... nothing!

Agree totally...as I'm aware at present springburn & ayr still service (ayr have the much better reputation) & I believe gorgie rd is in competition with western,not heard about western opening up in the west though.

I think the 'fall out' is due to the demands Alfa placed on the garages which has resulted in garages telling them to get lost not just up north but all over the UK.

Thanks for the insider information T.

Be interested to know if the 'demands' put upon the garages would have been welcomed by the consumer?

Not so much inside info as its available from the many alfa forums,owners are complaining of no where (or long distances) to garage.