I m looking for a fresh car to run in what I call banger territory i.e. around £500.

I have seen an Alfa 146 1.6 on an N just up the road and for its age looks much tidier than any thing with a blue oval infact it’s near mint.

Question I think being on an N it must have the boxer engine. How reliable are they i.e. compared to the Ts and is it likely to cost me a mint to keep it on the road.

Cheers in advance

run away run way

Can't be any worse than the twinspark. I mean nothing could be worse than the twinspark, horrible things to keep alive

BTW, anyone want to buy a 147, one not-so-careful lady owner, hence a newly reconditioned engine and a big dent in the door?

I had a 145 boxer.

It was one of those cars I knew I would always have at some point.

The boxer has a poor reputation for reliability, but my car never once let me down at all. Not even slightly.

However.

Don't expect a firecracker in the style of the Alfasud.
It's really a Fiat Tipo with a very tame version of the boxer motor in it. I had hoped for a lively car with a willing engine. It was lumpen beyond words. In fact my Audi 80 TDI was more of a drivers car, and that's saying something.

I'm really really glad I had mine, I'm even more certain I wouldn't have another.

Oh, and definitely avoid twin cams. Have you seen the amount of them for sale with dead engines ?


If you want a decent banger, an Audi 80 is your car. Galvanised shell, cheap bits from euro car parts or ebay Germany. Easy to fix and built very well into the bargain.
Couldn't reccomend highly enough as a banger. (Especially a TDI if you can find one on your budget).

[Edited on 9/9/07 by zilspeed]

just pop over to the car aution in kings lynn this wednesday mate, cars were going for pennies last week.

Yep I know the bottom ends on the Ts spin the shells at will. Hence question on the boxer.

I have been reading up on google and the opinion was that it was dull but reliable-ish with dear main stealer costs and heavy fuel consumption for a 1.6L.

Love the looks and always wanted one. Not in a huge rush so I think ill let this one go

Ive run an old sierra for the last 18 months and its been so reliable and cost me nothing Its going to take some beating. All I know is I dont want French

If looked after the boxers last really well.

They are prone to the big ends going if oil isn't changed regularly, but if they haven't gone completely you can change the shells in about an hour or two just by dropping the sump.

The hydraulic lifters can go as well, but again they are easy to change.

I've had several suds and 33s all with flat fours and they can really take a lot of hammer.

IMHO its one of best four cylinder engines there is.

Stu

Nothing wrong with some French cars! Had my old Citroen XM 2.1TD for ten years now with no major problems . The electrics are not brilliant with things like sunroof and rear windows packing up and the heater switch priced at £320 +vat {now has a Fiesta one wired in} but still rides brilliantly . The best part I only paid £350 for it .