Someone Thinks Alfa Will be a Success in the US

[Zinhead]

At the expense of BMW no less.

So in just a few short years, you'll have some choices. If you want a German car, you can go look at dozens and dozens of Volkswagens, Audis, BMWs, Mercedes, even four or five Porsches. Join the crowd! Get a 3-series. Black or silver, of course. Come on, everybody's doing it! You want to fit in, right? And you know what? Manual transmissions are a pain in traffic! They make talking on a cell phone inconvenient.

If you want the satisfaction of being just a step ahead of the pack, you'll get an Alfa Romeo, and the chances are you won't see another one like it for days, if not weeks. That exclusivity is what builds followings and, ultimately, brands.

motivemagazine.com - Motive Opinion: Alfa and Omega - True BMW guys will migrate to Alfa Romeo

[johnei]

Maserati seems to be doing well at the upper end. Alfa can do the same at a slightly lower price... once they get here.

[lgbalfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnei Maserati seems to be doing well at the upper end. Alfa can do the same at a slightly lower price... once they get here.

[Garry-Graig]

Just hope Alfa sorts out it dealer back-up and reliability before they launch in the US.A new Alfa is famous over here for falling apart within the first 5000km.Believe me I am speaking out of experience.Alfa has lost its famous driving appeal.My classic Spider is better quality and a true Alfa.
It makes you wonder when a Alfa parts salesman tells you the quality of new Alfa parts are so bad that sometimes the same part get exchanged 3 times.
Regards

[Alex Csank]

Great article! Thanks!

[Vsix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garry-Graig J new Alfa is famous over here for falling apart within the first 5000km.Believe me I am speaking out of experience.Alfa has lost its famous driving appeal.My classic Spider is better quality and a true Alfa. It makes you wonder when a Alfa parts salesman tells you the quality of new Alfa parts are so bad that sometimes the same part get exchanged 3 times. Regards

[Garry-Graig]

I will start with my 2003, 147(my wife decided to protect and keep it,because I was about to get evil with it ,with a baseball bat).
MAF changed 3 times because faulty workmanship,supplied by official dealer that was when it had 2500 km!
Window winder internal mech. collapsed because of inferior materials,salesman offered to have it reconditioned and better built by local machine shop!
Leather seats faded after 2000kms,looks today like it's got 200000Kms
Their are much more,can't mention them now because I am fuming too much!!!
Mates of mine(twins)both got 159's
same problem for both;gearbox replacement just after 1500kms
front bottom suspension replacement after 4000kms
According to my favourite Alfa parts salesman these are common problems.
They are pensioners,not cafe racers.
I can go on and on,but I don't want to bore anyone.
That was only 2 models, don't get me started on the others.
Modern Alfas=ripp-off
ps.Don't mean to ripp-off any of your cars Vsix,
The reason I posted this attack on new model Alfas is because the FIAT group doesn't give a hell about Alfa Romeo,it's all about profit for them.Look what they have done to Lancia!
Regards

[Zunige]

Thanks for sharing, Zinhead. It is an interesting article, and it certainly makes some points:

Quote:

By contrast, look at Alfa Romeo. I predict Alfa Romeo will be an unqualified U.S. hit in the next decade (in status, not in volume), because it captures a bit of the exclusivity and cognoscenti appeal BMW once had. Of course, BMWs were always a bit more reliable: Think of the guys you knew who told stories of driving old Alfas in college, and always had to park them facing downhill because their starters had burnt up. But they weren't complaining, they were bragging. This is a brand with some real passion. The 8C Competizione will set the tone and whet appetites when it arrives later this year, but that's only going to be sold in tiny, collector-car numbers, all deep into six figures. No, it's the ones coming after that, starting in 2010, which should cause enthusiasts to stash away a couple of extra bucks. The current 166 is sharp; the upcoming 169 sedan is stunning. More importantly, it's unique. The Brera coupe, Spider, and 159 sedan will all be head-turners in America; even the Mi.To is car-club worthy. When was the last time you did a double take for a non-M BMW? It was for the extremely rare Z8, wasn't it?

[Vsix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garry-Graig Mates of mine(twins)both got 159's same problem for both;gearbox replacement just after 1500kms front bottom suspension replacement after 4000kms

[Garry-Graig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vsix I havent heard any of these 159 problems here, my mate here has 2.2 jts and he hasnt got single problem , really good car. I think these arent so common that you can say they fall apart after 4000tkms...

[dave_fonz_164]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnei Maserati seems to be doing well at the upper end. Alfa can do the same at a slightly lower price... once they get here.

[Arvid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garry-Graig You are right,must be a southern European phenomenon,my mistake

[Zunige]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arvid ...maby you need someone else to fix your car??

[Otaku]

I doubt this very much but it would be great. I just hope they make it here and build some cars! Of course with the prices I won't be able to afford one (just did a build on the uk site and converted to USD ouch!) but I intend to buy one second hand after someone has owned it for 4+ years. right now I drive a ford fusion which will be replaced in a few years