[wowlookathat]

Looking for any feedback form owners of 20K and above mileage cars WITHOUT tunes: transmission problems/replacements? High ticket repairs?

I came very close to buying a LE this weekend, but pulled back after reading some ominous threads the night before, felt heart-broken all day, then test-drove one. Now I'm doing my research and back in the hunt. I have a Carrera and tried to console myself that it is enough (which it is), but after driving the Alfa it felt like I was in a tiger suddenly let free.

 

[Tom&RobsAlfas]

IMHO many of the people who have had problems also track their cars. While the 4C is a spectacular car it is not a race car, it is a road car, it wasn't designed to be raced. When we raced, many things that wore out in a race weekend or two would have lasted thousands of mile on a road car. No matter what, we change ALL of the fluids after every event and the race car didn't have to drive home after the race. Not all track cars are towed...
One of my fellow club members use his as a daily driver and leaves it outside. he has owned it since new and has never had any issues. I have almost 9,000 mile on mine and I have never had any issues with the car. I did install the reinforcing bushing in the engine mount which I think makes a world of difference but other than that the car is stock. I would look for a left over new one or find and owner selling a car that has never been tracked.

 

[wowlookathat]

That's helpful. I appreciate it.

 

[JoeCab]

The vast majority of 4Cs are basically trouble free. The ones that do get driven and serviced regularly more so than cars that sit.

As others have said there are a few common modifications that do seem to help with reliability and performance, but are also a matter of taste. I wouldn't discount a well cared for car with a tune, as quite a number of cars have racked up significant mileage with a good tune without issue.

 

[wowlookathat]

Thank you, Joe. What are the common mods that help with reliability and performance?

 

[Hans75]

my 4C is at 30kkms...without any issues.
remember the 4C is basically build with standard components used on othere Alfa's, and FCA cars.., the TCT transmission and 1750engine is around for quite a while without issues.

i think however the TCT is the achilles heel of the car... tuning the engine to over 300hp will not be so tough, however i think the TCT will not last that long... the same when doing track-usage... it will be tough on the gearbox..

 

[alfettaparts2]

It will be interesting to see how the carbon fibre tubs hold up after 20 + years.

 

[wowlookathat]

Thanks, Hans. I bought a LE Coupe (#124) in Rosso Alfa, with 7.5K, about a month ago. I combed through the forums as much as I could stand beforehand, then pulled the trigger. I don't think I'll be tuning the car. I did read some threads re: transmission problems after tuning over 300hp. Main thing for me right now is getting it properly aligned (have read a hundred threads on this topic) somewhere near San Francisco. At high speeds it gets squirrely. But I love this car!

 

[lgbalfa]

Thanks, Hans. I bought a LE Coupe (#124) in Rosso Alfa, with 7.5K, about a month ago. I combed through the forums as much as I could stand beforehand, then pulled the trigger. I don't think I'll be tuning the car. I did read some threads re: transmission problems after tuning over 300hp. Main thing for me right now is getting it properly aligned (have read a hundred threads on this topic) somewhere near San Francisco. At high speeds it gets squirrely. But I love this car!

Congratulations and post some pics.

 

[AngloSpider]

It will be interesting to see how the carbon fibre tubs hold up after 20 + years.

I'm hoping it will be better than the steel tubs that have rusted in other cars! Mind you, I'll be 80 then, not sure if I'll still be driving a 4C

 

[SteveNunez]

I have 32K miles on my 4C Spider and it's been great- the only issue was a dying 12V battery- but it was getting old and I was able to replace it for under $150.