Like nearly all readers, I have been more then satisfied with the driving experience and of course the looks. I have never felt the way I feel about my Alfa in any other car. It is truly involving compared with other cars. Unfortunately, I have been able to compare with other cars also after the purchase of the Alfa - the numerous courtesy cars ensured that. Only months into ownership, the car suddenly stopped. All electrics died, for no apparent reason. It was taken to an Alfa dealer who after some deliberation, advised me it had been sorted, but they could not tell me what had caused the power failure. Not very reassuring I must admit, but I was only happy to get it back in working order. A week later, same thing happened again. Again the car was brought into the same dealer, who this time told me they did not have time to look at it for another 2-3 days. Not accepting this, the car was taken to another dealer nearby. After 3 days investigation they informed me they had found the root cause. A main fuse had gone due to some cables that were placed in the wrong place. They assumed this had been a "mistake" made during production. Well, what can you say about that:? In any case, I have not had that problem again.

My main complaints about Alfa since have been their dealerships. They suck big time! I've always had the feeling they can't be trusted. Dodging questions and over-promising has been the norm in my experience. Is it that difficult to provide basic customer service, I've often wondered? Anyhow, the driving experience, looks and prestige the car gives, cannot be replaced. I have often wondered whether I should change to another make. I can't! I even feel uncomfortable thinking about that. OK, I could change to a BMW or an Audi and probably be better off in many ways. But the image the Alfa gives, and the feeling I have every time I get behind the wheel, is something I doubt any other car in this price range can provide. Now, 2 years down the line I still smile when I see the looks of it, and it's still an incredibly fun experience to drive. I couldn't care less about some niggling faults here and there. I bought this car to drive.

A few last comments on the 2.4 JTD. I would never ever have considered a diesel car had I not, by coincidence, been persuaded to have a go in the JTD. Wow, was I surprised. It sounds really good when pushed a bit and the torque is excellent. I have driven 2 litre petrol cars and they feel nothing like this, especially on the motorway - the difference is remarkable. Now, I'm constantly scanning magazines and surfing the net to see what plans Alfa has for the future. I'm most definitely buying Alfa again and rumours are that they have a 2.4JTD bhp 180 just around the corner. I will be first in line. Message to people out there who are dissatisfied: Buy a Toyota then!