Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £14,950 to £17,850
Handsome, individual styling now tidier after facelift, engines sound and feel sporty, fun to drive, good value.
Past reliability questionable especially with Selespeed transmission, ride fidgety without Comfort option, average safety performance, poor rear vision.
One of the most characterful cars in the class, but a purchase more of the heart than the head.
Although the 147 is put together with high quality materials, some owners have reported build defects, and the reliability record is unimpressive. Selespeed models seem particularly problem-prone, but all models can suffer electrical problems and occasional mechanical trouble. Buying a 147 is a bit of a lottery - you'll probably get a good one, but you might get a very bad one. And back-up from the dealer network leaves much to be desired, although Alfa Romeo says it's taking steps to remedy this. See if you can get one that has had its suspension bushes and wishbones replaced - they all creak and fall to bits on Britain's speed-hump-infested roads.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Alfa Romeo 147
wrote on 11 09 2007
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wrote on 10 07 2006
wrote on 10 07 2006