The seats are particularly well designed in the 146, offering both comfort and support. A word of warning though- at high speeds the brakes can be a little vague and misleading! Faults: I bought it used in September 2001 with 9,000 kilometers on the odometer. The common-rail diesel option — pioneered by — can be had in 118bhp 1. This problem was fixed by a local Alfa shop who's owner is also a big Alfisti. The above gremlins are purely characteristics of the car, and cannot be overcome.
The 146 first appeared in May 1995, offering buyers a wide choice of four-cylinder engines. The former were mounted in the same configuration as on the 33 or Alfasud, that is longitudinally overhanging the front axle with the gearbox towards the cabin; the latter in the conventional transverse position with the gearbox to the left side. Rear window washer didn't work after about 5,000 miles. They are a good mix of performance and fuel consumption. Power steering, electric front windows, an engine immobiliser, central locking and a driver's airbag are standard on virtually every model. The 146 ti went on sale in February 1996. Electronics and the electric stuff work fine, I do not have even a burnt lamp.
Yes Review Date: 17th September, 2004 Faults: Idle Valve Actuator, this had blocked and caused the engine to stall constantly unless the revs were kept high. Alfa used to quote 72,000 miles between changes, but shortened this to avoid any damage. Alfa Romeo has made some of the world's most stylish cars over the last decade. In March 1997, the old 1. It was only in April 1992 that work had begun on a second car, the 146 or Tipo 930B, derived from and to be sold alongside the 145; with its more traditionally Alfa Romeo style it was aimed at a different clientele, that of the outgoing Alfa Romeo 33.
Yes Review Date: 28th October, 2003 Faults: Front passenger door fell off while it was still under warranty. Spark 16V , 2 1,970 cc 83. Whether you're a first-time visitor, a frequent site user, we hope you'll find what you're looking for. Headroom is poor - anyone around 6' has to cock their head to one side where the sunroof makes the roof lower. At the start of 1996, however, Alfa released what many consider to be the definitive version, the 146ti, which gained the 2. Year of manufacture 1999 First year of ownership 2000 Most recent year of ownership 2003 Engine and transmission 1.
They are of the Momo type and, as well as being hugely supportive, comfortable, made of decent fabric and nice looking- do not show any signs of wear. Ensure the fan cuts in by leaving a warm engine idling. For the used buyer, any of these cars makes an interesting and sensible buy, particularly when you consider the vastly improved quality and reliability compared to older Alfa products. A specialist should do it for £400. Just don't expect German standards of build quality, though. Optional side airbags complemented the already available passenger and standard driver airbags. Incidentally, 145s with this engine are called 'Cloverleaf'.
For this reason, some examples may have suffered at the hands of drivers fancying themselves as Fangio on the Mille Miglia. A spacious and uniquely Italian interior was presented to the press at the 1994 launch, and by all accounts well received. The 145 has a strong following, particularly in top specification Cloverleaf guise; it is seen, along with the 146 as not only the last old school built by but, arguably, by any car company. Right-hand drive cars retained the previous dashboard design. The 145 and 146 are fun to drive, but dubious build quality has tarnished their reputation.
Other practicalities include capacious luggage space, reasonable economy and, thank goodness, a driving position that doesn't require you to be a gawky Italian long legs and short arms as on Milanese models of not so distant memory. The greatest thing on this car though is the noise the 2. Archived from on 6 February 2009. Dealers get part exchanges where the cambelt change is due 70k, they'll happily sell you a nice-looking 146 with 3 months warranty. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge on the test drive. Yes Review Date: 19th June, 2003 I am pleased that your alfa has been reliable, and can assure you that it will remain so.
They also seem to get thrashed less than the equivalent 145 cloverleaf I suppose more mature people buy them due to needing 4 doors? Incidentally, 145s with this engine are called 'Cloverleaf'. Car lost idle and would stall on 82,000 miles - cost £15 to have idle control valve cleaned up and put together again. I recently bought an Alfa 146 engine 2. There's also plenty of equipment. To this day, second gear required double clutching prior to engagement.
To show how determined the 146's designers were to ensure adequate space, they placed the split-folding rear bench lower than in the 145 in order to increase headroom. The main changes outside were new, body colour bumpers with round fog lights and narrow protection strips; the interior got new upholstery and detail trim changes such as chrome vent surrounds. £2500 buys you a decent mid to late 1990s example these days, but you have to be cautious when buying one. All the engines available show off the impressive handling abilities of the cars, which have also been combined with a compliant ride. Major servicing is needed every 60,000 miles. Who would want a quiet car? But, some minutes later, the failure appears once again. The handling and feedback from the car is lovely, ride can be a bit noisy on long drives.
But Alfas have a subjective quality that cannot be quantified. For the used buyer, any of these cars makes an interesting and sensible buy, particularly when you consider the vastly improved quality and reliability compared to older Alfa products. Archived from on June 18, 2010. All the engines available show off the impressive handling abilities of the cars, which have also been combined with a compliant ride. What to Look For There are one or two unusual areas of concern with these cars.