Alfa Romeo 147 - How bad is it?

Alfa Romeo 147 Buyer’s Guide – What to Know Before You Buy

The Alfa Romeo 147 is one of the most iconic hatchbacks of the early 2000s — stylish, sporty, and distinctly Italian. Produced between 2000 and 2010, it was based on the Alfa 156 platform and became a popular premium compact alternative to the VW Golf, Audi A3, and BMW 1-Series.

With sharp handling, beautiful design, and that unmistakable Alfa character, the 147 can still make a great used buy — but only if you know what to look for. Here’s a complete guide to trims, engines, common issues, and what to check before buying.

🔹 Overview

• Production years: 2000–2010

• Body styles: 3-door and 5-door hatchback

• Platform: Alfa Romeo 156 / Fiat Group C-Segment

• Drive: Front-wheel drive

• Facelift: 2005 (new headlights, bumpers, interior, electronics)

🔹 Design & Features

When it was launched, the 147 won the European Car of the Year (2001) award for its style, innovation, and driving dynamics.
It offered a premium interior with soft-touch materials, classic Alfa dials, and excellent driving position — sporty but comfortable.

After the 2005 facelift, the design became sharper, adopting cues from the Alfa 159 and Brera, with new bumpers, grille, lights, and updated interior trim.

🔹 Trim Levels

Equipment varied by market and year, but most 147s came well equipped compared to rivals.

Distinctive / Lusso / Progression / Turismo

• Base to mid-level trims

• Air conditioning or dual-zone climate control

• Electric mirrors and windows

• CD player, trip computer, ABS, VDC (stability control)

• Alloy wheels (15"–17")

TI (Turismo Internazionale)

• Sportier suspension (lowered 15–20 mm)

• 17" or 18" alloys

• Red stitching on sport seats

• Aluminum pedals and interior trim

• TI badging

GTA (2002–2005) – The Halo Model

• 3.2-liter V6 “Busso” engine – 250 hp

• 6-speed manual or Selespeed

• Wider body with flared arches

• Brembo brakes, Recaro leather seats, sport suspension

• 0–100 km/h in ~6.3 s
  A true modern classic, the 147 GTA is now collectible and expensive to maintain but an absolute joy to drive.

🔹 Engines

Petrol Engines

(Note: A few 1.6 and 2.0 Twin Spark engines were available with “Selespeed” automated manual gearboxes.)

Diesel Engines

Best balance: the 1.9 JTD 16V – reliable, strong torque, and easy to maintain.

🔹 Transmission Options

• Manual (5- or 6-speed): preferred and most reliable.

• Selespeed (automated manual): early versions can be jerky and unreliable if not serviced properly (actuator and sensors wear out).
  👉 If buying one, ensure smooth gear changes and that the pump primes properly when the door opens.

🔹 Common Problems & Weak Points

Owning an Alfa 147 can be rewarding, but these are the main issues to check before buying:

⚙️ Engine & Timing

• Twin Spark engines: require timing belt changes every 60,000 km (or 4 years) — not the 100k km many assume.
  Failure = catastrophic engine damage.

• Oil consumption: check oil regularly; low oil leads to bearing failure.

• VVT (variable valve timing) unit: can rattle on cold start – common but fixable.

• Diesel EGR & turbo hoses: can clog or split; easy to fix.

🛞 Suspension

• The front wishbones and anti-roll bar links wear quickly (every ~40–60k km).

• Listen for knocking noises over bumps.

• Rear suspension bushings also wear and cause uneven tire wear.

⚡ Electronics

• Central locking, window regulators, and Selespeed electronics can fail.

• ABS sensors and airbag connectors under seats are weak spots.

• Later models improved reliability compared to early 2000s versions.

🧊 Cooling System

• Thermostat and radiator leaks are common after 100k km.

• Overheating can damage the head gasket, especially on petrols.

🔋 Electrical & Lighting

• Corrosion in rear light clusters.

• Dashboard warning lights (often due to bad connectors, not major faults).

🚘 Body & Rust

• Generally well protected but check wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, and rear tailgate.

• Cars from northern Europe may show more rust due to salt exposure.

🪑 Interior

• Soft-touch materials can peel.

• Seat bolster wear common on driver’s side.

• Check all electronics (windows, mirrors, AC, audio).

🔹 Recommended Engines & Versions

✅ Best all-rounder: 1.9 JTD 16V (diesel) – durable, torquey, economical.
✅ For enthusiasts: 2.0 Twin Spark (manual) – classic Alfa sound and revs.
✅ For collectors: 147 GTA – the legendary Busso experience.
⚠️ Avoid neglected Selespeed cars unless you know their service history.

🔹 Maintenance Tips

• Timing belt: every 60,000 km (or 4 years)

• Oil changes: every 10,000–15,000 km

• Suspension check: every 30,000 km

• Selespeed fluid: every 2 years

• Use quality oil (10W-60 for Twin Spark) and genuine parts – cheap replacements often cause more issues.

🔹 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Gorgeous Italian design

• Superb steering and chassis feel

• Great equipment levels

• Affordable to buy used

• Classic Alfa soul and character

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance discipline

• Some fragile electronics

• Twin Spark engines are sensitive to neglect

• Parts availability varies by market

🔹 Verdict

The Alfa Romeo 147 remains one of the most engaging and stylish hatchbacks of its time.
Choose carefully, maintain properly, and it will reward you with a driving experience that few modern cars can match.

For enthusiasts, the 1.9 JTD 16V is the best daily driver, while the 147 GTA is the ultimate Alfa hot hatch classic.

🏁 Quick Facts

💬 Final Tip

When buying an Alfa 147, history matters more than mileage.
A well-maintained example with documented belt changes and regular servicing is a far safer bet than a low-mileage but neglected one.