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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:21 pm Post subject: Hi everyone. Should I get a 33? :D |
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Hi.
In my current situation, I have the ability to insure anything up to 1800cc and over 20 years old reasonably (except turbos and anything worth much smile )
I need the ability to seat 4 adults (5 would be a bonus) for mostly short journeys.
It should be vaguely reliable, or at least fixable by a novice who is willing to learn some basic stuff. Basically mechanically and structurally solid, but a few little issues are not a problem.
Also a vaguely decent MPG is preferable, but with a low mileage (~4000 a year) not a massive concern.
As a bonus it has to be fun, and be a little bit cool. And i have an irrational love for Italian cars.
These, among other things, led me to late 80s (anything over 20 years old) Alfa 33s.
If I was to find one for approx £1000 (preferably less), what could I expect to be spending on maintenance per year. What could go horribly wrong?
Would owning a 33 break my heart, like I'm lead to believe many Alfas do?
Thanks for any replies. |
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Ian M Green Cloverleaf
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Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 911 Location: Bath Somerset
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Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 11:19 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Flex and welcome to one of the best and friendliest car forums on the web.
Your question, should I buy a 33? I think just about everyone here would say yes, for obyious reasons.
You should be looking out for a late series 2 model if you want something over 20 years old or possibly an early series 3 I think will scrape in.
The series 2s have twin carbs but you can still get if driven sensibly in excess of 30 miles to the gallon and there are still a few out there in very good condition coming on the market quite regularly.
The series 3 came with fuel injection and power steering which made them a bit more user friendly.
The 33 is a wonderfully rewarding car to drive and will always put a smile on your face and if you find a nice well kept example and look after it, service it regularly it shouldnt cost you huge amounts of money per year.
Hope this helps you to make your decision and Im sure others will add more.
Cheers Ian _________________ Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c |
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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2011 1:39 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks, I am keeping a look out for a good car. How hard is it to find a the smaller engined ones now?
From all the small hatchbacks of the era , the 33 definitely looks great on paper, and aesthetically too.
I am slightly worried that if I were to get one I could have trouble finding parts, getting servicing done that I could not do myself etc.
I have done very little work on cars, and am not sure if it is a good car to learn on. How is it poking around the boxer engine? Under the bonnet on my father's Lancia Flavia looks slightly scary, as its all 'plumbing' with the actual motor hidden deep underneath. perhaps this is an advantage .
Just noticed you are in Bath too (I'm on Wellsway)- I haven't seen any 33s around here. Actually I haven't seen one in the 'flesh' for ages. |
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Ian M Green Cloverleaf
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Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 911 Location: Bath Somerset
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2011 10:29 pm Post subject: |
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Just go up to the top of wellsway go right on the roundabout by the red lion then go right at the lights into bloomfield road and look to your right and you'll see one.
There was a nice looking 1.5 ie on ebay recently not sure if it still there. _________________ Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c |
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AL33NUT Alfa Sprint
Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 210 Location: Woking Surrey
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2011 11:09 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Flex,
A big welcome to you! When buying a 20 year old car I think you have to expect to do some replacement/ maintainance work. Things like rust, tired suspension parts, worn steering rack and other such bits will come up. However, right now, because of their dwindling stock and age, a lot of the 33s coming to market have been kept by enthusiasts. By this I mean folk that have spent a great number of hours working on their car or have had it worked on by an Alfa specialist. They would have upgraded most mechanical parts and taken care of major bodywork issues. In my experience this would apply mainly to the 1.7 8v series 2 (S2) models and the 1.7 16v series 3 (S3) models (this is a generalization of couse and based purely on my observation). I drive a S3 33 16v which started off as an 8v. I've owned it for about 15 years I think. On looks I think I would go for the S2 1.7 Voloce model - a matter of taste of course. I think it looks just that bit more aggresive than the S3. However, the S3 1.7 16v is probably most sought after and to me the best looking S3 model because of the colour coded bodykit (although you can retrofit this for a reasonable price). With £1K I think you'll probably be able to pick up a S3 33 16v or a S2 33 in reasonable condition.
Regarding parts, Alex Poulter (33Bits) from this forum can sort you out with anything you need or point you in the right direction. When choosing a mechanic, choose a specialist (these cars are getting very rare in the UK) that knows these cars. Preferably one near you that comes highly recommended by someone on this forum.
Regarding the driving experience. You'll love it! Get a well maintained one and you'll have a very big smile on your face every time you take it for a drive. The engines on these cars are tough and you shouldn't have too many problems if you get one that hasn't been abused.
I'd say go for it...but then again, what else would I have said?!
Happy Hunting!
AL33NUT |
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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:01 am Post subject: |
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Ian M wrote: |
Just go up to the top of wellsway go right on the roundabout by the red lion then go right at the lights into bloomfield road and look to your right and you'll see one.
There was a nice looking 1.5 ie on ebay recently not sure if it still there. |
might have to go for a walk up that way...
It is slightly annoying that finding lesser models of cars in good shape is hard. Enthusiasts definitely prefer the more special models... I wonder why Definitely prepared to pay for a decent car, as hopefully it will pay for itself over time.
The white 92 1.7ie caught my eye on ebay (now on PH for £700, but unfortunately, the best insurance quote i could get for that is £1700 - a thousand more than if it had been a year older)
Ideally a 1.5 would do, as tax and insurance would be less. Does anyone know anything about the one in the pistonheads classifieds : fair condition hmmmm
thanks for the helpful replies. |
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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 5:21 pm Post subject: |
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Went for a walk today and I happened to see a 33... and a very nice red spider. I wonder who they could possibly belong to?
If you saw a scruffy looking youth looking around your car it may well have been me.
If you ever feel the need to sell Ian M, I'm approximately 3/4 mile away ![Very Happy](images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif) |
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Ian M Green Cloverleaf
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Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 911 Location: Bath Somerset
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Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 5:35 pm Post subject: |
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Next time your up around this way feel free to knock the door, have a chat and a closer look over the 33 if you like.
Im not planning on selling at the moment tho. _________________ Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c |
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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 11:24 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the offer.
I'll keep a look out for 33s appearing. Does anyone have any idea if a wanted ad would produce any fruits, and if so where best to put it (everywhere!)
I will probably be getting something else for the moment, and transfer insurance over. Got my eye on a bombproof Mazda 323... foul little thing, but reliable and economical until the right thing turns up! |
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paulhide P4
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Joined: 20 Dec 2003 Posts: 1607 Location: Oh Beautiful Billingham
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Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 4:34 pm Post subject: |
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I know of a black 1.5 TI registered 1-11-1988 for sale for a grand. It's only done 60k with a year's ticket, but is in Hull. PM me for the guy's number. _________________ Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188 |
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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:53 pm Post subject: |
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paulhide wrote: |
I know of a black 1.5 TI registered 1-11-1988 for sale for a grand. It's only done 60k with a year's ticket, but is in Hull. PM me for the guy's number. |
that Is great but also massively annoying.
If I could justify going to hull for a car. However its a bit far, and I now don't really have the time to spare a whole day, as I'm just starting a research project.
I'll bear it in mind, and thank you very much for telling me. |
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paulhide P4
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Joined: 20 Dec 2003 Posts: 1607 Location: Oh Beautiful Billingham
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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:01 am Post subject: |
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paulhide wrote: |
There are only 21 series two TIs left in the country and 10 series one. |
don't tempt me!
I might pick up the phone tomorrow...
But seriously. I am considering something a bit more sensible for a while (or the bus), and go for a really special one once I have at least sorted out my placement job (so I know I cover all costs comfortably, and not let the car go to waste in whatever way).
However if an opportunity to good to miss comes up, then I'm in! |
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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2011 6:53 pm Post subject: |
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So, Rang up about the car, and had a quick chat. It does sound good...
I will have to think. Its a long (and expensive) trip, but from what I hear, it could be an interesting opportunity.
I have no experience of looking at cars to buy however, so I'd be lost. Sure I know what to look out for and do in theory, but I have no idea how I would do in practice! |
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Flex Alfa Arna
Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Bath, UK
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