Alfa GTV v Nissan 350z

[Fangi0]

As mentioned recently I am thinking of going over to the dark side and selling my crossflow Se in the Spring. Quite keen on a 3 litre Alfa GTV but have been advised to take a look at the Nissan 350z, which looks pretty impressive although more money.

Any thoughts out there on these two choices???

Thanks

[SteveD]

one thing i would consider is would either give you the buzz you need after the westfield ,thats one thing quite a few suffer from westfield ad

[Wile E. Coyote]

Mate of mine used to have a 350z - nice car and one I'd consider if I was in the market for something that could be used more easily year round to liven up the commute.  I'd certainly try and get a drive in one but, as Steve says, a Westie it is not.

 

 

S2000 may also be worth a look?  But check the insurance prices (it's what did an S2000 in for me a couple of years ago and part of the reason they're so cheap).  Or an Elise?

[Norman Verona]

Elise, maybe a K series 160 bhp. Perfect balance and great fun.

 

I'm sorry I sold mine now.

[ajl124]

After 12 months my 3.0 Alfa GTV cost me a fortune and I was glad to se the back of it.

At 60 k miles and during my 8k of ownership here are a list of faults:

Steering rack leaking.

Clutch and dual mass flywheel replaced.

Airflow sensor replaced.

Air bag faults.

Electronic windscreen wiper faults erratic operation.

Heater useless would take 10 miles before any heat would come into the cabin.

Doors were useless in the frost: door opening knob sits at an angle so fills up with water and freezes so you can't open the door, also as the doors have no window frames the glass sticks to the seal.

Door glass adjustment is a problem as it causes excessive wind noise.

Headlights look cool but offer very poor lighting no good on a country road when driving quickly.

Squeaks from rear suspension , known problem can lead to failures of wishbones.

 

Be warned............

As you can see from my website I like Italian cars but the GTV was the worst car I ever owned  ( apart from a Beetle).

 

Andy

[johngill]

Had a gtv as a company car after 12 months was a bag of rattles

[BEN99W]

I used to be a road tester for several mags/websites so I've driven and am familiar with both. I would also say that both are on my 'would have' list, although I don't consider them both in the same price bracket.

GTVs need to be bought from enthusiasts/specialists, otherwise you'll probably end up with a money pit, but in looks and charisma, its a mini ferrari and I really feel I need to own one.

The 350 is a simple muscle car, I think it looks like it will age badly, but its an out and out mans car, tail out when you want it,each of the successive revisions improving that ability.

If I had £4k to spend id be looking at the Alfa, with £8k id be looking at the 350.

But that money will also buy a Porsche 944/968, or a boxster, plus a host of other alternatives.

But if you're looking at the above, I think you know how to pick a nice motor so enjoy whatever you get.

Ben

[darve]

After the carp 2012 I've had im looking at a 370 at the end of 2013

[Fangi0]

Thanks for all the feedback. The opinions are really helpful and the experiences with the GTVs are pretty much what I feared. Still, a pretty tasty car!

 

Maybe when the good weather comes I may have a change of mind but at the moment I fancy a beefy 6 cylinder more useful for longer trips to see the grand kids with wifey.

 

Honda S2000 is a bit of a screamer like the Celica 190 I had and the Mazdas tend the wear oil seals on those rotary engines. Boxter worth a look but going further up the price range, ditto for a decent Elise.

 

It may depend on what I can get for the Westie. Have not read anything bad on the Nissan 360 apart from the Jap image and badge, but hell I run a Skoda VRS so I'm more interested in performance than image I guess.

 

Thanks again. More to follow no doubt.

[fuoriserie]

Go with the Nissan 350Z.

[SootySport]

After the carp 2012 I've had im looking at a 370 at the end of 2013

You got to finish that Kit Car in the garage first.

[cast iron]

350Z.....not that I'm biased 

[darve]

You got to finish that Kit Car in the garage first.

Oh thats on the to do list as well