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Power
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners are deeply passionate about the Alfetta, praising its beautiful styling, superb handling, and the glorious sound of its engines, especially the Busso V6.
9 problems reported (2 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 6 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentRust (inner fenders, doors, hatch, rockers, rear fenders)
This is the single most discussed problem across all model years.
- Very frequentExpensive and hard-to-find spare parts
A major concern for owners, especially in the US.
- RecurrentWorn second gear synchro
Attributed by one owner to the long gearbox rods amplifying play.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCracked exhaust manifolds
Reported by one owner.
- IsolatedFuel system issues (fuel lines, fuel pump)
Mentioned by one owner as needing replacement during off-season.
- IsolatedTiming belt/cam belt issues
Mentioned by one owner as needing replacement.
- IsolatedCooling fan failure
Mentioned by one owner as needing replacement.
- IsolatedSeal leaks
Mentioned by one owner as needing replacement.
- IsolatedRear end can become light under braking in corners, leading to oversteer
One owner warned of this handling trait.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Owners discuss both the 4-cylinder and V6 GTV6 models with equal passion, and no single version is universally declared the best. The 1.8-litre Nord engine is praised as a "balanced revvy unit," while the GTV6's Busso V6 is called "one of the best sounding engines out there."
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW E30, Saab 900, Alfa Romeo Giulia (116), Alfa Romeo 75 and Alfa Romeo 33.
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Overall sentiment
Owners are deeply passionate about the Alfetta, praising its beautiful styling, superb handling, and the glorious sound of its engines, especially the Busso V6. However, this enthusiasm is heavily tempered by the car's notorious rust problems, expensive and hard-to-find parts, and the fact that reliability is entirely dependent on the quality of previous ownership. The consensus is that the Alfetta is a rewarding but demanding classic that requires deep pockets and a dedicated specialist mechanic.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Alfetta as a more characterful and beautiful car than its contemporaries, but also as less reliable and more difficult to live with. One owner who sold both Saabs and Alfas stated they would "gladly take a Saab into a war zone" but "wouldn't take an Alfa to a car wash." Another owner who also owns a Mercedes W124 and BMW E30 is actively looking for an Alfa 155 instead, suggesting the Alfetta is seen as a more challenging ownership proposition than its German rivals. Within the Alfa lineup, the Giulietta (116) is described by one owner as "much better than the Alfetta" in driving dynamics, while the 75 is criticized as "only a celebrated, re-bodied Giulietta" that is "more sluggish."
Recommended configurations
Owners strongly advise buying the best-sorted example possible, regardless of specific configuration. One owner of a 1977 Sedan warns, "buy one that's as sorted as possible... it needed almost everything and now it's a scope creeped restoration project." Another owner of a GTV6 recommends a test drive, stating "you won't be disappointed." There is no consensus on a specific year or trim to seek out.
General recommendations
The Alfetta is for a dedicated enthusiast who is prepared for a project. Owners universally warn that rust is the primary enemy, with one stating "they like to rust" and advising thorough inspection of inner fenders, doors, hatch, rockers, and rear fenders, noting that front fenders are welded on, making repairs difficult. A car that has sat unused for a long time will require "major expenses to get it roadworthy again." Finding a car with a long ownership history and a stack of maintenance receipts is considered the ideal scenario. The car is not recommended for someone who is not a mechanic or does not have access to a specialist, as one owner lamented, "I'm not a mechanic either, but I was lucky to have found a guy who really knows Alfas."
Remarks
The Alfetta's transaxle layout (gearbox at the rear) is frequently noted, with owners praising its handling benefits (50/50 weight distribution) but also acknowledging the complexity it adds. The car's value has seen a significant spike, with one 1977 example selling for $80,000 on Bring a Trailer in 2024, a price that shocked many owners who had seen similar cars sell for far less. The US-market cars are universally criticized for their large rubber bumpers, which owners consider ugly compared to the cleaner European chrome bumpers. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 116
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
2.4 TD
95 hp
Built 1983–1984