Why You Shouldn't Buy An Alfa Romeo For Cheap... 

What I like the most about people's perception of Alfa's breaking down is that most of them never owned one, all they do is repeat stories that they heard from someone else that never owned one , which honestly make me very happy because I've had 2 Alfa's and they never had any problems. So the less Alfas on the street the more looks and great comments I get. Because there are so many Mercedes, BMWs Audis..etc that when you see an ALFA you actually look at it go by! Also does anyone who speaks English can pronounce Quadrifoglio not QuadrOfoglio! Quadro is a picture frame in Italian!

Hey bro, I am writing from Europe, so I can comment on 4 of your 5 points. Finding a dealer here in Europe is easy and anyway any car mechanic can do standard maintenance on an Alfa. Just open the hood and show the engine bay in an Alfa and a German car and you will see the difference: a lot of space to work vs crowded space. Also, not so much plastic in an Alfa compared to a Bmw. You make a group of Alfa, Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini but the only thing they have in common are the Italian names. Lamborghini (except the 12V models) are built in Germany and they belong to Audi-VW. Ferrari and Maserati have very little parts in common and Alfa has nothing in common with those. Alfa have some parts in common with Fiat cars, which is a good thing, because Fiat have become very reliable cars, for many years. New Alfa Giulia and Stelvio are not expensive, they can be compared to their German competitors (Bmw. Mercedes and Audi). Japanese cars are not an alternative for a buyer who want a beautiful, performing car; so you can just forget Lexus, those are for other people. You walk around those cars, you should actually drive them. I do drive German cars and Alfa and I can tell you that there is no comparison. Where German cars stand out is with the digital cockpits and infotainment. The design (inside/outside) is a matter of taste but the real difference is the driving feeling. The Alfa Stelvio, which is a Suv, actually drives like a sedan, and the Alfa Giulia, is a sedan that drives like a sport car. Reliability: all cars, sooner or later, have technical issues, both German and Italian. What I noticed, over the years and talking to others who drive as much as myself, is the difference in how they brake down. Generally speaking, a German car would give you a warning and soon after just stop. An Italian car would give you warnings but then -somehow- will take you to destination. Now you tell me: do you want you car to stop to auto-protect itself or you want to get home and later let the mechanic deal with the issue? German cars have a better reputation but I really can't figure out why. Even Porsche, even the mighty 911, have lots of issues. German cars suffer, in general, of over-engineering. Something makes me doubt of official reliability stats and customer reviews. Another difference, for the car-enthusiasts who is considering to buy a car: the Audi A4, S4 and RS4 are 3 completely different cars. The Mercedes C200 and C63 AMG are completely different cars. and so are the Bmw 3 series and the M3. What the Germans do is that they build first the "normal" version and later they produce the power version. Alfa did the opposite: they first designed and produced the QV and later they built the "normal" versions. The result is that a Giulia or Stelvio is just slower than the QV, but all of them are much lighter and have better handling than the Germans. Just google which cars are faster around the Nurburgring. Or see the videos here on YT and enjoy.

I have a 2018 Giulia 2.0 and I got it used with 6k miles on it, I've had it over a year and put roughly 45k miles on it and I've had no issues at all and the dealership that does the maintenance is awesome.

i’ve heard no concrete reason to not buy a used Alfa romeo thanks for helping me make a choice

Just signed a 3 year lease for a '23 Giulia Estrema. Couldn't pass up an opportunity to experience the last generation of ICE Alfas before they go full electric. Test drove M340i, C43 and S5 Sportback. All clearly have a lot more power and performance, but none touched the Giulia in handling, steering, looks and that special uniqueness factor. 280hp more than enough power to justify the decision. I couldn't be more excited.

I've had my 2020 Alpha Stelvio for almost 3 years and it runs great with no issues. Just two did the oil change service twice and that is it. So far has been more reliable than my Jaguar F Type R and Porsche 911. Hope it stays that way for a few more years. Buying cars now is not fun anymore.

Me and wife have two Alfa Romeo Stelvios. The outside temp sensors (in the passenger mirror) were not working and the AC was not pumping air (on both). Since then they both work great (both are AWS, I4 engines)… We are coming to Alfa Romeo after some Audis (including the Diesel model for which Audi was sorry)… So after American, German and Japanese cars we thought Alfa’s will be flakey. We are pleasantly surprised they are not! We recommend them…

Most issues are battery related (bad batteries from the factory) and the first 2 years software issues, but they are just as reliable if not better than their german counterparts.

My wife has a '21 Stelvio, in red no less, it has 15K and we have had zero issues, other than a recall that was performed by the dealer almost before she time to finish her coffee. It drives and handles more like a car than an SUV, and when pushed goes like scalded cat.

That reputation is from 1970 and 1980 when Mafia tried to run Italian brands. After that Alfas didnt have much problems. Giulia and Stelvio had problems in earlier years of production like any other brand, but i think thats amplified by the earlier reputation. Electronic systems are made by the same companies who make the same systems for other Eu car brands.

My 2017 Giulia has now done 130,000 kms without any problems at all, now ready to upgrade to a Stelvio. Sick of all the negative comments, the older Alfas did have issues but I'm quite confident they have ironed out the problems.

Still more reliable than a BMW lmaooo.

You should really research the actual reliability of Alfa Romeos. They are just as reliable and even more so than German cars. I can tell you from experience having owned BMWs and Alfa Romeo QV. Awesome car!!

I have a 2018 Stelvio with 56K miles. The only thing that went out was the battery, and was replaced under warranty. A lot of the parts are MOPAR and easy to get. Have you even driven an Alfa? Because unless you drive it, you don't really get it, and I don't think you do.

i absolutly love my alfa. no issues. dealership down in San Diego always takes care of me. best car ive ever owned.

This has to be one of the most ignorant reviews I have ever seen on RU-vid. Doesn't help that it's egged on by numbskulls in the comments section saying it's basically a Chrysler. The Q4 competes with the C300, A4 and the 330i. It easily comes out on top when it comes to design, handling, throttle response, and drive feel. That 12:1 steering ratio makes it feel telepathic. Reliability issues are a thing of the past and mostly propagated today by ignoramuses who have never driven or owned an AR. I have a 2019 Giulia Ti AWD, and I have really put it through its paces. Not a single issue with the drivetrain or any other system in the 3 years I've had it. Absolutely love it.

I've been a former German car owner and would never go back...bought an Alfa Stelvio 2018...going on 3.5 yrs and it's been great....as far as cheap...not sure where this guy is based but up in Toronto area they are not cheap used

I have a 2019 giulia with ZERO issues. Can’t say the same for the bmw, fords, chevys I’ve owned

Reason One is so asinine. Alfa Romeo is in the same class as the BMW,Mercedes,Audi, & etc. It’s priced accordingly. Not because it’s Italian.smh

Thank you brother, very interesting video. Never knew that about a Alfa. They sure are sharp in detail. God bless n stay safe.

None of the reasons you gave for the Guilia's reliability are reported on the forums. Not sure where you got your info. My 18' Quadrifoglio is a beast and has zero reliability issues.

Never had a problem with my 2019 Stelvio. Great value and driving experience 😜

Had an Alfa Romeo since 1988. My wife's Acura Integra had more issues (specifically the igniter which would stop the car without warning). Now have a Guilia Quadrifoglio and the most fun car I've owned. (2002 WRX and LS400 also in the stable.) Follow the maintenance manual and in my experience all has been fine. The electrics can easily be fixed with dielectric grease on the battery terminals.

I have a 2020 Giulia. Tons of electrical issues, but still, I'll drive an Alfa over any BMW or Audi.

Giulia QUAD is a lotta car for that price and not over priced at all. I have owned Giulia QV and Stelvio 2.0 for a while and never had to take either one of them for a repair ever. QV is one of the best car I have ever driven.

Man thank you I needed to hear that 👌

This video is jumping around too much and the camera shaking is getting me dizzy. Lol

The thing is. These days this reputation of poor reliability is not founded. Its just accounts from very old model. The looks however, are unmatchable. This brand is going to be my next one

My 2019 Giulia Ti Lusso has 45,000 miles and doing just fine and I bought mine preowned in 2020. Reputation isn’t FACTS.

At some point I was considering an Alfa Romeo 159 but bought a BMW 6 Series coupé. In 2019 again another Alfa Romeo - Giulia - was on my short list, but ended up buying a Jaguar XF sedan. We apparently just don"t click 😊. But the old 159 and Giulia look the part for sure.

Ron Rides post a lot about alfas.. there are giulias in Europe with over 200k miles.

I had a 2017 Giulia veloce - lasted me 80k miles when I bought it with 16k. only oil changes. best car ever had

My friend just bought one and I'm hoping it lasts for at least two years. He's well to do so I don't think it will matter. By the way the battery issue is because they're made in Italy 🇮🇹 and it takes a couple months on a boat to get here. The battery is in the trunk and it's no problem to charge.

I’ve had a dead ecu at 3,000 miles on my 2021 guilia, nothing but problems after that

I have my original 1997 Toyota Rav4 and I am happy with it. During or after a hurricane - my Rav4 rules the road in Miami!

The 3.0 litre V6 does have reliability issues (up to 2021 at least) but the 2.0 is rock solid now, particularly compared to the German makes. I speak as an owner.. and not just my personal experience, but the forums also reflect the fact that the new 2.0s are extremely reliable. Enginee that are well maintained (key) will easily last 200K with nothing but oil changes. Electrical will not be Japanese reliable, but nothing crazy. My betst advice is get an extended warantee, which aren't that expensive which also speaks to the high reliability of the 2.0s (they would make it very expensive otherwise).

All I hear is you read on the forums, you read on the forums... Have you really actually spent some quality time to test drive the current Alfa offerings? I have to disagree with you on the Alfa reliability. It is all about preventive maintenance and driving with care! If you are planning to hoon it, of course you are going to stall the car or blow up the turbo lol I bought my 2017 Giulia used around 37k miles and now it is in 56k miles. Yeah sure, I have had an issue with wiring which put my car in normal mode, but the part was priced fairly in the luxury car world and dealership labor cost is reasonable. I don't have other crazy problems since. Plus I heard Alfa listens and fixed many complaints in their later model years. If anyone is considering a luxury car, they obliviously have to consider the cost of maintenance. You have to be fair because buying any used car is a gamble! Every car is bound to have problems because there are more and more sensors put into place and they freak out sometimes, regardless of brands. I do my due diligence and do my research and have a code reader for all my cars. Treat cars like your wife or girlfriend and they will love you without disappointment!

Had an old Alfa 146 while living in Italy, it had 200,000 km or 124,000 miles. It was a 20 years old car, I only changed suspensions and break rotors and I had to fix the AC but What car doesn’t have problems after 20 years and over 100k ? I also had a Corolla for about the same time and it had the same problems, ac, electrical problems, etc. And it had the same mileage as the Alfa 146.

Idk man my alfa “ which I dog” I’ve had for a couple years do all the maintenance and it’s amazing no issues at all, just rear tires and fronts actually, I have a cambered version which came stock, it’s fun it’s fast I have a stage 2 cam and a bunch of bolt ons it’s around 423hp and 500lbs of torque, and I’ve never had any issues with it, the only real issue I’ve ever had was when I first bought it, it had a pcm module that shot an engine light it was a cheap fix but it was a headache since it took 3 weeks to arrive, either way it’s funner than my old 2017 Cla 45 and way faster even stock it felt similar

Great Info

See I’m in the process of buying my first Alfa Romeo Guilia Sport. And I had to do some research because people tell me that they aren’t good cars. After 2 months of hard studying I can say that everything they say is bullshit. This car is amazing. Anyone down talking it has either never driven one or just listens to what other people who haven’t driven one have to say about it… Wish me luck hopefully I can join the Alfa Mafia.

i’m glad i saw this video…there’s a 2018 giulia QV for around 45k…the closes dealership is 1.5hrs away

The reason why the Italian cars, such as Alfa Romeo and Fiat are not popular for the buyers in the USA. French cars, like Italian cars, such as Citreon, Peugeot, and Renault does not attract buyers in the USA. My favorite Chrysler Corporation car are: 1954 DeSoto Firedome V-8, 2 door Sportsman hardtop with original 2 tone paint job, 1956 Chrysler New Yorker DeLuxe St. Regis V-8, 2 door Newport hardtop with 3 tone paint job, and 1957 DeSoto Adventure came in 2 models and they are: 2 door Sportsman hardtop and convertible and 4 headlights are standard.

How they are overpriced from the beginning?? All giulias even base modell are coming with : aluminium hood, aluminium front fenders, and all 4 doors also aluminium . Carbon fiber driveshaft, all modells!!! Double wishbone suspension!! The Germans yes they have beter screens inside 🤣🤣🤣

i don't know if people know this Chrysler dealerships have access to alfa Romeo service info, so you can go to any Chrysler dealership you like doesn't have to be an alfa Romeo dealership the dealer network shouldn't be an issue unless your buying it

Can you do one all about Range Rovers and the common issues they have because I really like the looks of the Range Rover velars!

I’ve owned several BMWs throughout the years and grew tired of the maintenance and reliability I’ve since bought a Giulia and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned.

This guy is full of himself and doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Though there are several dealers near me, I take my Stelvio to a mechanic that services high performance cars (and he is less expensive than a dealer). No problems yet.

I’m looking at a 2019+ Stelvio Quadrifoglio. I’d like to buy one used with

So if they're unreliable, where are the recalls? The 2018 Honda Accord Sport with 62K I traded for my 2022 Giulia with 12K six weeks ago was on it's forth or fifth recall. I took advantage of the over valued Honda (nice car) and an undervalued Alfa...about a $6000 difference before all the dealer BS, add-ons, and usual taxes and fees. Other than being 100 miles from an Alpha service center, I couldn't be happier.

Hello from the UK I have a selvio on a 4 year lease with 4 year warranty love the car dealership network is better here Its like a German car (I had audi nothing but trouble) owning a lux car out of warranty is a risk but in warranty such good times

Looking to get a used one what warranty do you all get

Currnetly driving stelvio 2018. Never had any issues. Not a mechanic but did all services such as brakes, rotors, oil, belt etc. by myself after watching youtube videos. Had 2006 GranSport maserati. No issues at all. Did work myself as well. Keep spreading rumors, we'll applause depreciation. Hope QV will be added to the list soon.

I have a Guilia quad. On my sixth year of ownership since new. I ordered it. Not a single issue. 40,000 miles. Very happy.

I think Alfa Romeo shouldn’t be on sale in the states.This car is for educated people living in a first world country ,only that knows what a piece of art it is

2018 Stelvio w/ 40k miles on it, no issues yet

This is such a tough choice for me. I'm looking at either this or a Infiniti Q50 and both have their pros and cons but the alfa looks way better inside and out.

The 2018 and up are super reliable. Sometimes I watch this BS of people who never owned one.

I am not an expert on cars, I have a BMW 428i, replacing this car for a an Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 would be an upgrade?

Fix It Again Tony hahahahahahahaha

I've never owned a ALR's but I'm considering buying a used one despite what anyone says about them not being reliable. I think most people hear horror stories about Alfa's and assume that it's true without them ever experiencing it themselves. I like to take risks in life and experience it for myself so I'm not gonna rely on other people's s opinion about something. So, I've decided to look into these Alfa Rameos and experience it for myself. Any car enthusiasts let me know if you know more about the maintenance and what I should look for when buying a used Alf R. Thank you.

Interesting and tangible perception love your overview’s 🇨🇦 thank you for sharing ✌️

Owned a 2018 alfa romeo giulia, no breakage, no interruptions, just the oil, brake pads and tires replaced.

This guy says “Italian cars are expensive because they are overpriced” but he didn’t get documented on the billions they spent for the actual platform and the Ferrari and Maserati engineers that were involved in realizing the Stelvio and Giulia. He is totally ignorant about the subject.

Only legit concern is dealerships are few and far between. The engines are the same as in all 4-cyl Jeeps and the transmissions are ZF. I have 2017 Ti , 50K miles never a problem. They are worth it if you love to drive, but if all you need is a toaster don't bother. However if I lived an hour away from a dealership I would not buy one.

I mean, if you've had a Challenger or Charger newer than say, 2016, it's the same thing. I'd cop one. They're nice cars.

I test drove one, stalled out at every traffic light .

I don’t know how other Alfa dealer networks are but the one in Kansas City for me has been great. BMW is another good one. Now I’m not saying the cars will be reliable no Just that the dealers are good at handling your problems when things do happen.

Your take on Stelvio 2.2 diesel 210 HP ,pls.

I agree 100% with @Monsterello comment. Right on , couldn’t have said it better myself! I have a 2018 Stelvio and I love it, no issues or problems! I do have extended warranty though, repairs are expensive!

History tells me that Alfa Romeo vehicles are mostly for petrolheads or simply those who enjoy the pleasure of driving a car, because Alfa Romeo (and to same extent Italian cars in general) are usually a bit more tuned for a better driving experience. Of course Alfa's can serve all the other vehicle purposes, but casual owners will always be suspicious of reliability and cost of ownership or resell value. ...and the last one, resell value is always true. It's funny, because people are ok with high costs of ownership with German brands, but if it happens to be an Italian car, they always think "I should've known better".

Test drive the Stelvio with my wife today. What a fun car to drive!!!!! I LOVE the Giulia but my wife wants an SUV. This will be her car so we are still doing the research and comparisons.

I have 2 Alfa's. Alfa 164 2.0 TS (480 000km and haven't no problems). One year ago bought a Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.2 and hohpe that would be good like my first Alfa 164. Driving Alfa is pleasure...

I'm biased because I drive a Stelvio, but after the 3 recalls were addressed (before I bought it with 9k miles), I haven't had a single issue. On occasion I get some false flags about servicing the parking brake but it goes away immediately. Sure, maybe that's a sign, but at the price I paid for a pristine Stelvio with 9k miles like new, there wasn't a better vehicle overall in it's class that could compete, especially at the price. If it were out of warranty on the other hand, not sure I'd feel so comfortable

Please would someone recommend 2015 Audi rs3 as a first car Please help me out I want to know

I'm tempted by an Alpha because they are beautiful cars. Of course James May (or was it Jeremy Clarkson) once said that everyone drives an Alpha once if they consider themselves a car person but they get left on the side of the road waiting for the tow to the shop.

and alot of those electrical problems were traced back to the battery that Alfa has for those cars ...take them out and get a better brand battery

The factory Varta battery is at fault, for most of the electrical issues. Get a good AGM battery, and you are good to go.

Can you take this to the local mechanic?

Electronics is the weakness of all non-Asian cars.

Just wanted to note on your No Other Options comment; Land Rover has plenty of service centers in the major cities. Not sure why you included them on there

Alfa Romeos are for looking good when you arrive somewhere. If you want unfathonable reliability, buy a Toyota.

Bruh my mom bought a alfa brand new in 2002. And we have it since than. We havent experienced ANY problems with the car other than normal maintnence. Its a 147 1.6ts 120hp

I have a quadro stelvio no issues head turner and speed demon sorry buddy Alfa of Ramsey Newjerey is the best

Everything you say is true. I love mine but I am well connected in my community. I never buy a Tesla because I can’t service it in my state.

It's all perception. Who do you think makes these parts for all the different brands?

Would you recommend a Stelvio or Giulia as a first car? Like you said, there are a lot of cheap offers in the used cars market, but the reliability doesn’t sound great, in the status quo. I’d love to hear you guys’ thoughts…

4 dealerships in Miami, Florida and many more repair shops. Not worried at all.

When you buy one of these cars and you Pay these exorbitant prices. You think you're getting quality? But all you're really getting is a name. And you're paying just for that. Not for what you really need. is quality and reliability.

I’ve wanted a Giulia for a long time, but I live in a rural area with the nearest dealer being over 2 hours away. I may go with something like the new Mazda model 3 turbo. Could look at a Giulia down the road maybe.

you could make a video on how Italian cars compare to British cars. They seem about the same

I live in the southern US. I remember when I was a teenager looking for my first car, I saw this older Alfa Romeo for sale on side of the road. I begged my dad for it and he said no way in hell. I wouldn't be able to find the parts for it to fix it if I need to, and I will be needing to. I was so smitten with that car but now that I'm older and wiser I would never touch it haha.

I was in a Dealer that sold multiple brands...guy in service (BMW, Alfa shop next door) started talking with me and Alfas came up in discussion. "they are fine, until you need parts..."

You “get “ Alfa or you don’t, if you don’t you never will...and If you do , you’ll not want to drive much else.

If someone has a used Stelvio for cheap, let me know I will buy it despite this review. My Giulia is 6 years old and no major issues. Also had 4C for a couple of years that I bought used and no issues at all. In fact I haven't had a car from any brand that never had an issue, Lexus, Cadillac, Nissan. So much misinformation from folks who just make stuff up or "heard", reputation from 30 years ago propagated by internet reviewers not a good benchmark...more expensive than what - a Camry, certainly not a BMW or Merc.. Funny, most of what you said was very positive before the but came. This brand is for those that enjoy the drive and don't want to be part of the herd, which is boring IMO.

"Faulty throttle body" lol the 2.0l uses Multiair aka it doesn't have a "throttle body"

Love my 2019 Giulia. 0 problems.

In Europe we have another joke for FIAT. Forget It And Thumb...

This is a message to the people who watched this video. Just go and buy the Giulia. Trust me you wouldn't be disappointed. Go to your nearest dealership and book a test drive and then you'll see what a great car it is. I daily drive my Alfa Giulia Veloce Q4 and there has been no issues. Not even creaks and squeaks in the interior which is really common with Merc, BMW and oftenly Audi. This car is a masterpiece itself. Do your own research and forget that you've watched this video. He doesn't know what he is on about!

ALFA AND MASERATI you can go to a independent shop in your city