Used car buying guide: Alfa Romeo GTV

Today the V6 commands the highest prices, and rightly so, but a well-bought and cheaper TS is the better buy. What’s not such a good buy is the 163bhp 16-valve 2.0 JTS, launched in 2003, that replaced it and which has an appetite for bearings and bores. At the same time, the 3.0-litre V6 was replaced by a 3.2 producing 238bhp for 0-62mph in less than six seconds. Few were sold. 

Throughout the model’s 10-year reign, Alfa couldn’t resist tinkering. There are lightly modified Phase 1b cars from 1997, Phase 2 facelifted cars from 1998 (new centre console, revised instruments, colour-coded bodykit), cleaner Phase 2b engines from 2000 and, finally, Phase 3 facelifted models from 2003 (new nose, revised console, traction control). Enthusiasts also talk about CF1, 2 and 3 engines and debate their differences, which largely concern the number and location of the catalytic converters. 

Trims boil down to Turismo and Lusso (V6 cars are exclusively Lusso). There’s a V6 Cup, too, but just try to find one. In any case, at this distance, condition trumps trim.

An expert’s view 

Ned Kirkham, director, Autolusso: “I’d buy a Phase 2 3.0 V6 with the CF2 engine. The CF2 was a useful improvement on the CF1 in the Phase 1 car but not as complicated as the later CF3 that complied with Euro 3 standards. Then I’d fit a Quaife ATB limited-slip diff. It makes a big improvement to the way the 3.0-litre turns in because without it, it can understeer horribly. Avoid the JTS – it suffers oil dilution caused by its direct fuel injection, which causes cylinder bore, camshaft and big-end bearing wear. It also suffers from carbon buildup in the intakes. Look out for the 3.2. Only 54 were sold in the UK and a good one is highly prized.” 

Buyer beware 

â–  Engine: All engines require a cambelt change every 36,000 miles/three years and fresh oil every 8000. A diesely rattle at idle means cam variator failure. It should be changed with the cambelt. With JTS engines, check oil quality for fuel dilution and frequency of changes. On all engines, rough running and misfiring may be due to poor timing, or on V6 engines a faulty mass airflow sensor or head gasket failure. 

â–  Gearbox: On the 2.0 TS, if the clutch bites close to the top of the pedal travel, it needs replacing. The V6’s pull clutch gets heavy and notchy when warm. Check for smooth gearchanges. Swarf buildup in the end casing can cause fifthgear selection issues. On V6s, budget for a Quaife ATB limited-slip diff. 

â–  Brakes, suspension and wheels: Lower front wishbones wear at each end, causing front tyre inner shoulder wear (although it could also be an alignment issue). Bushes on the rear suspension can wear and specialists advise replacing with Powerflex items. On the V6, feel for warped front discs. Check tyre pressures – the alloys can oxidise, causing a poor seal. 

â–  Body: Check the sills, footwells and jacking points for rust. 

â–  Interior: Check the windows work and, on later cars, that the glass drops 10mm. Check the heated rear screen – it can burn out its connection or, worse, the fuse box. 

Also worth knowing 

The GTV is from a time when some cars required two keys. GTVs from 2000 need their red and blue-topped keys. Before that date, make sure the key code is with the car or you’ll struggle to get a duplicate and the immobiliser won’t work. Specialists can advise in case. Try car-keys-online.com. 

How much to spend 

£600-£999: Includes a well-maintained 1999 2.0 TS with 115,000 miles for £999. 

£1000-£1999: Tidy runners including a cherished 1998 2.0 TS with 89k miles for £1995. 

£2000-£2499: Tidier 2.0 TSs of around 1999 vintage and with 50,000 miles. 

£2500-£3999: More V6s including a 1999 3.0 24v Lusso with 102k miles for £3500.

£4000-£5999: Some nice, low-mileage 2.0 TS cars with good service histories. £6000-£9999 Late V6 Lussos with 26k to 90k miles

One we found

Alfa Romeo 2.0 GTV TS 16v Turismo, 2001/Y-reg, 61,500 miles, £2450: This TS is in original condition and has a modest mileage and full history. It also has both keys (in fact, the ad mentions four of them), a GTV toolkit and just two former keepers.