Originally Posted by RC45
In South Africa they had the reputation for a sporty nature but ZERO reliability and would rust in a desert - as well as develop electrical problems for no reason...
Lancia had a similar reputation - and until the Delta Integrale arrived - was known for the weird looking Fulvia - and ther as alwatys a weird loner that kept to himself and restored Lancia down the block in every neighbour hood..
I am almost sure they have the same reputation here in the states.
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Alfas had a similar reputation here in Australia, but the 156 & 147 seem to be getting more and more popular.
I considered the 147 GTA a few months ago and took it for a lenghty test drive. The cars performance is great (and the engine/exhaust note sounds pretty nice as well). BUT build quality on the interior was shocking. My test car had loose threads/stitching around the steering wheel and seats. There were big gaps in between the door inserts and overall was dissatisfied with the level of fit and finish. This was also present in other Alfas I'd looked at and wasn't a one-off case.
Pity we don't get any Lancias or Fiats over here. The only Fiat is a commercial vehicle (Ducato) and recent comments by the importer who holds the distribution rights for Fiat suggest that it won't be re-launched until 2006 (and that is being very optimistic).
Older Alfas, Fiats & Lancias are relatively active in the motorsport scene here (club level) and perform well enough.
There are a couple of the Lacia Grp B and earlier rally cars in aus, but they've been imported privately.
No Fiats or Lancias here in Oz. Alfa's aren't very popular and like the other Euro brands like Peugeot, Renault and Citroen are a bit pricey and don't hold their resale value too well.
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Like, 23790554, I'm gonna have to disagree with tyhe comment by '68-998'.
Alfas seem to be getting more and more popular over the last 3-4 years. (the 156 & 147). I'd say Peugeot are doing fairly well out of the Euros (Renault's re-entry in to the local market has fizzled IMO and Citroen are taking baby steps). With regards to price, I agree that they are more expensive than the Jap counterparts, but when you take into account equipment levels and saftey , the difference is reduced (IMO). i.e. Cliosport vs Corolla or C2 vs Toyota Echo.
Peugeot did win the first Redex reliability trials in 1953.