Thinking of buying an Alfa Romeo 147? Discover the most common issues, symptoms, and repair costs with this honest UK guide. Avoid surprises with real-world tips.
Car Problems 

Alfa Romeo 147 Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs

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The Alfa Romeo 147 is a stylish Italian hatchback that blends good looks with sporty handling. While it has a passionate following, the car isn’t without its problems. If you’re thinking about buying one or already own one, it’s important to understand the most common problems and what they might cost to fix. This guide covers the real-world issues owners face and gives you clear repair cost estimates based on UK prices.

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1. Timing Belt Problems

What happens: The 147, especially models with the Twin Spark engines (1.6 and 2.0), can suffer from timing belt failure. If this snaps, it can cause serious engine damage.

Symptoms:

  • Rattling or ticking from the engine
  • Misfiring or engine won’t start
  • Loss of power

When to replace: Every 36,000 to 60,000 miles or every 3 to 5 years.

Cost to fix:

  • Timing belt kit and water pump: £250 to £400
  • Full timing belt replacement including labour: £450 to £700

2. Suspension Wear

What happens: Front suspension parts like wishbones and drop links wear out quickly. This leads to poor handling and uneven tyre wear.

Symptoms:

  • Clunking over bumps
  • Wobbly or vague steering
  • Car pulling to one side

Cost to fix:

  • Wishbones: £120 to £180 each
  • Drop links: £30 to £60 each
  • Full suspension refresh: £400 to £600

3. Electrical Faults

What happens: Alfa Romeo 147s are well known for electrical issues. These often involve the dashboard, central locking, windows or body control module.

Symptoms:

  • Random warning lights
  • Door locking problems
  • Windows working only sometimes

Cost to fix:

  • Diagnostics: £60 to £90
  • Body Control Module (BCM) replacement: £250 to £350
  • Window motor or regulator: £100 to £180

4. High Oil Usage and Leaks

What happens: Twin Spark engines, especially the 2.0-litre, tend to use a lot of oil and often leak from seals and gaskets.

Symptoms:

  • Burning oil smell
  • Frequent top-ups needed
  • Oil stains on driveway

Cost to fix:

  • Rocker cover gasket: £80 to £120
  • Camshaft oil seal: £150 to £250
  • Frequent oil top-ups: £15 to £30 per 1,000 miles

5. Gearbox Issues

What happens: Manual gearboxes often suffer from worn synchromesh, especially in second gear. The Selespeed semi-automatic gearbox has a poor reputation for reliability.

Symptoms:

  • Crunching into second gear
  • Hard to change gears
  • Jerky or delayed changes (Selespeed)

Cost to fix:

  • Manual gearbox rebuild: £600 to £900
  • Selespeed actuator: £800 to £1,200
  • Selespeed pump or sensor: £200 to £400

6. Interior Trim and Finish

What happens: The cabin is stylish but doesn’t age well. Switches wear, roof linings sag and plastics rattle.

Symptoms:

  • Sticky or worn buttons
  • Loose trim panels
  • Roof lining coming down

Cost to fix:

  • Switches: £30 to £60 each
  • Roof liner repair: £150 to £250
  • Glovebox or trim panel: £80 to £120

7. Rust and Corrosion

What happens: The Alfa 147 is fairly rust-resistant, but it’s still worth checking wheel arches, sills and the underside.

Symptoms:

  • Bubbling paint
  • Rust on wheel arches or doors
  • MOT failure for corroded sills or chassis

Cost to fix:

  • Small rust patches: £100 to £200
  • Panel respray: £250 to £400
  • Welding for sills or chassis: £200 to £350

Is the Alfa Romeo 147 Still Worth Buying?

Yes, if you go in with your eyes open. The 147 is a driver’s car and still stands out today, but it needs regular care. Many issues are common and well-known, which means they can be handled by independent Alfa specialists at fair prices. But you should never buy one without a professional inspection.

CAREXAMER offers mobile inspections that are far more detailed than the ones from AA or RAC. If you’re looking at a used Alfa Romeo 147, a thorough inspection could save you thousands.

Final Word

Owning an Alfa Romeo 147 means balancing style and driving fun with realistic maintenance expectations. If you stay on top of the known problems and budget for common repairs, it can be a very rewarding car to own.

Check service history, get expert advice and don’t buy blind. Use trusted inspection services like CAREXAMER to protect your investment.

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