SECONDHAND SENSE:MOST CARS have no aesthetic appeal. Mass production means the cheapest possible production, and underpinning that is the demand for functional vehicles that meet popular requirements.
There are, of course, some carmakers for whom the ordinary is anathema and among them is Alfa Romeo. Say what you like about legendary levels of unreliability and sinking residual values, but Alfa has always managed to produce cars that have at least an element of beauty in their design.
Take the Alfa GT, for example. I drove it soon after its launch four years ago, and it provided not only a visual treat thanks to its exterior styling, but it was also a pleasure to sit into and reasonably pleasurable to drive. It can be an awkward car to drive, with a big turning circle, restricted visibility and the steering can be vague.
It has not been a huge seller here but those who bought have opted for the relatively sensible 2.0 litre petrol and 1.9 turbo diesel engines. The 2.0 litre is fine but the diesel makes more sense in terms of economy. It is comfortable and manages to provide more room in the back than many other coupés.
Alfa has been improving in recent years in terms of reliability but most people are still suspicious. However, the GT has only had two recalls (for a faulty fuel hose that could eventually cause a fire and a brakes problem) and involved small numbers of cars. The car did not have a EuroNCAP crash test, but levels of active and passive safety are good. It would always be wise with an Alfa to get the car thorougly checked, especially high mileage models.
A 2004 diesel model with alloys, multiple airbags, climate control, leather seats, sports suspension and traction control and 83,000km on the clock is on offer privately at €21,500. A 2005 diesel with the same equipment and 37,000km up is on offer at a garage for €26,950 A 2005 1.8 petrol model is on offer for €23,995. In this market such prices are optimistic, so hard bargaining should yield a rather ageless investment - as long as the car has been looked after.
STAR RATING: 6/10