USED Alfa Romeo GT Coupe (04 - 11)

My car

First of all, I think that the three-out-of-five star rating is wrong - it should be at least four.

I loved the looks as soon as I saw the Alfa GT, so I went to the dealer to buy the V6 but test drove the 1.9JTD and then the V6 back-to-back, and I bought the 1.9JTD.

I had never owned a diesel until this car - the performance blew me away, and, although on paper the JTD is some three seconds slower than the V6, the difference in reality is small. Sure, there is a bit more noise and vibration compared to a petrol, but the fuel economy makes up for this. The biggest issue for me is the road noise intrusion at speed - it's dependant on road surfaces, and on rough roads it can be loud.

I have now owned the car for a year and covered 14,000 miles and have enjoyed most of these. I went for the 17inch wheels which look fabulous, heated leather seats and the parking sensor, which is a great help. Rear visibility isn't the best but who cares - just look at the car.

I have found the cost of ownership low: I get 46-49 mpg with cracking performance, low tyre wear, reduced road tax and reasonable servicing costs.

Unfortunately, the engine immobiliser failed within the first week of ownership and I have had a few niggles since, but the fantastic dealer sorted everything promptly and I always had a courtesey car if required. Just about every car manufactuer has problems, so I think I was just unlucky. Overall, it's a brilliant car, and one I am proud to own.

My car

This car has to be one of the most beautiful cars on the road. A real head turner. I bought the GT in Lipari Grey with light grey leather and 17 ins wheels for £19,000 which was quite a drop from the list price alfa quote.

I have owned a few diesels now my last was a Skoda Fabia but the power available from this 1.9 is quite simply brilliant, even pulling rapidly in 6th gear. Fuel economy is around 42mpg at the moment but I beleive it will improve with mileage having only covered 5000 miles. Its already been to Paris to see Coldplay and is going to the South of France at the end of May, I CANT WAIT!!

My car

Waited over a year to buy one, thinking the second-hand price would drop as many Alfas' do in their first year - but what happens? The price remains quite high and there are few second-hand ones around to choose from. £18,000 buys you a one/one-and-a-half year-old GT, so I bought an ex-demo with leather, 18-inch wheels, metallic paint and parking sensors. It looks and drives fantastic, is comfortable for four adults as I found when we shot down to Donington for a track day. Economy is much better than my old 156's, and with cruise control it's a doddle to drive on the motorway. The power from the 1.9 diesel is more accessible than the 156's ever was and is so useable. Never thought I'd buy a diesel but it's kinda cool to own this car. There's one slight rattle from the fascia, but it's amazing how this is forgotten about as the rest of the car is first-class.

My car

This car is great! :)