Buying a Used Alfa Romeo Brera – Advice Needed ALFA ROMEO Brera (939) (01.2006 - 05.2011)

If you are considering a used 2010 Alfa Romeo Brera, here are key points to watch out for, common issues, engine reliability, and maintenance costs compared to other sports coupes:

What to Watch Out For
- Electrical issues: The Brera is known for inconsistent electrics. Check all gadgets, lights, infotainment, central locking, and windows carefully, as these often malfunction or behave erratically.
- Interior rattles and plastics: Owners report rattles from seats, interior squeaks, and plastics coming loose inside the cabin.
- Windows: Driver and passenger windows can be problematic, sometimes requiring resets or repairs.
- Paint condition: Red paint is particularly prone to chipping on the bonnet, front bumper, and rear wheel arches. Inspect carefully for chips and rust, especially on the front subframe and wheel arches.
- Suspension and steering: Check for uneven tyre wear and knocks from the front end, which may indicate worn suspension bushes, broken springs, or steering rack issues. Rear wheel lower hub bushes also wear out commonly.
- Engine noise: Listen for rattling noises from the engine, which could indicate a faulty timing chain, especially in petrol engines.
- Power steering: Power steering pump and lines can fail or leak, requiring attention.
- Radio and alarms: Complaints about poor radio reception and alarms going off frequently have been noted.

Common Problems
- Timing chain issues: Petrol engines may have stretched or faulty timing chains needing replacement, costing around £750-£1,000.
- EGR valve clogging: Leads to excessive smoke and loss of power; cleaning the valve can resolve this.
- Oil filter clogging: The 2.2 JTS petrol engine’s oil filter can clog with sludge, so frequent filter changes (every 12,000 miles) are recommended.
- Manual gearbox bearings: Bearings may fail in petrol manual gearboxes.
- Suspension wear: Broken springs, worn bushes, and steering rack failures are common and affect handling and tyre wear.

- Paint chips and rust: Especially on red cars, paint chips are widespread and can lead to rust if untreated.

Engine Types and Reliability
- Petrol engines: The 2.2 JTS petrol engine is known to be somewhat problematic, with timing chain and oil filter issues. The 3.2 V6 is more powerful but may have similar maintenance needs. The manual gearbox in petrol models can have bearing failures.
- Diesel engines: The 2.4 JTDM diesel is considered more reliable and economical. However, it has a cambelt that should be replaced every 60,000 miles (earlier than Alfa’s recommendation) due to water pump seizure risk. The diesel’s inlet manifold valve can stick.
- Transmission: Avoid the Q-Tronic CVT automatic if possible, as it is rare, jerky, and reduces performance and fuel economy.

Maintenance Costs Compared to Other Sports Coupes
- Maintenance can be more costly than mainstream sports coupes due to parts like timing chains, power steering components, and suspension bushes that may need replacement.
- Tyres, especially 18-inch sizes, are expensive.
- Paint repairs can be frequent due to chipping.
- Regular servicing is critical to avoid expensive engine and suspension repairs.
- Overall, expect higher running costs than typical Japanese or German sports coupes but in line with other Italian marques known for style and driving experience.

Alternatives to Consider
- If you are hesitant about the Brera due to these issues, consider alternatives like:
- Audi TT: Known for reliability and refined driving.
- BMW 3 Series Coupe: More mainstream with better reliability and service networks.
- Porsche Cayman (used): More expensive but excellent build quality and driving dynamics.
- Jaguar XK: Stylish British coupe with better reliability than some Italian cars.

These alternatives generally offer better reliability and lower maintenance costs but may lack the unique Italian character and design flair of the Brera.

In summary, the Alfa Romeo Brera is a stylish and engaging car but requires careful inspection, especially of electrics, suspension, engine timing components, and paint. The diesel 2.4 JTDM is generally more reliable than petrol variants. Maintenance and repair costs can be higher than average sports coupes, so budget accordingly. If you value uniqueness and driving enjoyment and are prepared for some maintenance, the Brera can be rewarding; otherwise, consider more reliable mainstream alternatives.