Models · Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo 147 GTA buying guide
The 147 GTA was the hot version of Alfa's 147 hatchback, built from 2002 to 2005 with the 3.2 litre Busso V6 driving the front wheels. Around 5,000 were made, most with the six-speed manual.
The versions
- 3.2 litre 24-valve V6 (Busso), 247bhp (184kW), front-wheel drive
- Six-speed manual (about 4,000 built) or Selespeed automated manual (about 1,000 built)
- Front brakes: 305mm discs with Brembo calipers until November 2003, then 330mm discs with radially mounted calipers
- Many cars have since been fitted with a Q2 or Quaife limited-slip differential
What to check on a 147 GTA
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Cambelt age and a rubbing noise
What to look for: Ask for the bill for the last cambelt change and check both its date and its mileage. With the engine running, listen at the front right of the engine bay for a rubbing or scraping noise from behind the plastic covers.
Why it matters: The V6 drives its camshafts by a rubber belt, and a failure usually starts at the tensioner and badly damages the engine. Alfa shortened the original interval over the car's life, so age matters as much as miles. A rubbing noise can be a worn belt touching the covers. Specialists replace the tensioner and water pump with the belt, many fitting a pump with a metal impeller.
The differential
What to look for: Ask whether the differential has been changed for a Q2 or Quaife limited-slip unit and look for the invoice. On the test drive, pull away firmly in first and second and listen for clunks, grinding or whine from the front of the car.
Why it matters: The standard differential takes a lot of punishment from nearly 250bhp through the front wheels and is a known weak point, often failing with little warning and sometimes damaging the gearbox casing. A limited-slip upgrade is the usual cure, and a car that already has one is a sign of an owner who has been ahead of the problem.
Early front brakes
What to look for: Check the build date and look through the front wheels at the discs. On the test drive, brake firmly from speed and feel for shudder through the steering wheel or pedal.
Why it matters: Cars built before November 2003 had 305mm front discs with lug-mounted Brembo calipers, which are prone to warping. Later cars have 330mm discs with radially mounted calipers, which cope far better. Alfa upgraded many early cars under warranty, so an early car may already have the bigger set-up.
Also in the full guide
- Front suspension bushes
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 147 GTA
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Alfa Romeo.