Models · Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider 939 buying guide
The Brera coupé launched in late 2005 and the Spider soft-top, built on the same underpinnings, reached the UK in spring 2007. Both were offered with four-cylinder and V6 petrol engines and a 2.4 diesel, with turbo petrol and 2.0 diesel versions added in 2010.
The versions
- Petrol: 2.2 JTS four-cylinder (182bhp) and 3.2 JTS V6 (256bhp), both with GM-based blocks and Alfa heads; 1750 TBi turbo (about 200bhp) from 2010
- Diesel: 2.4 JTDm, 200bhp, raised to 210bhp soon after launch; 2.0 JTDm (about 170bhp) from 2010
- 3.2 V6 with Q4 four-wheel drive and a Torsen centre differential; other versions front-wheel drive, with a front-drive V6 added in 2010
- Six-speed manual, with the Q-tronic automatic available on some engines
- Brera coupé and Spider soft-top
What to check on a Brera or Spider
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Petrol timing chains
What to look for: On a 2.2 or 3.2, ask whether the timing chains have been replaced and look for the invoice. Check the engine warning light goes out after starting and stays out on the drive.
Why it matters: The JTS petrol engines drive their camshafts by chains, which are known to stretch. When the timing drifts, the engine management light comes on. Specialists expect the 2.2 to need its two chains from around 50,000 miles and the 3.2 its three chains from around 100,000 miles. Regular oil changes with the correct oil help them last, and a car with the chains already done is a good find.
Front subframe corrosion
What to look for: Look under the front of the car, behind the plastic undertray if you can see past it, at the subframe the front suspension and engine mount to. Look for flaking or swollen metal, and be wary of fresh black paint over it. The MoT history online may show advisories.
Why it matters: The bodyshell is galvanised and rarely rusts, but the front subframe on the 939 cars (Brera, Spider and 159) is known to corrode badly, partly where the undertray holds water against it. Surface rust is common; heavy corrosion means a replacement subframe.
Knocks from the front suspension
What to look for: Drive slowly over speed bumps and rough surfaces and listen for a knock from the front. Check the front tyres for wear on the edges and the rears for uneven inner wear.
Why it matters: The front upper wishbones wear and can start knocking from around 70,000 miles, and the knock is often hard to pin down. Worn rear lower hub bushes cause rapid tyre wear, and incorrect geometry makes the front tyres wear quickly too. Careful alignment set-up helps.
Also in the full guide
- Gearbox whine
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Brera or Spider
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.