Models · Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio buying guide
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is the high-performance Giulia, on sale since 2016 with a 2.9 litre twin-turbo V6 driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic. A limited-run GTA and GTAm followed in 2020.
The versions
- 2.9 litre twin-turbo V6 (690T), 503bhp, timing chain
- Rear-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic and paddles
- Carbon-ceramic brakes optional; 330mm discs front and rear as standard
- GTA and GTAm: limited run from 2020, with about 30bhp more and around 100kg less weight
What to check on a Giulia Quadrifoglio
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Limp mode and engine warnings
What to look for: On a long test drive, use the full rev range once the engine is warm and watch for the engine warning light or a sudden loss of power. Ask whether the car has ever gone into limp mode and what was done.
Why it matters: Engine electronics faults, from a warning light to full limp mode, were mostly seen on very early cars. One magazine's long-term test Quadrifoglio went into limp mode three times and needed new turbo overboost valves and part of the wiring loom. Invoices showing these fixed are reassuring.
Brake recalls
What to look for: Ask an Alfa Romeo dealer, with the registration or VIN, to confirm all recalls are done. If the car has carbon-ceramic brakes, ask specifically about the braking software recall.
Why it matters: Cars built from 14 November to 15 December 2017 were recalled because mineral oil could get into the brake and clutch system. The Quadrifoglio also had a recall for possible micro-cracks in the rear brake discs, and in 2023 cars with the carbon-ceramic option were recalled to have the brake module reprogrammed, because of a risk of disc damage. Most cars will have had the work done.
Auxiliary belt and service history
What to look for: Check the history for services every 12 months or 9,000 miles, and look for an auxiliary drive belt and tensioner change on cars over four years old or past 36,000 miles.
Why it matters: The V6 drives its camshafts by chain, so there's no cambelt, but the auxiliary belt and tensioner are due every four years or 36,000 miles and the job is an involved one. If it isn't in the history, it's the first thing the car will need.
Also in the full guide
- The 12V battery and electrics
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Giulia Quadrifoglio
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.