Maintenance & Servicing

Living with a 147 Selespeed: A Survival Guide

The Alfa Romeo 147 Selespeed represents an interesting chapter in automated manual transmissions. While innovative for its time, the system has become notorious for its reliability issues and repair costs. This guide aims to help both current owners and potential buyers understand what to look for and what to expect from these often misunderstood vehicles. …

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The MAF Sensor: What Every 147 Owner Should Know

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is a common failure point on the 147, typically requiring attention around the 68,000-mile mark. While some units last longer, it’s generally considered a maintenance item that will eventually need addressing. Regular monitoring of its performance can help catch issues before they develop into more serious problems. Common Symptoms …

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Alfa Romeo 147 GTA Bonnet Catch: A Hidden Safety Risk

The bonnet catch mechanism on the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA represents one of the model’s most concerning safety issues. While seemingly minor, this component’s failure can lead to catastrophic consequences during driving. The problem stems from Alfa Romeo’s initial design decision to apply grease to the catch mechanism during production. Over time, this grease attracts …

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Best Oil for a First-Gen VW Touareg (2002 – 2010)?

The first-generation Volkswagen Touareg (2002-2010) came with a variety of engine options, from the 3.2-litre VR6 at launch to a 5.0-litre V10 diesel, and even a ludicrous 6.0-litre 444 bhp W12 that was available in some markets. Ensuring the best possible reliability for your Touareg means staying on top of servicing requirements. These are complex …

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Nissan 370Z: What Goes Wrong?

The Nissan 370Z, tracing its lineage back to the iconic Datsun 240Z of the 1970s, represents the epitome of Japanese sports car evolution. As the successor to the 350Z, the 370Z hit the market in 2009 and quickly garnered attention for its perfect blend of raw power, poised handling, and distinctive design. Its V6 engine’s …

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Best Oil For Nissan 350Z

The 350Z is one of Nissan’s “greatest hits” of the last couple of decades. Loved by many for its blend of excellent driving characteristics, raw ‘old school’ performance and generally good reliability (learn more here in our 350Z buying guide) the 350Z is one of the best choices you can make if you’re after an …

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Nissan 350Z – What Goes Wrong?

The Nissan 350Z, introduced in 2002 and produced until 2009, has been a popular sports car known for its spirited performance and sharp looks. However, like all vehicles, it has had some reported reliability concerns. While the 350Z is generally well-regarded as being a dependable used performance buy, there are still some issues to look …

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