[BimmerF32_430i]

So im getting very close to trading in the car for something new/different. I drove the base giulia a while back (although only for like 5 minutes) and enjoyed it. I like design of the car and think its one of the more great looking cars out there. I have yet to see a giulia on the road so the "exclusivity" of having one would be nice. The one i drove had the sport exterior/interior but not the performance pack and it was pretty fun to drive.

But, the thing that scares me the most is the reliability concerns of the giulia. Obviously a new car so there isnt much to go off of, but hearing about the general crappiness of FCA and its consistently low JD power rankings of the brand puts me way off on the idea of owning an alfa.

What are yalls thoughts on reliability concerns of alfa?

[JAhmed]

Jury is still out, but if other FCA products are any indication, I wouldn't have high hopes.

Example: I am currently on my 2nd FCA product (2017 Jeep GC, previously 2015 Jeep Cherokee). While my 2017 seems to be holding up this far (11k miles and counting), my 2015 had numerous bizarre issues which seemed primarily related to quality control. Squeaky bench seats, rattles, instrument cluster failure, weird diff noises...on and on and on. And I wasn't the only one with such complaints...many had far worse issues.

With the above in mind, I would wager that Alfa will have similar teething issues as they get the Guilia up to speed. Granted, they are now competing directly with the 3/C/A4, so they will have to get their act together quick...but I personally wouldn't want to be an early adopter...

[lemonchicken]

Lease it and hope they have a great loaner program. Win win

[BimmerF32_430i]

Originally Posted by JAhmed

Jury is still out, but if other FCA products are any indication, I wouldn't have high hopes.

Example: I am currently on my 2nd FCA product (2017 Jeep GC, previously 2015 Jeep Cherokee). While my 2017 seems to be holding up this far (11k miles and counting), my 2015 had numerous bizarre issues which seemed primarily related to quality control. Squeaky bench seats, rattles, instrument cluster failure, weird diff noises...on and on and on. And I wasn't the only one with such complaints...many had far worse issues.

With the above in mind, I would wager that Alfa will have similar teething issues as they get the Guilia up to speed. Granted, they are now competing directly with the 3/C/A4, so they will have to get their act together quick...but I personally wouldn't want to be an early adopter...

Yeah ive read some pretty bad horror stories and thats what scares me the most. ive read quite a few about quite a few engine stall stories about the giulia on their forums. unfortunate because I really like the design of the car haha

[BimmerF32_430i]

Originally Posted by lemonchicken

Lease it and hope they have a great loaner program. Win win

who knows, a new car every week may be nice

[rolltidef32]

True that FCA has some serious issues, but a reliable BMW is still a new concept for me having driven them for over 2 decades.

I am looking closely at the Giulia myself and kind of want something different after all these years.

Plan to get a new car next spring and would like to see the new 3 series to compare, but news has been quiet. Should be revealed this fall, with release in early 2018.

The driving feel of the Giulia is a draw. Will lease the car so to not worry about reliability or resale.

[bri1042]

My basic issue with the Giulia, other than the obvious historical Alfa issues and the current FCA issues, is that there isn't a "middle tier". The lower-end Giula is competition for the 3, 4, A4, C300, etc..., and the Quadrifoglio takes on the M's, RS's, and the AMG 63's. There isn't a middle trim that really stands against the -40's, 43's, and S4/5.

I might pick one (on a lease) vs. the 330, A4, or the C300, but I wouldn't pick one against a C43, 340i, or S4.

[spuntyb]

My thoughts summed up by this post:

http://jalopnik.com/no-one-wants-to-...lia-1796219373

[madmonkey]

FIAT - Fix It Again Tony...lol

All joking aside, as with all new model cars, there's bound to be some issues as they work the bugs out of the assembly line and refine technical issues identified through user / dealer / technician feedback.

Same can be said even for the change to the B58 motor - the secondary cooloant reservoir tank issue comes to mind.

That said, you shouldn't be afraid to take the plunge if you're really into the design, features and performance of the Giulia. I personally love the lines of that car - she's definitely sexy.

Reliability and customer service are certainly factors to consider - as was suggested above, maybe lease it first and if you have a good experience, buy a second generation after they've worked the kinks out.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by bri1042

My basic issue with the Giulia, other than the obvious historical Alfa issues and the current FCA issues, is that there isn't a "middle tier". The lower-end Giula is competition for the 3, 4, A4, C300, etc..., and the Quadrifoglio takes on the M's, RS's, and the AMG 63's. There isn't a middle trim that really stands against the -40's, 43's, and S4/5.

I might pick one (on a lease) vs. the 330, A4, or the C300, but I wouldn't pick one against a C43, 340i, or S4.

I agree. The absence of a "middle tier" is puzzling. Why would FCA not have a competitive offering in a key market segment? The bigger issue in my mind is the ownership experience: reliability, dealer service.

[otay]

Test drove a Ti with 19” Sport and Performance packages this past weekend. Also had another drive a few weeks ago. I went back because they now are offering a $3750 lease conquest rebate, plus have decent 2 year lease programming right now (63% & .0008)

First the review…most of this is subjective, of course.

Pros:
- Handling and feedback is better than either the A4 Quattro or 330i (also did recent test drives on these). Good combination of comfortable ride and flat handling.
- Engine, tranny & drivetrain is very good, maybe the best 4-cyl I’ve driven. Very quick on acceleration and shifting, just a hoot when coming out of corners. Carbon fiber drive shaft and mechanical LSD!
- Both interior and exterior are beautiful.

Cons:
- Some of the controls and mechanisms felt flimsy, not as solid as my F30. DNA dial, hood opener, fuel door, etc.
- I’m about 6 feet. With the seat in the lowest position, my head was about an inch from the roof. This one had the giant sunroof. Which, BTW, slides up and back…outside of the roof. Looks complex and maybe prone to damage or failure.
- With the adjustable bolsters all the way out, the seat felt OK…but maybe a bit tight (I’m not huge, about 190 lbs). Don’t remember this from first drive, maybe this one had a problem? Lumbar support was great though. No thigh extensions on seats. Never knew I liked the F30 extension until I missed it.
- With the front seat back far enough for my 6 feet, it was nearly impossible to get in the back seat. An adult could not get their feet in there without some serious gyrations.
- Shift paddles were mounted to the column. I know some may prefer this, but not me. Worse, they were HUGE. Every time I went for the turn signal, the paddle was in the way. At least it has a console shifter, too.
- Tires were Pirelli Cinturato run flat. Although comfortable, they were squealing when exiting corners quickly. Checked the pressures, but all seemed OK (~38 lbs hot)
- Sales dude tried to show me the back seat part of the dual sunroof, but the shade wouldn’t close as it was broken. Not a big deal, but not inspiring either.

2 things are making me stay away:
- They would not budge from $1k off sticker. Seriously? Pulled out my phone and the Leasematic app, and showed them I could get a fairly loaded 340i for what the lease price would be on the Ti, but still wouldn’t move. They are part of the Hendrick dealer group, who also have 1 of the 3 BMW dealers in the area, and that BMW dealer is always highest price. On the plus side, they said they'd pick up my last BMW payment and disposition fee.
- Spent some time on a Giulia forum. Yes, it’s hard to get a feel for what’s really happening, because people don’t post when there isn’t a problem only when there is…but saw enough stuff that makes me wary. http://www.giuliaforums.com/forum/

So there ya go. Not gonna do it.

[Calvin36]

I'd say get it on lease so you don't need to worry about the reliability since Alfa should take care of it. The exclusivity is nice and I really like the design. You gotta gamble if you want the car that you want. If reliability was in your mind then you'd be looking at Lexus but you want that chic and edgy Italian styling so you gotta be willing to take the risks that come with it.

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

I agree. The absence of a "middle tier" is puzzling. Why would FCA not have a competitive offering in a key market segment? The bigger issue in my mind is the ownership experience: reliability, dealer service.

Absolutely agree with both of you guys. In fact, if they had a 340/S4 comparable, I'd be in one...but I want more than a 4 cylinder and I'm not about to pay $80K for the Q.

[jacar]

After the lease on my Active Hybrid 3 expired I waited for the Giulia and drove it several times: great car, the Ti trim level is comparable to a loaded BMW 3. However after driving the 330e plug in hybrid I went with the 330e for the fantastic power train. It feels a little dated style wise but is more 'mature' car, I'm happy with my choice.

[CalCarNut]

Fiat was rated at or very near the bottom of JD Powers 2017 car list. Lease. Don't buy. For heaven sake, don't buy! lol

[BMWILUVU]

I passed by a black giulia on the street today. Aside from its future reliability challenges, it was fugly.

[ToyotaBMW]

Fiat, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo all in one company is one of the worst idea's I have ever heard. If one of these went with a German or Japanese brand they may survive but with them all together they will all die a slow death.

[MrMarvin]

The only reason i'd even look at one is if i was about to purchase a M3 or M4, that Quattrofromaggio (lol) is hot!

[RoundelM3]

Know why Alfa quit selling cars in the US back in the 1990s until just a year or two ago? BECAUSE NOBODY WOULD BUY THEM! One of the car magazines recently did a comparison article with the Giulia and other similar cars and they couldn't even get it to start without a code reading/clearing tool. Based on Alfa's recent history and some tests I've read about, I wouldn't even bother looking at one.

[CalCarNut]

My office HR director has one; I'll have to ask her how she likes it. Be hilarious if she tells me she doesn't know because she's always in a loaner..

[chiefneil]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

My thoughts summed up by this post:

http://jalopnik.com/no-one-wants-to-...lia-1796219373

I like the commenter that basically called it a supermodel with herpes.

[BMWILUVU]

Why anyone would give up an M3/4 for one of these I will never know