Should You Buy an ALFA ROMEO BRERA? (Test Drive & Review 2007 2.4)
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- Опубліковано 16 чер 2021
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Today I'm in an Alfa Romeo Brera... Let's see what it's like.
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#alfaromeobrera #alfa #alfaromeo #highpeakautos - Авто та транспорт
"Buy the car which puts a smile on your face."
Best.
Advice.
Ever.
Thank you
As long as you aren't poor, then get a corolla
No
Buy a car which is reliable and does not depreciate like a used egg.
@@davidsharples4677 Sorry mate..........but where's the fun in that?
Cars are like women, (no disrespect meant) Aim for a supermodel.
If only my missus had a rear end as nice as this
Yeah that would be great
Loooool
What's her head lights like 👀
What's her number when she reads this, she'll be the ex missus.
PMSL 😂
It’s amazing how 15yr old cars don’t look out of place with those of today. If you compare 1990 to 2005 cars… Brera is very pretty
One of my reasons why I have a private plate!can buy cars like this that are 10+ years old and look as if they are new ish!ive got a 2005 x5 atm clean as can be with every extra and people asked if was one of the new models!
The only real difference on the outside is LED lights
Great design ages gracefully. The Brera will never look less than stunning. The Ducati 916 would be jaw dropping if it was launched today. Even something as humble as a mk 1 Punto still stands out as a clean, clever design. Look at an Asra or Golf of the same year as this Brera and it just appears faded and dull.
The car design reached its peak, thats why. There is not much further to go to.
Ive had my 3.2 Q4 for 8.5 years it’s never gonna be for sale
Back in the years, I saw a bumper sticker on Alfa saying “life is too short to drive boring cars”
Thanks Matt for the encouraging video….
Quite right. Thanks for watching
I made it to 4:51 before loading up autotrader to see what's available. New record!
I see your 4:51 and raise you a 2:45
I came to the video after looking on auto trader 😂
Should be a focus group for people addicted to UA-cam reviews and auto trader searchers. It’s nearly cost me my marriage and house 😂
Felt so reassured to hear you say all cars are rubbish. Buy cars you like, can afford and that you like. Life’s too short to do otherwise.
💯
Yes. Really wise thing to say. God I love cars :)
It turns into a sort of addiction/hobby currently on car number 70 I think and plan A is to pick up a Jaaaaag XF on Sat oh that's 71 ish great channel
Excellent advice for life in general 👍Great car and feedback 😀
But its not true... Japanese cars are indeed most often than not most reliable and cheapest to maintain... Atleast in Balkans.
Talking about 1,500 - 8, 000$ price range :). However Brera is just pure sex on wheels..
Without even starting the video in my head: YES!!!
**HELL YEAAAAH
Great review!
Great advice!
Bought my diesel Brera 18 months ago. Never regretted a single day. I still go up to the window just to gaze at it on the drive!
Buy the car that lifts your heart, not the boring euro-blob your brain says you should get.
Serious note: yes parts ARE expensive and at that age things WILL need replacing.
But look at it this way, it's a whole lot cheaper than owning a 20yr old Masarati!
Haha thats quite right. Enjoy it
The Brera is Absolutely the most beautiful modern alfa made, even now. It's just Stunning.
What about the GT
I would say that 8C, Disco Volante and the 4C QV Prototype are nicer.
What a beautiful looking car. The 159/Brera era has to be Alfa Romeo's peak in the modern era for outright looks. Even now, 17 years after their launch, they still look absolutely stunning.
I spontaneously bought one 2 years ago. I’ve owned around 15 cars several brand new. Of all of them this is my favorite, as stated the looks. But the Brera has character and soul. Also love the fact they are so rare. A certain future classic!
how does a car have a soul? Where is the soul of the car?
@@mickadatwist1620certain cars have a soul, and if you have to experienced it, it's very hard to explain.
@@zak2175that person doesn’t deserve a reply
@@nyssen37 yeah true
@@nyssen37Well said!
I accidentally bought a 159 Sportwagon (long story) and have fallen in love with it.
Great looking cars
Had the 159ti saloon. Expensive to maintain but a mistake to let go of.
I had a 159 wagon that I had a love hate relationship with. Sold it and regretted it, now I have a brera. Lol
As long as you have a daily Japanese car, you can keep the alfa.
how do you accidently buy a car?
@@JoePineappless In short while I was on a plane to pick up my latest car it was stolen. The dealer I use is a good guy and offered me a 159 that had just come in for a stupid price that I simply couldn't refuse. So maybe not accidentally as such but more unintentionally. Must be a fate thing as this 159 is brilliant and better than what I set out to get.
Good review. Although you didn’t mention the 2 engines launched just months before the end of production.
1.75 Turbo and 2.0 JTDM 170 came to the UK in early 2010. Combined they sold less than 100 Breras with these engines.
I’ve owned my July 10, 1.75 TBI for almost 5 years, it’s done 144,000 miles and is used as a second car. I’ve done 17,000 miles in it in my ownership and it’s a keeper. Sadly, I had an accident in it 18 months ago and the car was declared cat N, however I bought the salvage and spent the insurance payout restoring the car.
I love my Brera, it makes me smile, it’s a pleasure to be in and I hope to have it for many more years.
"I'm no where near cool enough to drive this" says Ewan McHigh Peak Autos.
:)
If he is not, then who is?!
You're to cool for that yoke!
Ahahahah true!
Ewan McGregor? Sure, I can see the resemblance, but I think he looks more like Bradley Cooper.
My brother is constantly fixing his Brera, but I know he's happier fixing his big problems than I am every time something small goes wrong on my Octavia.
I think your reviews are spot on in general but I think this is the most on point you've been about any car you've reviewed! Absolute modern classic.
Your rant about reliability - and how all cars break and are pricey to fix-is spot on and should be used at the start of every used car review on UA-cam!
The Brera is an amazing design. It reminds me of what you would get if you crossed an everyday coupe with a Porsche 928.
i finally bought one. i got a 2009 (59) 3.2 Prodrive, im so delighted with it and it looks stunning next to my GT and Guilia
I bought my brera 4 weeks ago and whenever I have to explain people why I did it (besides the obvious) I send them this video. Everyday I walk up to my brera I have the biggest smile on my face.
Congrats. Do what’s good for you
Anyone else remember the original Top Gear review of this?
“I’m nursing a semi.”
Yes
Lol god memories
I drove a chiptuned Brera V6,...300+ horsepowers. But I am a Lancisti. Miss my Thema Turbo SIII. And will be looking for a Kappa Coupe 2.5 Turbo. But Alfas are great.
they had german sponsors for many years ...
Yes, I lived in that area at that time and it was before I bought my fist Alfa.
I love how you always review the cars that i want modern day reviews on, thank you!
I had one of these as a day to day driver.
The only thing that ever went wrong was the cable snapped on the drivers door so ths handle didn't work to open the driver door.
At the same time my audi RS3 had turbo problems, electrical problems, etc
If anyone tells you an Italian car is less reliable than a German one, they're lying.
That’s quite right
The Brera came out when I was just 11 years old, and together with the 147, it was pretty much the car of my dreams, it's something that is rarely done these days: an affordable, fast, sporty coupé, which even in its diesel version was able to provide quite the breath-taking experience, thanks to the Fiat Group's excellent diesel tech. In a landscape dominated by bulky SUVs, a Brera these days looks even better.
Affordable? Yes it's a beautiful car but I wouldn't describe it as affordable, considering the expensive road tax, parts, and maintenance costs.
"All cars are rubbish" I hope that's not the opening line when somebody steps onto your forecourt.
Hes honest ... id buy from him all day long.
@@matthewkirby5394 that A8 the other week was ace.
Such a humble, nice review with some great observations and genuinely funny comments! I was considering buying one of these (as I liked my 147 a decade ago but hated the lack of refinement) and you reminded me that this was still a good option to consider. Alfa makes the most stylish leather seats one can afford, so I wouldn’t mind a dark Brera with some well-maintained tan/black/red leather seats.
I'm French speaking, but since watching your videos, i'm an anglophile now,
Merci
2:30 "It's just a lovely thing to stare at and to hold" ... and to caress and whisper to it that you love it
Stopped by Starbucks this morning. Pulled up to drive-thru window and the barista asks, “OMG, are you driving a Brera?” I nod in response. She begins jumping with joy and says, “OMFG it’s a freaking Brera! John, look! He’s driving a Brera! You can speak Italian right?!” I proceed to say spaghetti and rev the engine through the 4 exhausts to spur further joy. She exclaims, “Oh my gossshhhh, oh my gosh! I’m so sorry I’m freaking out! Here’s your coffee have a great day!”
Love the comment on reliability. Everybody loves to jump to conclusions on Alfa's when in reality most people haven't actually owned one
My daughter had a new Alfa as her company car and at its first service the list of faults was huge. Thats my only knowledge of Alfas.
I had a 75 veloce in the late 80s early 90s and it was the most fun I had in a car granted it had quirks and downsides but when you floored the loud pedal on the motorway or when you took it on a twisty country road you could not help but grin from ear to ear and never ever let me down once!!
I have the engine failed at 48,000 ... bankrupt me. 🤣
The breras and 159 are actually quite reliable. Even better than new ones
@@RMILLSMMA wouldn’t have failed if you looked after it like an “alfista”would my dad had a 1962 giulietta and a later Giulia every weekend he was under the bonnet fettling it never let him down once 😀
Finally somebody who gets it. The real joy in owning an Alfa is the style, the character, the otherness. The ones that aren't so good to drive can easily be made better, but 99% of the time you won't be in Fangio mode anyway. But you will notice the admiring glances. You'll notice that people who wouldn't normally be interested in cars will look twice and comment on their beauty.
My previous car was an astonishingly reliable 1997 Spider 2.0. I'm now driving a faultlessly reliable Giulietta QV. Why on earth would I want to swap either of those for a Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio?
Quite right
Brilliant unbiased review Matt. Refreshing! A thing of beauty
When I took my license this was my dream car, gorgeous car
Brera a lovely car.
One of my biggest regrets, that I almost bought one and bottle it and bought a BMW instead.
Nothing wrong with the BMW, just not as sole full as an Alfa.
PJ
Dublin
Soulful ❤️
Although I imagine your bmw had big shoes to fill..
Definitely a future classic. Another great video. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
I've owned 3 Alfa's over the years and loved them, Brera could now be on my shopping list.
Great review again Matt 👍👍👍
How spooky..I was driving behind you a few days ago and I wanted to congratulate you on your videos and ask you to review a Brera. I owned one for a while, when the new Range Rover came out. I turned up at a clients house, who had just bought the RR, in the Brera, and we stood for 25 minutes talking about the Alfa, not the RR. He offered me 30% more than I paid for it but I refused, as I loved it so much. The amount of times people speak to you about it is amazing, I got stopped in car parks, garages etc almost daily. A well looked after Brera is a thing of beauty and a definite future classic. Your best review yet.
Nice review as always, very pleasant to watch. I noticed that you didn't mention the 2009 1.8 TBI 200hp petrol engine which is made in Italy and in my opinion is the best deal for it's 320nm torque and 100kg less in weight + better interior with redesigned seats and fixed color and trim. I bought a black Brera like that 6 years ago with only 48000 km for 8700 euro. Today with 100 000 km i can say I had zero problems with it and on the market a model like this with 19 inch prodrive rims is worh around 16000 euro. This car just doesn't pass unnoticed, lot's of people turn their heads and come to ask about the car, loving this baby and won't sell it.
Almost pointless to mention it... so utterly rare a 1.8tbi is, its an enigma!! The 1.8tbi also sounds crap and it robs a car thats never going to be dynamic of a key component of its enjoyment
I daily drive a 2008 2.2 Prodrive S version. Now at 130k miles and no issues. Solid and rattle free, still turns heads. Only really issue I’ve had is condensation in the rear lights which is v common and can be rectified with some DIY resealing. Fun to drive, big boot, lovely place to sit. Zero regrets.
I had a 57 plate Brera from new. Apart from it almost catching fire in the first 48 hrs due to a faulty wiring loom and relay. But it was an amazing car!
I had the 2.4 diesel, it was great on fuel. I noticed you mentioned about the VW Scirocco but I went for one of these after the Brera when it first came out.
It was an great car and sorely missed. Tried to relive the Alfa experience later on by having a 159 ti but it wasn’t a Brera! Great video
Not many cars have a rear that matches the beauty of the front
Jesus I miss my Brera so much. I actually cried when I sold it.
I myself own a 2009 2.4 Diesel Brera and use it as my daily. I have to say this guy is spot on with his assessment. The Engine is as reliable as it is powerful the only issue with the Brera is it’s weight but like he says, once that turbo kicks in get ready for whiplash! I’m very lucky to have come across one in such good nick and for so cheap certainly will become a modern classic!
It is such a joy to drive and always puts a huge smile on my face, I’m sure I’ve had many funny looks from people wondering why there’s a weird man grinning to himself in his car! Buy a car with your heart not your brain and you’ll always be happy!
Spot on. We used to regularly hire cars through Hertz about 10 years ago and for the same price of a Ford Focus the staff let us have the Brera and we were blown away by this car. It was a complete joy to drive and the 4 exhausts were the best!
Wonderful commentary as always - well deserved success for your channel, full time you tuber next on the career path?
I considered one of these but as have kids went for an Alfa 159 TI 2.4 (many years ago) & it was great, nice engine, pretty well loaded & really loved that car, the Brera still looks great today & not very many around!
Life's too short... well done 👏
Heart over head and "life's too short'' only work if you have the money or the power too borrow it, sadly.
@@Tuffluk sadly true!
My Brera's 12 years old and I've had her for nearly 8 years. Beyond servicing (with a local specialist), the only real bill was for a new cam chain. Indeed, a car that puts a smile on your face.
Love Alfas, there was an old 145 cloverleaf at a local garage in the early 2000's that I always wanted. Beautiful cars.
Great video as always, Matt.
Yes Matt! I've waited a long time for you to review one these, i bought the 2.2 version as a temporary stopgap, 4 years later I've still got it, I just can't bring myself to sell it. Good cars if they're looked after.
I loved my 159 sw, with which the Brera shares the front end design and interior. Loved it much more than I tought I would love a station wagon. But as a practical sw it was a bit underwhelming. The Brera, maybe one day :)
The estates are great looking
@@HighPeakAutos the SW must be one of the best looking estate cars ever made! I had one and it was so lovely to look at, but it must be one of the least practical estate cars of all time!
Finally nice car....
Yep, I bought one of these back in the day, it was a gorgeous blue and to this day was the best looking car I’ve owned. The ride was v average and it handled shockingly round corners but the smile on my face every time I sat in it was unrivalled. Beautiful creature.
I totally agree don't settle for what other people think you should have get the car that puts a smile on your face...
I nearly bought one a few years back….looked lovely similar speck to that…but I’ve owned Alfa’s lol….I’d still buy one but it was the diesel…tho I still haven’t my wonderful fiat coupes for design oomph….great vid as ever! Cheers.
Lovely. Wish I had space for a third car - it would be a a red V6 Brera for sure.
I'm an italian subscriber and i'm so glad that you've appreciated the style of this car so much! Always drive whatever puts a smile on you face, gran lavoro, ben fatto ragazzo!
Thank you for watching. Wish I could speak Italian other than a few phrases
I own one of this but 2.2 petrol and you're absolutely right. Not much of a rally type of a car or very fast but it's got so good looking design and solid build if I may say. You need to care preventing rust underneath the car and proper regular maintenance. And yes in the end you remain with what you love the most. Very inspired words. 🤗
Finally, I was beginning to wonder if you had something against Alfas! I just chopped my 159Ti in for a Panda 4x4 following your review
Pandas and punto sportings are amazing cars
@@jamessheehy4895 I'm very pleased with my choice, the consumables are way cheaper, and it's much harder to get speeding tickets in the Panda!
Don't forget the best engine of the lot. The petrol TBI. Quite rare but worth looking for. The other thing breras do is rust on the subframe so make sure the one you're looking at isn't one of those. Other than that, basically it's pretty reliable. They do chew through front bushes and tyres cus they're a heavy car.
It's a heavy car both brera/159 and for sure it needs torque which the tbi doesen't have .
It's a good engine but has oil dilution problems which means cilinder scoring in time.
Too rare to be worth mentioning. Engine is also soulless which just wont do in an Alfa.
I had a gtv. Best car I ever had for looks and sheer fun of the drive. Always regretted not getting a brera. Great to see you save one.
I can't stop thinking about this car! There was a guy visiting my neighbour and he had 1 of these in black and he had trouble starting it, me and my parents had to push it while he started it.
This car looks like some kind of spaceship from a movie, it looks absolutely amazing! I've get goosebumps from looking at this car!
Alfa Romeos are works of art like a quirky underground house tune that I can't stop listening to.
Great well informed review as always... The Brera may not the best driving car in its class but who cares when it looks as sexy as that..!
I really want the 3.2 4wd version of this... Gorgeous
It's shit though. Handles like a boat and awful GM V6 engine and not the proper Alfa Busso.
@@Nakke144 I like boats
Faultless video Matt , thank you. Both in terms of car in the vid and the “ grandad’s life advice “
meant in the nicest possible way!
Hahah thanks
Lovely video and best advice ever re buying the car you want - Loved these when new so nice to see they are still in great shape
I’m selling my XC90 and getting a transit custom as a van/family wagon so In the market for a cheapish fun weekend car and this could be a contender which I hadn’t considered
Spot on ,I would be suicidal spending £2800 on a Megane…!!!! Maintain as best you can and don’t skimp you can’t do more than that ,if it still breaks down what more can you do…..👍
I spent 15k CAD$ to give my MK6 TDI a second life @ 250k km...It was either that or scrap it...I bit the bullit (everything new: suspension, rims, tires, bearings, brakes, fresh paint...) and now it still drives like new and woul hit 220km/h no problem...!
Genuinely sympathetic review of a beautiful car. Ok it costs more to maintain, but you'd be maintaining a work of art.
"Buy the car that puts a smile on your face". BEST ADVICE EVER!
So true about the Scirocco comparison 🤣 they are usually bought by chavs on finance too.
lol at catching the reflection, I used to do that my little Mito, not the best car I know, but so pretty (heart over head and I'd do it again). Someone near me has an Alfa GT and I stare at it every day. Perhaps I need to get a life but Alfa's stand out no matter how old and when in a position to get another car sorry to say I have a Giulietta in mind though a scirocco has the curves to interest me. No idea what's going on under the bonnet, like he said you takes your chances. Lovely vid!
I love the Italian styling, despite the oddly placed front number plate. If & when I have to give up my beloved Pluriel (which has just completed over 500 miles without missing a beat) the Alfa is definitely on my wish list! Thank you for another great video!
Love it ,what can I add ,you've said it all .great car, great review yet again. 👍
Thanks 👍
Being of such an age, this car reminds of a Renault Fuego, if Renault had kept building it, this could of been it further down the line. A very under rated looking car of its day.
164 and a 166 owned , loved both, the ‘Brera’ ? handsome and muscular, everything the Scirocco isnt
This video is the definition of genuineness and straight talk.
Your a very good motoring journalist mate, you’ve helped me make my mind up 🙂
Had the saloon version (159) GM running gear and a Fiat engine in the derv one. Nice car though. 👍
Alfas always talk to the heart,they are italian after all.
No longer Italian since 2004/05. The last real and honest AR was the 156/147 range. I owned many of them over 3 decades! My first Alfa was the 75 3.0 America in 1991 with the famous V6 Arese engine. A dream of a Italian sport limousine.
@@houseofwine7704 it’s more Italian designed, to be more truthful.
Being an old mod l'm a lover Italian transport,just the style and beauty on 2 wheels or 4. Another great review Matt thank you
Brilliant, honest review. Well done sir
I'm still in the honeymoon period with my Brera after 4 years. Absolutely adore it.
Great video!
"I'd rather push an Alfa than drive a BMW"
You gotta admit as looks go she's a super model from every angle 😘
I bought one just 2 weeks ago, a 2.2 petrol. I love it. The only thing I can currently think of changing it for is a 3.2 V6, which would sound as lovely as it looks. 4 wheel drive too, with a 60/40 split to the rear. My only complaint so far is the lack of stowage space inside, I think most Italian men must leave on a journey with a comb and a nail file, cos that's about all you can stow inside. Even the cooled space under the armrest is just about big enough for a mini can of coke.
I've recently bought an Alpha.. boy o' boy do I love it! I once had Brera as a courtesy car in 2006. I almost cried when it got taken back. Ever since I wanted one but keep reading some horror stories about them. These look particularly nice in blue and red 👌
Great review as usual ❤
which one
It’s a gorgeous looking car, always has been, but my my shed is a mess.
I’ve wanted a V6 one of these ever since I played with it in need for speed carbon 🤣
That’s where I remember this car to! Glad to see someone who has good taste in games 😃
As always a great honest fantastic video
Your reviews are excellent. Easy to listen to, informative and engaging. I love the Brera. Was highly tempted to buy one last year, yet essential house mods took over. The shape and styling are beautiful. Personally it would have to be a red 3ltr v6. Performance to match the styling. Perhaps one day soon.
Great car!
Just the V6 busso is missing...
I’d have one if I could justify a second car. These days my mileage is best described as…. Bijou. And yes I have owned a 1980 GTV6 and a Busso engined 156. My wallet has the scars to prove it.
RESPECT!
great advice. i did buy the car i wanted, an alfa romeo 159 ti which has so far cost me in repairs more than the purchase price despite having a good history.your advice does make it seem all worth it
Well said man,well said...enjoy and live the life you have with big smile on your face. That's the best way. Oh yes really nice car,always liked them.👍
this car looks great in 2032
That's where the good old trade plates come in handy
Tax nothing and enjoy
THANK YOU!!! What a stunning car, another brilliant video, spot on review, will hit the like button and then go straight to autotrader
Thanks for watching
I bought a 2007/57 Brera 2.4 diesel in black just like this one..Brings back memories!!
I got a warranty and yeah...under warranty the battery was replaced on day 2, the head went, DPF, turbo...after all that was fixed I treated it to a tune and re-map at Mangoletsi Alfa and it was an absolute rocket ship. Loved that car ♥️♥️♥️ In the end I had to sell it in a hurry as I got a promotion and a job abroad. I hope it's still out there being looked after!!
Alfa's are works of art! 👌❤️🎨
the OCD in me hates the off-centre number plates on Alfas
Brilliant review Matt
So nice to see this car on this channel.