The Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 2 (type 937) was restyled in late 2004 by Giorgetto Giugiaro. This facelift gave it a more aggressive front end, redesigned rear lights, and a slight improvement in perceived interior quality, while retaining the sophisticated platform and running gear (double wishbone front suspension) of Phase 1. Positioned as a premium compact against the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, it shines with its incisive road handling, ultra-direct steering, and the character of its engines. However, it is a model that requires meticulous maintenance, much more rigorous than the initial manufacturer's recommendations, particularly for the Twin Spark (TS) petrol engines. A 'passion' car whose reliability depends entirely on its service history.
The Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 2 is an endearing compact that should be bought with full awareness. If you're looking for a petrol engine (Twin Spark), avoid examples without a rigorous service history. The golden rule is a timing belt change every 3 years or 60,000 km, and a monthly oil check. The 1.6 TS 105 hp is the sensible choice (no phase variator), while the 2.0 TS offers the most pleasure but requires a maintenance budget worthy of a higher category. Avoid the Selespeed gearbox unless you are a knowledgeable mechanic. For daily use without worries, the JTDM diesel versions paradoxically remain the most mechanically reliable, although they lose the vocal charm of the 'Cuore Sportivo'.
| Oil change | £70 – 130 |
| Timing belt | £550 – 1 100 |
| Clutch | £800 – 1 500 |
| Complete brakes | £250 – 500 |
| Estimated annual budget | £600 – 1 200 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.