🍀 3 Years With My 2017 Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio - Cost Of Ownership

[@brianl7025]

Look at the smiles on your face when you drive the Alfa, how enthusiastic you are about it. It’s an amazing vehicle. Really pleased you are keeping it. Didn’t think the Stelio QV had towing capability due to the exhaust system. Anyhoo good to see you back sir.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I just assumed that with the Q4 it could tow. Seems it’s not an option after all! Ed

[@Kaymeron]

I drove a rental Giulia in Los Angeles. It was so fun to drive. I'm glad to know that the long-term use and expense report are positive!!!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

It’s only my own personal experience. I’m sure that others would have a different perspective. They’re great fun. Ed

[@johneloud9153]

Exactly my sentiments! Owned a QV for four years and it was a phenomenal driving experience. Sadly sold it due to lack of use through illness. There is, in my opinion no other saloon to touch it for the driving experience, the power and the looks. So its ruined my next car choices too lol. As Clarkson said, the QV is a Ferrari with four doors. Enough said. Great content btw 👍

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Thanks John. It’s definitely a keeper for me. Just need to get a road trip done in it. Ed

[@andreiarama8745]

I love Clarkson but he said a lot of things about a lot of cars and some of them were just him hating that car without any reason

[@gbormann71]

@@andreiarama8745 That says something about the cars/brands he loves, then.

[@huzcer]

@@gbormann71 Clarkson is a light entertainment presenter. Not a car reviewer.

[@gbormann71]

@@huzcer Of course. And an opioniated one.

[@future62]

Haha great conclusion. Everyone I know with a Giulia absolutely adores it, even the 2.0T version. Your running costs aren't bad at all either. Hope you have many great years with it.

[@dstewk1892]

Cost you £2200 over the 5 years exclusive of the warranty yet article is titled ‘how it will ruin you’. And that cost was tires and brakes basically, the breakdowns weren’t that expensive. Seems pretty stellar reliability to me.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

There’s a twist at the end. It’s not the cost. Ed

[@DjNikGnashers]

Nah. 144,000 miles in a BMW 3 series touring here, with a crank position sensor and two rear shocks at 120,000 is stellar reliability.

[@hkmp57]

@@Back_Road_Hero it's more like a clickbait

[@mauriziocarra1004]

My stelvio sprint with 160 cv engine goes in a wonderful way..so proud of alfa romeo brand..

[@kurtbarker3303]

I use my 2017 QV daily, nearly 69k now. I don’t believe your car needed brakes all round in the miles it’s done, I think you’re the victim of stealer tax there, mine is still on the original discs. Either I’m lucky or you’re unlucky, but I couldn’t be happier with the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

[@bradleyjones4220]

I’m looking at having one for my next car. Did you buy from new / have you had any major issues with yours?

[@ggm-i8y]

@@bradleyjones4220 get rid of original battery and have spare relays if you got problematic ones in yours. otherwise should be all good.

[@gerbenbakker931]

Nice to see and hear your enthusiasm, it's a stunning car and absolutely a keeper. Only reason I would let go of my Giulia (2016, first owner) is getting a quad back...mine is a "normal" Giulia and even the normal one keeps me smiling everytime I'm looking at her and driving her.

[@Statimtek]

It’s nice when you are in a position that you can hold on to a car you enjoy, even if it is not the most reliable beast on the road. Many folks can’t afford to have such as car in their garage as they totally rely on it to get them to work every day, take the kids to school etc. Being retired and having a second car as my daily driver, I have found myself in a position where I can have a Sunday-Fun-Day car, and if it does let me down, I don’t have to worry about daily obligations of having to be at work or other commitments those who still work or have families to support have. I can choose a fun car based on its driving characteristics, not on whether it will get me to work every day.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I’m very fortunate but I’ve also worked very hard to get into that comfortable position. Ed

[@memo3872]

Nice to see some Alfa content, it's been a while. When I saw the title I knew what you were going to say! Those costs are very reasonable indeed for such a brilliant car. I bought a Boxster Spyder as a fill-in car whilst waiting for my Giulia to arrive and it cost me over £6k of work to get Porsche to allow me the privilege of putting a Porsche warranty on it which was a further £2.2k! So £5k over 3 years is very low.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

So glad you feel the same. My Porsche experience is with the older Carrera 3.2 and I have to say it cost me very little over the 20 years or so that I owned them. Ed

[@bumpylumpfish]

My 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano with 167000 miles on the clock in 36 years has only left me stranded once. It has been my daily driver. Great fun unique car! Needs paint though and finding tires is another issue.

[@studiocalder818]

I had 3, loved them. Then I bought the ultimate model of the family I still own, the SZ

[@johnhounslea4226]

I'm so glad your keeping the quad Ed & for still loving it, what a machine !! There are loads of similar performance saloons out there but there's just something so special about the alfa, I want one so badly I can almost taste it, one day oh yes one I will have one, just got to convince the wife it's what we need in our life !! All the best to you Ed🙂

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Has she seen one yet in the flesh? There’s a strange appreciation that women have of the Giulia. It was actually my wife that suggested we have a look at one in the first place! She’s a keeper. 😁 (wife AND the car) Ed

[@gbormann71]

​@@Back_Road_Hero😂

[@johnhounslea4226]

Yes she has seen many in the flesh as I've dragged her around many alfa & italian car shows & whatever colour they all look beautiful, it's really the only car I want & I'm sure a lot more toe sucking, pleading & begging my wife will give me the green light to go quad hunting 😀

[@coopsturbo]

@@Back_Road_Hero this is genuinely a thing, my other half is more protective of the car than I am, she gets road rage for me if anyone does anything silly anywhere near us on the road

[@californiamicke9527]

👍

[@glenndrayton3641]

The stock brake discs lasted two track days for me. I swapped them for generic competition discs which have lasted several track days so far. I also put Michelin tyres on - big improvement. I've had zero reliability issues on my 2020 model and it's driven hard

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Yes I found the tyres a massive improvement. Next time I’ll go for non OEM discs as well. Ed

[@andy500w]

​@@Back_Road_Herowhat is non OEM???

[@slaykay47]

what discs are you using?

[@jardennis4nd]

If I were a car salesman, this dude would be my favorite customer. I’d upsell him a $50,00 warranty on a $30,000 car.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Please explain? I thought I’d done pretty well. £650 for 3 years servicing. 3 years top warranty for £1700. Could you have done better?

[@ivopetrov7240]

Such a plot twist at the end. I was expecting to hear about all the stuff that broke down. Honestly, I'm glad to hear it's been a nice car to you. Lovely, unique car.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

It seems that the fabled algorithm likes this format. Which is sad really. Ed

[@Alfa_watson]

awesome video, this has most surely convinced me to buy a Gulia now, i have always loved Alfa having owned a 159 and now a Giulietta but to know that the costs are pretty much average for high performance car has most certainly gave me the answers i was looking for, keep on enjoying the car 🍀

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Yes. It’s just a regular car. The labour rates at Alfa are certainly lower than BMW or Mercedes that’s for sure. Ed

[@DarkPhysicx]

“This is a daily driver after all”, god, what a flex. I could only dream.

[@rmr5184]

My 1970 GT 1300 Junior stepnose has done the same with me. Thanks to it I now can't drive anything else :) Great video and explenation! Greetings from Switzerland

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Thank you. Ed

[@brokegymrat8354]

The smile in your face while accelerating was genuine

[@Back_Road_Hero]

This is a serious car and ALWAYS puts that smile on. It never gets old, and so hard to convey the sheer occasion of it all including that wonderful engine note. Ed

[@KevinUrban-u1z]

It may be faster, but still sounds like my tractor. Hard pass...

[@brokegymrat8354]

@ if I m worried about sound I go to a rock concert

[@lontarian2228]

Despite all these issues, I still think this is the most beautiful sedan out there. I would go with the base version, assuming it will cause less issues down the road.

[@paulcarter3271]

Hi Ed, made my day. I feel exactly the same and am delighted and certainly not surprised you cannot let it go. I've done 7.5k miles since I bought mine in March including driving to Italy - just looking forward to making that an annual occurrence as my wife loves it too. Look forward to more videos. Keep well Best Paul

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Thanks Paul. One thing I haven’t done on mine is a proper road trip. I need to rectify that soon. Ed

[@paulcarter3271]

2636 miles - 30.81 mpg. Mine had Conti Sport 6 tyres fitted by the dealer before I collected it - rears are 285/35s so looks less racey but the speedometer and therefore mileometer are virtually spot on. They're good in the wet and not short of grip in the dry although I probably haven't explored the limits. Did do 150 mph on the Autobahn and my wife said it felt no different to 100 mph Forza Quadrifoglio 🍀💯🇮🇹🏁

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Any continentals I ran in the past always had a softer compound than the Michelins so never lasted as long but they always felt good. I’m like you and haven’t neared the limits. Silly on the open road. Ed

[@davcap7816]

Italian guy here, where have you been in italy? How it went?

[@paulcarter3271]

@@davcap7816 Did Milan, Brescia for registration for Mille Miglia and on to Verona - watched the MM. My sister lives in Verona so it will be a regular trip. 🍀💯🇮🇹🏁

[@MrMWhitham]

You sir are as mad as a box of frogs, but we understand you. It's a special car that needs the love and we forgive it's misgivings.

[@shane6115]

Good honest review, well done Sir.🍀

[@wonder2897]

Thank you sir for this video. I currently drive a Veloce Diesel and im in the process of buying the new facelift Quadrifoglio so when i saw your Title i instantly was interested in the video. Now i cant wait for my Car to arrive.🍀❤

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Enjoy. Ed

[@bimbettocavallo]

I used to own a 2018 Giulia and I have two regrets: buying a normale instead of the QV, and selling it

[@leicaman100]

So glad your sticking with it Ed, after all you were the one that got me into these amazing cars !! ... Thank you 😊👍🏻

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I don’t know whether to thank you or dive for cover!! Either way I’m glad you took the gamble. No risk, no reward. Ed

[@attilafazekas7990]

such a shame that not enough people discover this car, wish you many more mile to come, I just hope I will join you to be a happy Giulia owner one day

[@Back_Road_Hero]

To be honest it’s nice seeing so few others on the road. Makes it feel more exclusive. Ed

[@lilkoreangirl6940]

I was surprised at how low the matiance was on this car. Was thinking of getting one after i pay off my 2016 hellcat. Great video

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Other owners might tell you a different story. Ed

[@michaeldoherty7434]

It’s a great car and I wish I could afford one (or justify owning one). I have a diesel Stelvio and it is a great car to drive. I smile every time I look at it especially from the front. Enjoy yours.

[@JoseDelgado-cz4wh]

I have a Alfa Romeo 156 diesel with 290k miles that has been that has been wonderful to this day. To this day, the best car I've ever driven. Have been curious lately to make a test drive of a Guilia since I want to maintain my 156 as a relic until I'm 90 (I'm 26 now).

[@Back_Road_Hero]

So nice to know that they can do big mileage. Ed

[@JoseDelgado-cz4wh]

@@Back_Road_Hero I've made some considerably big road trips with the car recently. It's still doing an average of 1500-2000 miles a month here in Portugal, I've done road trips of almost 1000 miles (usually to Spain) during weekends and the car simply holds on in remarkable shape.

[@davidsherrick898]

Greetings from the USA. Im going to spend every $$ on my Alfa 75..Milano.Your Guilia is a Beautiful car! Great video!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Thanks David. Ed

[@Food_n_Driver365]

There is really nothing like it in terms of engagement in the modern era. I’m at 4 years and you’ve inspired me to do my own costs video. Stay tuned!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

You have a new subscriber. I look forward to your videos. Ed

[@MD-uu5nt]

I dunno about that. A Civic type R or GR Yaris both offer more engagement from a driving purist point of view. These are luxury cars with high performance so they are not the be all and end all of engagement. If you want real engagement you have to drive something lower spec, more lightweight and less luxury focused.

[@justsam100]

@@MD-uu5nt have you even driven one? I have had the fortune to try one at track event in Monza. It's fantastic, certainly more fun than a type R. Couldn't tell you about the Yaris, but i doubt it could match the engagement of a QV on the track (might be a different story on a twisty and narrow mountain road). My sunday driver is a stage 2 FC3S for reference, which isn't even close to luxury (or heavy) and i still think the Giulia QV feels like a proper sports car. Actually more than that, it's a performance car. it is a weapon even at low speeds, beatiful drving dynamics. This car is not just for show and it's certainly just not a big engine with fours wheels attached (like the audi RS cars).

[@MD-uu5nt]

@@justsam100 yes, I have driven one. I love them and they are one of my favourite cars, but the fact remains they are an automatic only car with a focus on blending performance and luxury that is quite heavy by track car standards. The chassis balance is beautiful in them but the brakes and LSD are both lacking. The brakes in all versions of the Giulia have horrible feel, or lack of feel being more appropriate. My brother has a Veloce and even he says that he hates the feel of the brakes. No one would ever say that about a Civic or Yaris. My own ISF has far superior brake feel to a Giulia QV. The LSD in the QV is quite unpredictable as it's torque vectoring rather than a pure mechanical LSD. A lot of owners are not that fond of the LSD set up on them. I think all of those cars M3, C63 and Giulia are amazing cars but they are all too heavy to be considered raw track cars. I'd still love a Giulia but there are other cars out there that do the track thing better. The civic is the undisputed king of hot hatches now so I don't know why you think the Giulia would definitely be more fun on a track. The new civic literally wins every single track test comparison it's ever done. I've never seen anyone complain about any aspect of it's driving dynamics.

[@kiwus87]

That is some golden nugget of information, so glad to see your Alfa running so well and actually being a kind of a steal in terms of thrill per $!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Glad to be of help. Ed

[@gapper3]

I'm a bike rider and I feel the same way about Moto Guzzis. There's just something about Italian motor vehicles.

[@hectorsewell1823]

Thanks Ed. I dm’d you when buying mine in early ‘22 and you kindly helped me. In 18 months I’ve put 30k on it. I put the CarPlay on it you suggested. The last service at 60k was less than £300. I’ve not had to put tyres on it because after it was stolen (by relay theft) the insurance company replaced the tyres (as a matter of policy) and I use winter tyres in winter. I can’t recall any huge service costs and there have been no unexpected bills. I did get one done at an Alfa dealer who were terrible. They scrawled ‘Giulietta’ in my service book by the stamp. When I lightly complained about it the service desk person quietly suggested I didn’t shout too loud because they’d only charged me for a Giulietta service (!). Nothing has failed on the car at all. Oh.. I lie…sometimes the reversing camera shows a very poor picture…but I’ve never relied on one and it fixes itself! I also don’t see the need to change it. It is well respected by all from grannies to small boys. Misha recently agreed to take it around the ‘ring as it was his ‘most requested’ car earlier this year. Sadly my partner won’t have me do that! Thanks

[@Back_Road_Hero]

That’s great to know from another owner and I’m so glad that I was able to help you. The ‘ring would be fun but that’s not why we buy them. They’re much softer than a race car and more suited to the road. The Alfa chassis engineers got it perfect in my opinion. Ed

[@svetoslavtodorov2427]

@@Back_Road_Hero because those engineers were Ferrari employees and they used their famous wind tunnel for Stelvio and Gulia. That's why say Stelvio doesn't feel like an SUV at all and also why they are so nimble on corners ...

[@myshelby500gt]

Great video and appreciate your honesty regarding the Alfa , you have made me choose this car over the F80 M3, M4 and the 500GT Mustang. So a big thank you , I can't wait to get one now which should be in the next couple of months.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

You’ll make memories with this one. Ed

[@twiz1084]

"What a bad car to be stuck with”, she’s gorgeous and you know it with that smile on your face. Going to binge on your vids now and catch up with her story. Good luck and happy motoring 👍

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Enjoy. Many thanks. Ed

[@KevinUrban-u1z]

Wait. You needed a brake job at 18k and your OK with that ? Should last 50k with hard driving

[@KevinUrban-u1z]

She's gorgeous, every time I walk into the service center I say look she's mine... you need to have your head examined.

[@KevinUrban-u1z]

The car has 22k for God sake. You shouldn't even have to do anything but gas and oil changes. Even BMW has Alfa beat...

[@KevinUrban-u1z]

OMG, that is not a high performance car, slightly above average daily that's going to put you in the poor house.

[@qwerty69600]

Honestly, this doesn't sound too bad Ed. It's been a bit more expensive to run than my 981 Cayman GTS over a similar timeframe (£600/year warranty, a £1.5k big service, £500 worth of front tyres and an MOT have been the only costs), but then the Alfa is much newer and a fair bit more powerful. Nice to hear some sanity and positivity about this wonderful car. Would love one of these at some point.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I’m well happy with the costs. I’m surprised it was so little actually, hence the twist at the end. Ed

[@edmasi]

Excellent!!! Thank you. I own a 2018 Stelvio QV. Great for everything, really. It’s been flawless. I rally it in the desert & put many highway & back road miles. Great tip on the tires! Thank you. I’ll throw 4 in the cart! Cheers!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Glad to help. Ed

[@newinvestor4717]

Really good overview and I'm pleasantly surprised on some of those repair costs. Thanks for sharing

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Thank you. Much appreciated. Ed

[@ohhyesitsonlyme]

I’m 2 and a bit years into my Stelvio Quad ownership and sitting at just over 18,000 miles. Loving every mile so far. Still get looks and comments from folk as there’s so few around. Only major cost to me so far (I have service pack) was 2 new rear tyres whilst on holiday in West of Ireland. Tyres were close to needing replacing anyhow (about 4mm), so two new Pirelli 285/40 R 20 tyres - just over £900!! I have the Alfa service pack when I bought her. Want to keep the car at end of PCP subject to refinancing (and large down payment), as I can’t see any other car that would or could replace her! Do you attend any Alfa days? Would be good to say hello if you do Happy motoring. Per

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Yes I made Alfa day last year but not this. I agree totally with the refinance option and keeping it. I’m fortunate that I own mine outright so there’s no pressure to sell. And I won’t. 😃

[@ohhyesitsonlyme]

@@Back_Road_Hero last show I went to was the Autumn show at Burleigh House last October. Might go again this year (October 8th)

[@Nick-vp7lp]

I'm a sucker for Italian cars. Had a Giulia Veloce, but it was plagued with problems and I sent it back to the lease company. Still miss it and the best handling car I've ever driven. My weekender is a Maserati 4200. Absolutely love it and it's been well cared for prior to my ownership and during. My budget slice of ferrari lol

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Awesome Nick. We have a 3200GT for that pleasure as well. Some videos on that as well. Ed

[@egyptology22]

I've had a hard on since this came out! Thanks for the video mate. I'm definitely getting one once the silly covid prices come down.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

They’re starting to settle. £35k should get you a good one. £10k deposit and get a personal loan for £25k over 10years. Should be less than £300 per month. And you own it in the end. Ed

[@egyptology22]

@@Back_Road_Hero But I'm Australian! Not so many sold here, so values are high.

[@Anthul65]

I once was owner of a Audi RS. Every 2 weeks the car was in the garage, fault after fault. 6500 euro of repairs in 2 years. Every brand is dodging bullets not only Italiaan cars.

[@vincewatson_official]

I felt this pain for a loooong time. My 159 Ti was needing replaced and the Giulia wasn't around yet. I kept her :)

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Doing just that. Ed

[@Robert-nz2qw]

I’ve had mine for 3 years too, roughly 40000 miles. Including a calculated depreciation of 50% it has cost me 22,000 UKP. If I exclude fuel and depreciation it’s 4,000 UKP. That’s including 2 sets of tires, yearly service, top coat protection, MOT, taxes, insurance, and a Squadra Sportiva valve kit. Zero breakdowns.

[@BNIRc]

How has the accessory belt service been taken care of was that covered under warranty? Or did you have to cover the cost? Or is it something that I should worry about one looking at one.

[@Robert-nz2qw]

​@@BNIRc That's still to be done I guess. I have the larger service coming up this year. Still, even if that costs 1500 EUR (or equiv) it won't change the TCO too much.

[@BNIRc]

Agreed you are definitely in the green for cost , whish there were more of these in the states

[@mattportnoyTLV]

Oh man, for anyone who has driven this car…it’s incredible.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

It’s hard to describe just how good it is. Ed

[@mattportnoyTLV]

@@Back_Road_Hero I put it up there with M3 Competition.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Perhaps but a little too common on the roads for my liking. I’ve only seen about 10 others in the last 3 years.

[@tojo7742]

Fantastic car. I could not afford the QV as a daily, but went for a 2.0T and upped it to 320hp. It is a treat every day. And I thought you would have a negative review with the "ruin me" in the title. But a QV with running costs of 2k quid a yesr sounds normal for a 510hp car. Thanks for the clip!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

It has merely ruined me for anything else! Thanks for commenting. Ed

[@jeffreyastjohn]

Great review. Nice level-headed appraisal that makes me want to get one.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Glad it was helpful! Ed

[@chrisrichmond403]

I myself have lots of history with Alfa Romeo’s mostly 156’s but have owned a 159, I have always treated them as Ferrari’s for the masses, In the past if i ever needed any parts for them i would always have a good shop around and compare prices. Because it suits my needs i do actually own a VW ID.3 & waits with interest for a full EV Alfa .

[@M44532]

Half his issues were either self imposed (CarPlay upgrade, extended warranty, replace battery that wasn’t the problem) or beyond Alfa’s control (inspection sticker, car park rash). Take those out and the cost is very reasonable. I’ve had a Giulia for a full year now without a single issue.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Totally agree. Minimal costs. It just ruined me for anything else. Ed

[@Jose-we5cj]

Not bad considering it is a high performance car as you put it. I love the shape of this car like no other that if I had the money, i would buy one-even with a automatic transmission. Keep driving, stay safe.

[@superchargedmike]

Your luck was much better than mine, albeit mine was the Veloce, I only had it 2 months before the Dealer bought it back off me due to various problems they "couldn't" resolve. Truly the best car I have ever owned in terms of looks and driving, unfortunately I must have bought one that was built on a Friday or a Monday...

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Such a pity. I hope it hasn’t put you off. Occasionally cars slip through the inspection process. Ed

[@superchargedmike]

@@Back_Road_Hero absolutely not, it's made me more determined to find another one. It is my realistic dream car. Even the Veloce was good, I can only imagine what the Quadrifoglio is like. Unfortunately there is a bit of a lack of Giulia Veloce's in Scotland, within my budget that is. So looks like a trip down south and hope for the best

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I’ve gone all over the UK for the right car. My 330Ci race car was from Fort William! Got the sleeper train up and drove it back. No that was a journey to remember! Wet and on race tyres (barely legal). Ed

[@mathewleadbitter3975]

I bought one 6 months ago and I love it. It’s such a pretty car and that’s what the others just couldn’t compete with. I know I look back every time I park it 😊. It’s definitely had a few Alfa niggles 😂.

[@quattro4944]

In my personal opinion thats realy good score as most of the costly issues was your RAC , Apple etc and other stuff that you doesn’t necessarily need it other than that tyres , brakes etc it’s exploitation stuff , i thinking about buying one and you surprised me positively :)

[@Back_Road_Hero]

It’s been a pleasure to own so far.

[@51madmitch]

Sounds brilliant to me, that’s not much trouble these days, you have a beautiful well set up car, looks sounds and goes well, and with knobs and buttons, no OTT on set up like so many are, sadly English drivers think back decades to an Alfa Sud, which wasn’t designed for U.K. winter roads full of salt, keep it and enjoy it!!!

[@devlinracing3553]

I didn’t think those running costs were too bad at all. That service pack was the bargain of the century. I’ve been using a Maserati Quattroporte for my daily driver for the last 4 months. I’ve done over 13000 miles in that time. An oil change service cost £600. Two front tyres cost £540 and it’s due a set of front discs and pads at £1400. I like the look of the Giulia, it would make a nice second car👍

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Totally agree. What it’s actually ruined me for is anything else. Ed

[@SK-lt1so]

13k miles and replace the pads and discs?! I didn't do that until 160k!

[@aljack1979]

£1400 for brakes 😮..... Surely even on a Massa it could be done at a local for cheaper

[@devlinracing3553]

@@aljack1979 I did look for lower cost local options, I couldn’t find any as the brake discs and callipers were upgraded at the factory when new so had to go to Maserati for the parts anyway. Expensive but I have to say they are very powerful stopping brakes though especially on a heavy car👍

[@niyiashaolu3874]

What a brilliant review and video! I drive a 68 Guilia and have been contemplating getting the Q4. At those numbers over three years, I'll be happy the car "ruins me" in the same way it's done you.🤣😂

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Thank you so much for persevering to the end. So many haven’t and then criticise the ‘low’ running costs. 😁🙏🇮🇹 Ed

[@niyiashaolu3874]

@@Back_Road_Hero The "ruined me" hook worked a treat. I just HAD to know, and was pleasantly surprised at the end. I'm getting the car before Alfa Romeo stop producing it as some allude they will - by not building an electrified version (which I pray they NEVER build).

[@guss2099]

I had on on loan a while back and nothing else out there gets anywhere near it! Endless joy to drive, if I could afford a 2018 or a 2019 I would get it today! The car for serious drivers!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Back_Road_Hero]

There’s nothing else quite like it. Thanks for letting me know. Ed

[@darkmatter6714]

The biggest problem Alfa has is trying to top the looks of the 159. Impossible!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

They’re both good looking cars. 😁 Ed

[@Squashed8Ball]

The lack of a proper LSD diff and no option to turn off traction control put me off buying one. The new updated version has fixed the diff issue but I don’t know about the TC.

[@dr1311]

Did you really mean 159 or was it the 156?

[@WendenWarrior]

Why I bought a 159 ❤

[@nicklynx]

The 159 I had, 2.4jtdm (mapped to 320bhp & 480lb-ft) was a gorgeous sleeper. I’d have a Giulia as well though.

[@guguigugu]

just seeing this car move on the road, you know its amazing. it moves like a ferrari almost. the "razor sharp front end" is obvious even looking from the outside.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Same chassis engineering team as the F458 Speciale. Ed

[@guguigugu]

@@Back_Road_Heromakes sense!

[@andymartinez767]

I have CLA250 and your expenses are not bad at all. In fact pretty reasonable. I change my oil every 5000 klm as i am an oil junky and good oil is an insurance policy. I am looking at an Alfa now as they are a really nice car.

[@stu4181]

Good informative video, good little twist at the end 😂 I’m in a similar predicament with the cayman R everything that is a meaningful step up in performance is such a premium it’s hard to justify the additional 30-35k!

[@rockdiggerman]

Wow exactly what I am thinking atm with my Stelvio quad, although I got a 4yrs service package for £599, saved a fortune on that

[@Themattster13]

Totally empathise with you, costs me an arm and a leg in fuel but couldn’t imagine driving anything else now. Still a raw car to drive when everything else at a similar level is now over engineered and boring. Reminds me of when I went from a 997 c4s to a 991, lack of driver engagement in the 991, too easy to drive. The QV’s the best car I’ve owned out of six Porsches and three Audi S’s

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Great to see your comparison with the Porsches. Double wishbone front suspension didn’t appear until the 992 as far as I’m aware. The Audi front end is also know for its numbness. You’re right, there’s nothing quite like a Giulia. Ed

[@berardoferrari]

@TheRealCatof 😅😅😅

[@berardoferrari]

@TheRealCatof its butt ugly!!!! LOL!

[@safetutic6721]

Since 2018 brand new till today my car is doing very well 40k miles on it and the only thing I change it’s the radiator bc the ruck 3 days ago I got warning my fuel pump low pressure and car shut off after turn on but I make it somehow home and I parked in garage the next day everything was ok fix himself It’s my daily drive and I’m very very happy with the car

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Yes many new fuel pumps were fitted under warranty. I was told to never drive it on the red fuel light. Ed

[@Line-vw5io]

front discs + pads front and back at 22k miles (35k km)???? How do you drive? I drive an M2, first time to replace pads and discs was at 140k km (87k miles)

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I was the 5th owner of this car. They were vibrating upon purchase. Nothing to do with me. Ed

[@martinkeenan9638]

Iv had mine nearly 20 months now and still love it, luckily battery wareing loom a new radiator where sorted all with warranty I got with the car, love it too bits, and like you say there’s nothing I want or need that can close for me,

[@rolandroberts3224]

Thank you for the video I just got 1 and I love every bit of it and it's one of the baddest car on the street.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

They’re just wonderful cars. Ed

[@goochi5544]

I got you beat. i own a Fiat 2016 500x bought brand new and the only parts I changed was the battery, windshield wipers , spark plugs and oil changes. I will soon be replacing the original tires due to wear. Dealer replaced the radiator fan (warranty). My out of pocket cost for the parts $698.00. Add a few dollars for cleaners, wax, wd40, rags. Not bad for 8 years. No labor costs since I did all the work.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

That’s sounds like a bargain.

[@mareksuchowski9127]

Considering myself sort of an Alfista myself (155,166,159). In 2020 I was so close to falling for that "supercharged castrated Ferrrari 8 cylinder" story. But somehow... in a 49/51 decision I went for a Tesla Model 3 Performance instead. I didn't know cars can cost so few. 122.000km 2 new sets of tires. 1x TÜV (MOT) No breakdowns. End of the complete list. Despite hammering it each and every day. Yes... the "emotions"... but that desire becomes less over time. But I smile everytime I meet a Giulia Q4 thinking: it could've been.

[@markg1531]

I think rational decisions are the ones we regret the most. I’m going for the Alfa!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I understand your decision but there’s no comparison to the emotional connection you feel with the Alfa. It is such a truly unique experience. Ed

[@mareksuchowski9127]

@@Back_Road_Hero Sure. My reply was focused on the main aspect of your video - "Cost of ownership". All emotions aside, a field that a 4-8 year old Alfas rarely ever shone in. Fingers crossed for you though! :)

[@hoppysport2872]

What a superlative video. Bravo to you! I love the car, but the electrical scares me. I'm still driving a 2008 SAAB 9-5 turbo. Since new--paid $17,500 as a new in 2011 as a leftover after GM cut SAAB loose--I've spent $5,300 on all parts, labor, preventative maintenance, suspension, exhaust, tires, fluids, registration and inspection. That said, I love the Giulia, inside and out. But maintaining it scares me.

[@BionicRusty]

Wow, the price of tyres is really good for the car! Tyres for my 2.1 diesel Merc are pushing £1k for all 4. A beautiful car 👏👏👏

[@RBcymru]

Nice car to be stuck with. I had an Alfa 33 and although it needed fixing with electrical faults plus smoke, second hand gear box and a "little rust" easily fixed I miss it to this day twenty five years later. 1980's cars were so much better just like the music.

[@simonperks3935]

Brilliant , so glad your keeping it . It was Clarkson and mainly your videos that made me buy my 2018 QV. Keep up the great work 👍👍

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Thanks Simon. It’s a properly sorted little car which makes you smile. That’s all we can ask for. Ed

[@francouz23]

Giulia looks obviously better, than the 159 159 still suffers from being fwd and having such nasty long front overhang If I'd put a GTAm next to any 159, what would you pick just from the aesthetic point of view?

[@Back_Road_Hero]

To be honest I’ve always loved the 159. The Giulia QV Is a different beast altogether. Both however are great looking cars. Ed

[@riccccccardo]

Smile for miles is what’s it all about being a drivers enthusiast. 😊

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Smiling is priceless in my opinion. 😁 Ed

[@darrenstables4171]

Great video Ed. You are responsible for my decision to buy a quadrifiglio and thank you for that!!!! Fantastic car the comments from people are amazing, in fact better than my 987 and db9!!! Keep up the good work regards darren

[@Back_Road_Hero]

That’s awesome to hear Darren. I hope you still thank me in the long run. Everyone just loves the sheer beauty of them, especially the fairer sex. 😜 Ed

[@OhNoNotFrank]

Top Gear said I could afford a 166 if I would settle for a house for GBP 1,- in an abandoned coal mining town. But I had an ace up my sleeve - a brother who's a mechanic and who loved Italian cars. I knew I had to have at least one indefensible car while single and without children, so I bought one a few days later. Nothing but trouble! Had to buy new winter and summer tyres every year, once needed to change the engine, had to get it on a lift simply to change light bulbs, it basically spent most of the time at the workshop. 20 years later and my brother still don't talk about it. Italian autos, that is... Damn I miss that car!

[@wightangel]

As Jeremy Clarkson once said in the days of old, "A real petrolhead would have owned an Alfa at some point in their lives.

[@mbf6160]

When I first saw these cars I fell in love with em it’s just a great looking vehicle I want the stelvio

[@epi2045]

Owned a Ferrari F430 60th Anniversary. First major service at 16K miles was $14,800. Best car ever owned and appreciated $45K in 2 years ownership.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

As a friend of mine said of his Italian girlfriend. “Spend a little time, spend a little money, and she will reward you handsomely!” 😂 Ed

[@epi2045]

@@Back_Road_Hero My daily is a Toyota RAV4 V6 AWD and in the end, the Ferrari was “cheaper” to own with the appreciation.

[@highlandutilities]

Lot of great reports and reviews on these cars 👍👍

[@Back_Road_Hero]

They’re very addictive! Perfect all rounder. Ed

[@elricondelanostalgiadefran]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the car.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Thank you. Ed

[@mopatel2940]

Great news that youre keeping the Quad Ed! Hope for many more vidoes to come!

[@Back_Road_Hero]

That's the plan! Ed

[@Davidc9356]

I've been looking too buy a Giulia, nice big Brembo brakes,but the rotors always look rusted,that with the electrical issues pushed me towards a Cadillac.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

A different beast altogether. Good luck with the new car. Ed

[@kevind2760]

It's unfortunate that your thumbnail doesn't say "will ruin you... in a good way" because people may not get to the end. I have tried to find a replacement for my 2018 QV just to try something new, but I love it so much. I've owned many AMGs, M-cars, Ferraris, etc. This is my favorite car ever, period.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I’d rather reward patience than provide everything up front. Where’s the fun in that? 😂😂😂

[@YesSirPhil]

What model/year is this Alfa? Would be nice to put this in the description.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

2017. Thank you. I’ve updated the title. Ed

[@YesSirPhil]

@@Back_Road_Hero thank you!

[@witchdoc81]

Love Alfa , had a 147ti , 156ti , 159ti and know a Stelvio ❤ i wanted a qv but it’s to expensive , no to buy bit insurance and taxes ( first time taxe in Belgium 15000euro i think)

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Much cheaper to run here in the uk. Ed

[@mrradman2986]

I'd take one of these over a BMW any day. Couldn't really bear to get rid of my 2004 manual Boxster S though. This has only cost me some coil packs, tyres and I upgraded the IMS bearing for £1200.

[@tastyoldgravy]

Saw a red one in Maranello a few years back and it was a real treat. Such a beautiful car.

[@ayoung2409]

I just put discs and pads on the front only for my 2014 Auid RS4 and that cost £2100 using Audi parts and a local garage for labour.

[@lastofthelatebrakers5800]

Thanks for the info Ed, it is very helpful.

[@FlynFrogFabPerformance]

Just about to roll 60k miles on my 2017 QV. Bought it Oct 2022 with 28k that said I did the upgraded brakes $3K, fuel pump $300, belt $1200 just put a new set of tires $700, New A/C condenser cracked by a rock & radiator $2k. I drive this like a race car all day everyday and it takes it hit after it. Honestly not that bad to own getting tune, downpipes, full exhaust & spark plugs next.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Great to know that they can take a beating. Ed

[@bigjoeangel]

Lovely cars these, if I was to buy one I'd probably go for a Veloce as that's a bit more within my budget whilst still retaining a lot of the characteristics of the more powerful one. Good call on keeping it for the long haul.

[@Tomberculosis-q1i]

I do wonder how it will fare after the warranty expires. With such long service Intervals. I dont think you can get a better sounding 6 cylinder car with 4 doors than this. But thats still a ferrari engine and i worry about the day it craps itself

[@Back_Road_Hero]

The intervals are 9000 miles and one year. Aux belt every 4 years. I thought they were quite short. Ed

[@aniellodimeglio8369]

A beautiful car indeed. Definitely worth it. I hope they’ll revive the 4C.

[@Back_Road_Hero]

I looked seriously at a 4C but the noisy cabin just prevented me from using it as a daily driver. Ed

[@nickdoughty518]

Do you have photos of the failed gearbox wiring loom?

[@Back_Road_Hero]

It was done at Alfa. I believe it’s just a single wire fixed along the path of the original loom. Ed

[@gottardigarage7724]

Awesome video! Where did you get the apple car play from? Did you have it installed or did you do it?

[@Back_Road_Hero]

Easy DIY install. There are a couple out there but mine was from ENG Custom in Italy. Ed

[@mikehawk5466]

The relay and wiring issue are actual issues it had. Everything else is either basic maintenance or like the battery and radio, not something it needed but something you chose to do. So how has this car ruined you?

[@Back_Road_Hero]

If you bothered to reach the end you’d find out

[@mikehawk5466]

@ I did lol

[@Topendz]

Respectfully.. this is my first viewing of your channel. It seems the majority of those three year expenses were based on choices made by you. General maintain expenses are what they are with any high end vehicle so nothing shocking there. It cost me $2500 Canadian to replace the brakes on my 2019 GLA45. The only real issue by the sound of it was the wiring issue with the gearbox. Again not trying to downplay your frustration but I don’t see anything shocking here myself

[@Back_Road_Hero]

It’s not frustrations and I actually found it perfectly reasonable. The twist at the end was that it’s so good that it’s actually ruined me for anything else! Cheers. Ed