The Alfa Romeo 75, a charismatic Italian sedan, made its mark in New Zealand from 1986 to 1990. Known for its distinctive styling and sporty rear-wheel-drive handling, the 75 offers a unique driving experience. However, like many Italian cars of its era, the 75 has its quirks. I’ll guide you through the nuances of 75 ownership, from common issues to WOF considerations and essential maintenance.
Rust is a significant concern, particularly in the sills, floor pans, and around the wheel arches. Electrical gremlins are common. The rear-mounted transaxle, while contributing to handling, can be expensive to repair. Engine issues, especially oil leaks and cooling problems, can occur. Suspension components, especially the rear De Dion setup, can wear prematurely.
WOF tips
Check carefully for rust, especially in structural areas. Suspension components. Ensure all lights (including those in the instrument cluster) are functioning correctly. Brakes (especially rear inboard brakes) need to be in good order. Tyres must meet minimum tread depth requirements. Be mindful of corrosion where the rear suspension mounts onto the body.
About the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo i.e.
The Alfa 75 is a driver's car, pure and simple. Its rear-mounted transaxle (gearbox and differential in one unit) contributes to a near-perfect weight distribution, providing excellent handling balance. Engine choices typically included Alfa's characterful inline-four and Busso V6 engines. The interior, while functional, prioritized driving enjoyment over outright luxury. The body is prone to rust and should be inspected before purchase.
Questions owners ask
What are the common rust spots I should check on an ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990 before buying one in New Zealand?
Rust is a significant concern for the ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990. You should pay particular attention to the sills, floor pans, and areas around the wheel arches. Also, check for corrosion where the rear suspension mounts onto the body, as this is a common WOF failure point.
What are the typical service intervals for an ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990?
The recommended service interval for the ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990 is every 10,000 km.
What should I look out for during a WOF inspection on my ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990?
For a WOF on your ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990, pay close attention to rust, especially in structural areas like sills and suspension mounts. Ensure all suspension components, particularly the rear De Dion setup, are in good condition. All lights, including those in the instrument cluster, must be functioning. Brakes, especially the rear inboard brakes, need to be in good order, and tyres must meet minimum tread depth requirements.
Where can I get parts for my ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990 in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 107 SKUs for the ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990, covering a range of common replacement parts. You can check our website or contact us directly for specific part availability.
Are electrical issues common on the ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990?
Yes, electrical gremlins are a common issue reported with the ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990. This can range from minor annoyances to more significant problems affecting various vehicle systems.
What are the potential problems with the transaxle on an ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990?
The rear-mounted transaxle on the ALFA ROMEO 75 1986–1990, while excellent for weight distribution and handling, can be expensive to repair if issues arise. It's a complex unit combining the gearbox and differential.