How reliable is your 308 GT4?

I've averaged 10,000 miles per year since I bought mine 2-1/2 years ago. Just returned from a trip with 20 FChatters to Italy, putting on 1600 miles in 5 days. Didn't miss a beat. In fact, my little Dino has been my daily driver on a few occasions where my BMW was in the shop due to electrical problems. Go figure!

As with any second hand car, you might (or: will) be faced with some overdue maintenance from the previous owner, so the first few month will be more expensive a you're sorting out the car. Replace the fuse blocks with some of Birdman's units (as 90% of all electrical issues can be traced back to the fuse blocks). Maybe install electronic ignition. Sync the carbs, replace timing belts, adjust valves, etc.

Once it's well-sorted, these cars can be very reliable.

(Of course, YMMV. It's still a 30+ year old Italian car.)

Hans

 

Much the same as Hans,

I've had my GT4 for 2 years and have upgraded the ignition to an electonic system. The fuse blocks had already been done.

Some 16 inch wheels and low profile tyres also helped alot.

It starts every time and I'd consider it very reliable.


The GT4 was a logical progression for me, my previous habbit was 116 Alfetta's. The GT4 is no harder to work on than a 116 Alfa and there's nothing complex about them. The help and information you get from fellow FChatters is invaluable.

Cheers

George

 

Had mine for 7 years,

Apart from self inflicted maintenance, such as an engine and gearbox rebuild, I have only been let down twice by the car.

1) When a 30 years old water connector to the Radiator perished....... well it was 30 years old!, replaced all connections for 30 quid in parts

2) When 1 of the electronic timing triggers on the dizzy for one of the coils stopped functioning, it was 28 years old........sent the dizzy for a complete rebuild at a cost of about 80 quid.

That is it, like any car of its age, little things will go wrong but no more than on your Alfas........ Ive been driving old and new Alfas for 20 years.

 

Bearing in mind the things that others mentioned to you in another thread to sort out up front or check that they are sorted in the car you get (belts, exhaust valves, etc), once sorted out, they run beatifully and reliably. Once you get the carbies adjusted and working nicely, you don't need to touch those. Electronic ignition is a good thing to have. Revamped fuseblocks can make a huge difference. Change the fluids reasonably regularly even if you don't drive a lot of miles and especially if you are going to drive hard or go tracking. Ultimately they are quite a simple vehicle. Also, if something does go wrong, there are often parts that fit/ are identical that can be sourced without the Ferrari premium - there are various threads on this topic. It's good to be cautious sometimes, but you are an Alfa man anyway so there should be few nasty surprises with a 308GT4

 

I had mine for 6 yrs.I rebuilt all mechanicals(engine,suspension,cooling,brakes) in that period of time but never once did it leave me stranded.It started everytime and the only times it didnt start was from a flat battery

 

I've had my GT4 for just over 2years and 20,000+ miles. Has never let me down. I took an 1100 mile trip last Oct. and I would do it again right now without any fear. The car is great and LOVES to be driven.

JIM

 

I've had mine 23 1/2 years. Problems: fuse block needed cleaning up, oil radiator, a diode in the alternator. I've done 4 major services, 1 clutch, many oil /fluid changes, 2 sets of brakes and tires. I catch myself wondering why more folks don't drive these when I'm taking mine out - then realize I'm so careful on parking etc. If I don't know I have a good place to park at my destination, or the roads aren't good on the way, it stays in the garage.

I totally agree with the others. It LOVES to be driven!

 

Mine has been very reliable. Had it since 2002. Don't drive it as much now, due to time constraints, but still havent had any issues. The key is to keep up with preventative maintenance.

A few years ago, I got my Alfa 164S (my daily driver at the time) painted. So, for a period of 2-3 weeks, I drove my 308 GT4 every day, with no issues. I think I posted about it here somewhere, but I'd have to find the thread.

Edit: I found it:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56720&highlight=Alfa

Dom

 

I've had my GT4 for almost 20 years. It has never left me totally stuck but it has over the early years exhibited pretty much everything that is unfortunate about Italian electrics. But these were all overcome and it is now very dependable. Had the cam belts changed 4 times (last time I did them myself). Other than the belts the servicing costs have been quite modest. The GT4 is delightful because it is utterly free from elctronics.

 

My Gt4 is among the most reliable cars I've ever owned. It took some time to sort out, but now I feel I could drive it anywhere, anytime without worries. It's simple, well built and exhilarating to drive. Any bad reputation they might have in terms of reliability is most likely due to incompetent servicing.

Rocco

 

Owned a GT4 for 7 years '89-'96. Put 22,000 miles on it. Was not a daily driver but it ran all over Montana when I owned it, never let me down, but I did a lot of sorting it out the first few months. I did put MSD boxes on it and had the distributors rebuilt early on. It always ran great.

 

Yes sold the GT4,replaced it with a 328GTS,but I honestly never thought I would have.I did all the work with intentions of keeping it as It was all new mechanically and the interior was just about perfect except for a bit of carpet wear near the drivers side pedals.Body was 99%rust free,paint was 8/10 it had the 16"QV rims on it and was a Dino badged series 1.I also just replaced the A/C compressor and it woked as good as GT4 A/C can get.Belts and bearings were done a month before I sold it and oils were replaced at the same time.The new owner only has to drive it now.Funnily enough,I came out of a 74 Alfa Spyder before I bought the GT4.I dont envision selling the 328 either as I'm not really into the more modern cars,but maybe a TR.....

 

I had a GT4 for 3 years, it was very reliable, but , it was not very good in the rain because the motor would get wet, and take it easy on the gas pedal, a good running GT4 will peg the tach in a blink of your eye and the pressure plate cannot handle it , Do I miss my GT4 ? .....YEs I do .

 

I should have added that if you do over- rev the motor and the clutch pedal drops to the floor, once the motor `s revs come down you can pick up the clutch pedal with your hand, It will still work but really it won`t be the same, its a pretty amazing car I think