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Review of used Alfa Romeo 4C (Mk1, 2014-2019)


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The 4C is a great looking car, although some subtle tweaking is needed to dramatically improve its dynamics, especially as early models are of interest. It was never a bargain, but proved to be one of those rare cars that became an instant classic the moment it was revealed. It will always be a low-volume halo model and for sure, since the last 4C went on sale in 2019, the value has begun to increase. Most owners will admit that their car is best suited for occasional use only from the point of view of comfort and practicality. But the 4C is a car that will be heavily used in its stride, and it’s also powerful. There’s a lot to like about these sensational-looking machines, but if you’re tempted, be sure to invest in a professional inspection to make sure you’re buying a good one.

Alfa RomeoIts history spans more than a century, and during that time it has built up a sporting reputation, despite the fact that it hasn’t really earned many people its share. sports car. Its credential establishment facilities are largely hatchbackshop or large farmsteads with a sporty edge.

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What you couldn’t previously find in Alfa’s back catalog was a mass-produced mid-engine sports car, a situation that was remedied by the arrival of the 4C in 2013.

Weighing in at just over 900kg, the 4C is quick, nimble and economical, despite packing only a 1,742cc four-cylinder engine. Now, three years after production of the 4C ended, it is already a true classic.

Covered model

  • Alfa Romeo 4C (2014-2019) – The stunning appearance marks the debut of the mid-engined sports car, while aftermarket tweaks enhance the vehicle’s handling.

History

The 4C concept was introduced in 2011, while production deliveries began in 2014. The first 1,000 4Cs were the Launch Edition, with 400 being allocated to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, 500 pcs for North America and 100 pcs for other places. In the summer of 2015, the 4C Spider arrived with integrated xenon lights (later optional on coupes), upgraded hi-fi system and optional powertrain intake for improved cooling, Designed for race days.

At the same time, the coupe has been updated with revised front shock absorbers and reinforcement plates on the sides of the engine compartment. In 2016, the £67,505 50th Anniversary Spider was sold in a limited run of 50 pieces. Offered in red, yellow, or white and with no mechanical upgrades, there’s a carbon-fiber surround for the equipment, 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and numbering panels on the dashboard.

Which one should I buy?

Your budget will probably dictate which 4C you buy; It’s not as if there’s a huge amount of them for sale. There’s no reason to favor the coupe over the Spider, and all 4Cs are essentially the same mechanically. Standard equipment focuses on performance rather than luxury, so although the Alfa Romeo includes power windows and mirrors, air conditioning is initially a free option; it soon became the norm.

Some cars come with the Racing Pack, which adds a retuned suspension, sports exhaust, and sticky tires on the 18- and 19-inch front and rear wheels, in place of the standard 17- and 18-inch alloys. While this pack is desirable, a few mods by independent expert The Alfa Workshop will transform the 4C’s dynamics: engine modifications, some suspension geometry modifications, and revised brake pads all included. useful.

Alternatives to Alfa Romeo 4C

The most obvious opponents to 4C are Lotus Elise and Exige, shares the same lightweight construction and mid-engined four-cylinder engine. Before that Elises were popular sports cars, but these two-seater British cars became more expensive and more sophisticated over time.

Theoretically, Porsche Boxster and Cayman are rivals, but they are much more civilized and nothing like tough guys. However, they are similar in terms of money, fun to drive, well built, and much easier to use.

Another heavy duty driver’s car that focuses on driver interaction rather than practicality is Caterham Sevenbut this is arguably even less available than the Alfa Romeo.

What are you looking for

Suspensions

The lower front collarbone has a wearable ball pad. The entire collarbone must be replaced if this has happened.

Steering shaft

Cobweb joints can be damaged on high mileage vehicles. The axles can be replaced individually, but budget around £350 per side for repair.

Paint

Thin sheets of plastic are bent, damaging the paintwork. Paint is also very prone to peeling, so a special protective film is recommended.

Display

Panoramic visibility wasn’t great, and early 4Cs weren’t equipped with rear parking sensors. Since late 2015, this has become a free option.

Common Mistakes

We don’t have any Driver Power data for 4C and none of the owners reported the problem to us. The fact that this sports car has never been recalled is a good sign, but you should still check any examples where you look for signs it’s been well taken care of.

inland

The intentions of the 4C are clear as soon as you climb inside. The revamped cabin shows how important light weight was to the 4C’s designers, but while everything is basic, the seats are very supportive and the dashboard is easy to navigate.

Getting in and out is difficult because of the wide sills and some cheap-proof materials, but the 4C’s cabin still feels special. It’s absolutely a two-seater, practicality is on the premium level, and so is trunk space, with just 110 liters at your disposal. Even stereo is a free option, so keep that in mind if you want your Alfa to feel a little less empty.

Operating costs

The Alfa Romeo 4C needs servicing every 12 months or 12,000 miles, with a 5-year or 60,000-mile service cycle. The first service is pegged at £210; This is essentially just an oil and filter change and check. Service two and four cost £528, while a third service costs £950; The largest service is the fifth service for £1,257.

This high cost is due to the fact that the mid-engine is equipped with a tether, which must be replaced every five years or 60,000 miles; this work alone costs £627. Brake fluid needs to be replaced annually, but this cost will be covered in service number two and number four.

Alfa Romeo’s many independent specialists can help cut maintenance costs. Alfa Workshop in Royston, Herts, is one example that can help you get the most out of the 4C.

Recall

Alfa Romeo never officially recalled the 4C, but when the first cars arrived in the UK, it became clear that there were some dynamic shortcomings with the model, such as the unstable suspension and top wheel slip UK’s bumpy roads. As a result, official dealers have made some tweaks to the early cars to ensure that they handle the situations as best they can.

This required tweaking the suspension geometry, strengthening the rear wings with aluminum belts, installing a larger battery, and updating software for both the engine and transmission. Since none of these fixes are for anything safety-related, there is no official recall notice, but franchisees are expected to make the tweaks. this to make the 4C deliver on Alfa Romeo’s promise of a sensational driving experience.

Driver Power Owners Satisfaction

With only a handful of vehicles sold each year, there’s no reason why the 4C would make it into our Driver Power surveys. Indeed, you could be forgiven for thinking that the niche manufacturer Alfa Romeo would never recommend, but Giulietta hatchback ranked 17th (out of 75) in our 2017 used survey, 8th the following year and 76th in ’19. While, Giulia The saloon came in third in our 2018 and 2019 new car surveys, and the Alfa brand was ninth out of 30 in 2020.



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