Quote:
Originally Posted by Nithmo
I really like the 4C... what a nice looking, cool car. But there are two things that would ultimately keep me from buying one:
1. Size: I seriously wonder if I could fit. I came from an NC Miata, which I found to be roomy enough to keep me happy on a 4 hour drive. But being 6'7", 240lbs... I have a feeling the 4C is a wee bit too small. Sadly.
2. Reliability: It's an Alfa. Alfas have never been known to be reliable cars. Maybe they've changed in the last 10 years? (I'll admit, I don't follow them closely). Obviously the 4C wouldn't be a daily driver, but there's something to be said about reliability and knowing I can go on a 1000km adventure without worrying if I'll make it back. Then again, the Z with it's horrendous CSC that can leave a guy stranded in a hurry isn't exactly the epitome of reliability either 
I'd be curious to see what the 5 year ownership costs eventually are for a 4C. I mean, as pointed out, it is rather simplistic... there isn't a ton to break on it (which is pretty awesome!!). But a Ferrari sourced DCT spells $$$$$$ to me. Everything else Alfa spells $$$$$ to me. |
I think you are right about the size. It is pretty tight in the cockpit, and people over 6'4" typically have trouble reading the tacho or looking out the side windows. There is plenty of headroom for a helmet, but not likely at your height.
So far, the main problems have been resolved mainly by software. As a new model, with each copy hand built, there have been a few minor issues. Things like excessive condensation from the a/c lines, a leak here or there, and an oddball fix on the front shock towers (some sort of nylon washer added for a noise). Most serious issues have been with the tranny, but 99% have been addressed by one of a few software patches. We'll see how that goes, down the road. One member of our forum has over 100 laps of the Nurburgring in one season on his - that is not light driving. I think that his best time was in the 8:20 range, BTW. Other than tires and brake pads, and a brake fluid flush, it needed no repair. And it was stock except for the rear pads and R-compound tires.
The transmission is standard Alfa, not Ferrari. It is the same dry dual clutch unit that was in the higher end Dodge Dart, and in the European Giulietta QV. The 4C is 237 HP, 257 Lb Ft stock and people have been pushing upwards of 300HP with no issues.
In many of the ways that count, the car is parts-bin, often out of the FIAT side of the business. Wing mirrors are from the 500 Sport, AC controls are FIAT Punto, Radio head unit is after market. The engine is off the shelf but sleeved (that's done by Ferrari - they do know engines). The timing belt can be changed (according to the dealer) without pulling the mill from the chassis. In general, the operating costs seem quite reasonable. Aside from a bolt tightening every two years (same as a MacLaren or LFA, due to the carbon/aluminum structure), it's quite routine and done at FIAT dealerships (not Ferrari ones). Plus, the car gets 35 MPG on the highway. Try that with any other supercar!