The Reason Why Alfa Romeos Depreciate More Than Almost Any Car

Car and Driver said the publication has a long history of highlighting the discrepancies that come standard in a new Alfa Romeo from the 1980s and 1990s. Issues like faulty electronics and subpar build quality are commonplace in a new Alfa despite glowing reviews about engine performance, styling, and driving feel. When the Giulia Quadrifoglio arrived in 2015, it beat the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63 S, and the Cadillac ATS-V in Car and Driver’s 2017 comparison test, and they named it to the 2018 list of the 10 best cars.

They immediately ordered a Giulia Quadrifolgio in their long-term test fleet, a fully-loaded car with carbon fiber Sparco racing seats and carbon ceramic brakes. But after 2,400 miles, the check engine light came on, and a “service electronic throttle control” warning lit the dash. The warning lights disappeared and then the “service electronic throttle control” light came back again at 4,100 miles. When the vehicle came in for service at 10,000 miles, it stayed at the dealership for 31 days to have its differential replaced. “Rarely have we hoped for a car in our possession to succeed more than we did for this Alfa,” said Daniel Pund of Car and Driver. “And rarely have we been more consistently disappointed.”