A sad tale.............

[Ralph Moorhouse <ralfalfa@domain.elided>]

If you have an good/reliable Alfa service source locally, count your
blessings.  I had an couple of emails today from a fiend who wanted to ge=
t an
oil change & brake pads on a late model Spider.  Thought I'd share the
pain................

My friend called the last know Alfa dealer in Houston, told them what she=

needed doing only to be told that as of 12/31/99 they didn't (wouldn't)
service Alfa's any more and parts weren't available [they prefer servicin=
g
BMW's Porsches, Saabs & Jaguars].  They suggested she call a local europe=
an
car service center (who also favor the P-cars).  She spoke with them and =
the
service guy  said he would do the work.  She then asked him if he minded
working on the car and he said that Alfas are not
reliable and that he was the only shop in town that would work on them [c=
lose
but not true].  He said you fix one thing then another thing breaks.  He =
said
you have to really be crazy about the cars because repairs are constant o=
n the
older models.  Ninety models are much more reliable.  =


So there you have it - for a check-book mechanic, Houston is not the plac=
e to
own an Alfa, unless you can travel to Austin or DFW or have lots of $'s &=

don't mind giving it to mechanics that can't spell Alfa!

Is this a sign of the future for Alfa ownershop in the US, except perhaps=
 for
selected areas such as the W/ Coast?  Scarey, isn't it!

Have a good weekend being nice to your Alfa(s)!


Ralph
Houston, TX


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