In a market where $20,000 often buys something sensible but underwhelming, depreciation thankfully offers a silver lining. While a dirty word for those trying to maximize the value of their vehicles, it’s a boon for those of us who couldn’t afford a top-dollar car in the first place. Case in point: did you know you can now get behind the wheel of one of the best-looking and best-driving luxury cars of the 2010s for the price of a new Toyota Corolla?
Allow us to reintroduce you to the achingly gorgeous Alfa Romeo Giulia, the Italian automaker’s answer to the best luxury sports sedans from the US, Germany, and Japan. Introduced as part of the Alfa Romeo brand’s revival in the US less than a decade ago, the non-Quadrifoglio models are now some of the best used RWD options available. It’s one of the rare models that still evokes the passion of sports sedans of yesteryear. But is it the right car for you, or will concerns about reliability hold you back? Let’s take a closer look at this alluring Italian model.
This article relies on official Alfa Romeo specifications, historical pricing, and drive reviews from the Giulia’s US production run.
Alfa Romeo’s Comeback Kid
When rumors of Alfa Romeo’s return to the US started circulating in the early 2010s, the world buzzed with excitement. The brand had left our shores in 1995, leaving behind a complex legacy. A fresh start was needed, and this began with the introduction of the 4C in 2014. The 4C was small, beautiful, and drove like a true Italian sports car, but it was never going to be a high-volume seller. Enter the Giulia.
The Giulia arrived in the US in 2017, and the high-performance Quadrifoglio version immediately grabbed headlines. With its Ferrari-derived, twin-turbo V6 engine producing over 500 horsepower, aggressive styling, and standard RWD, it was the model everyone talked about. It was a worthy competitor to the BMW M3 but also cost around $80,000, making it out of reach for most buyers. However, if you were looking for something a bit more attainable, the base and Ti models were powered by a turbocharged inline-four producing 280 horsepower. Even better, the excellent four-door design still looked great, meaning that even buyers spending $40,000 could enjoy a vehicle that would still turn heads.
Built on a lightweight chassis with near-perfect weight distribution, the Giulia prioritized delivering a true driver’s car. From the sharp steering to the balanced ride, the Giulia didn’t just match its competition; it frequently outdrove them. These “regular” Giulia models now present an incredible value on the used market.
What Makes The Giulia Feel So Special
Even in standard 2.0-liter turbocharged form, the Giulia stands out. Let’s start with the performance. The 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain makes 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque, a figure that still competes well with many compact sports sedans today. This power is sent through a quick-shifting 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, strictly to the rear wheels (although an AWD system is available for colder climates). The result is a car that hits 0-60 mph in just over five seconds.
Engine 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 Horsepower 280 hp @ 5,200 rpm Torque 306 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm Transmission 8-speed automatic Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive (AWD optional) 0-60 mph Time 5.1 seconds Top Speed 149 mph Curb Weight Approx. 3,500 lbs Fuel Economy (RWD) 24 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
The Giulia excels not just in straight-line speed, but in the turns. The car’s near 50/50 weight distribution and low center of gravity allow it to “dance” without being punished by rough pavement. The steering is nicely weighted, and despite the quick steering ratio, turn-in is smooth and rarely twitchy. While the brake feel could be improved, the Giulia begs to be driven hard.
Inside, the Giulia’s a mixed bag. It isn’t bad, with nice leather, a perfectly sized steering wheel, and attractive gauges, but the company made some cost savings. There’s a decent amount of hard plastic and the gear selector, buttons, and knobs aren’t aligned with true luxury vehicle standards. The back seat is a bit tight, although the front seats offer good bolstering. The touchscreen on older models is small, but overall, you get a better interior experience than other entry-level models available at the same price.
From $50K to $20K: How Did This Happen?
Remember, we’re talking about a used Giulia. The issues that might plague a $50,000 car are often less problematic in a $20,000-$25,000 vehicle, and you can find several in that price range. Here’s a sample:
Year Trim Mileage Price Location Sale Platform 2022 Ti 24,212 mi $27,999 Pittsburgh, PA Cars.com 2022 Ti 30,997 mi $25,495 Merrillville, IN AutoTempest 2021 Ti 24,271 mi $26,786 Milwaukee, WI CARFAX 2021 Sprint 49,918 mi $19,990 Pasadena, MD AutoTempest 2020 Sprint 36,073 mi $19,789 Cary, NC Cars.com 2020 Ti Lusso 35,020 mi $22,500 Oak Lawn, IL Cars.com 2019 Base 42,387 mi $19,942 Bowmansville, NY Cars.com 2018 Ti Sport 44,595 mi $23,990 Colonial Heights, VA Carvana 2018 Ti 28,239 mi $24,990 Greenfield, IN Carvana 2017 Base 54,241 mi $19,990 Riverside, NJ Carvana
*Vehicle list compiled by AutoTempest
The prices above reflect just a small sample found using AutoTempest.com, and despite many of these cars having less than 50,000 miles, the median price hovers around $22,000. A used BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class from similar years and mileage will likely cost a few thousand dollars more. And we can confidently say that neither will drive as well as the Giulia.
The Ti trims are easier to find as they are the most popular, but the Base model (which became the Sprint in 2021) is well-equipped with features, including Brembo brakes, the same engine and transmission, leather seats, and a touchscreen with navigation. The Ti is also an option, as is the more luxurious Lusso (which adds wood trim and accent stitching) or the Sport (which adds paddle shifters, aluminum trim, and sport seats). However, packages and trim names change over the years (as the larger touchscreen became standard in 2020), so checking the model year and trim is essential.
What You Need to Know When Buying an Italian Stallion
If you’re intrigued by the Giulia, it’s time to prepare yourself for what to look out for in a used model. Everyone’s heard the horror stories of early Giulias, but most issues seem to have been addressed. Even early models likely had most problems fixed by now, but a later version might be a safer bet.
Here are some key things to consider:
- Check for updated software: Alfa addressed infotainment and system glitches through software updates. Ensure the car has had these updates.
- Look for signs of electrical fixes: Some Giulias experienced electrical gremlins, especially with power windows, keyless entry, and dashboard warning lights. Ask if the previous owner fixed these issues or if warranty work was performed.
- Inspect for oil leaks: The 2.0-liter engine can develop oil leaks around the valve cover and turbocharger, particularly on higher-mileage cars. A thorough inspection can help identify any issues.
- Verify the water pump service: Water pumps can fail around 60,000-80,000 miles. If considering a car within that range, ask for documentation that the water pump has been serviced.
- Avoid models with aftermarket engine tunes: The 2.0-liter turbo engine responds well to tuning, but quality modifications are critical. Heavily-tuned Giulias may have accelerated wear and voided warranties. Stock or lightly modified cars are a safer choice.
The best advice is to check out some online forums. You’ll find passionate Giulia owners who will tell you most serious model issues have been solved over time. With regular maintenance, a Giulia will easily last for years with the same care required for most luxury models.
Our best advice is not to avoid a vehicle from a brand that makes its owners happier than nearly every other because of exaggerated horror stories. If you can afford the higher maintenance costs expected from a luxury vehicle, the Giulia is a standout that will have you enjoying the style, performance, and personality that makes this Italian sedan an excellent choice in today’s used market.
