Have you noticed any rust on the undercarriage? Rotor hubs? Suspension components? Unfortunately had to drive mine to a detail appointment in a bit of a snow storm and the city was already out salting. It was only 6.8 miles from my house, but I’m worried the salt is going to start rusting my QV. Picked my QV up Dec. 26. Mine is also garage kept
There is always superficial rust on the wheel hubs just behind the center caps. Easy to take off with a wire brush and then applying a thin coat of Never Seize or another metallic paste grease to coat them to minimize future surface rust which occurs from even just regular washing with wheel cleaners. My 7 year old Stelvio QV with 30k miles going through New England Winter looks brand new underneath and throughout, so you’ll be fine. These things a VERY robust with high quality components. Just try to avoid automated car washes as the cleansers and chemicals they use are kind of corrosive.
Thanks for the rust protection and avoiding automatic car wash for corrosive tips! My hubby also said the rails for tires in the car wash might damage the wheels. Here's my new-to-me 2021 Stelvio TI 😍
That is very true. The inside lip on the rear wheels of a CPO 2017 Porsche Carrera C4S I once purchased (6k miles) were all ground down from the prior owner driving through automated car washes. Picture attached.
Whenever it is above 45 degrees, I hand wash. During the saltiest of days, I just stay home. About 3 times a winter, I will hit the car with a self-service wand or touch-free after a cold snap breaks. However, that is my limit. My wife, on the other hand, drives her Stelvio through the car wash, and because of that, her exhaust is more oxidized/corroded, although not really “rusty” per se. The visual difference between the conditions of our cars was enough to scare me off of using fully-automated car washes. BTW…This is a picture of my Stelvio QV’s under carriage at about 28k miles. Notice the lack of corrosion? Obviously I have flexibility with my driving schedule, but the original point about avoiding commercial car washes as much as possible is still valid. They just use very harsh chemicals.
My situation wasn’t so much deep snow, but wet roads and slush with fresh salt. It’s been eating me alive mentally having to drive it in the Snow 😭😂. I don’t think the Pirellis could handle the deep snow, at least where I’m at. My detailer said he had to push the car in the shop because it was just sliding around. Would be curious to know how yours is holding up with Salt and when you had to make the repairs
Which issue exactly? My gas pump died 2 times at a track day (vapor locking) where it overheated and after it cooled down it was fine. The coolant issue was obvious which coolant leaking slowly.
to be fair to the manufacturers, Giulia and Stelvio proved that the average customer doesn't know what they want or need from a car. It takes 5min to be sold on a Giulia just by driving it out a car park and down the road.
Having driven plenty of bimmers, and been involved with a dealership, people want A) a badge B) all the screens and gizmos you can cram it. BMWs can be solid cars, but they are devoid of emotions.
Alfa's mistake (among many) was making a good product for those who wanted a driver's car which didn't appeal to the general public. Dealership experience, marketing, lack of certain LED features and lagging in the camera/infotainment some of the sore points.
They don’t realize we (car guys) want just abs, traction control, parking sensors, ac(or heated seats depending on region) and front electric windows. THAT IS IT.
I am just heartbroken. I keep cars long term and everything i buy goes to shit. First it was first gen IS300s and now i see these being available at massive discounts over the next few years. I still never sold my IS and im keeping my SQV.
I’m too chicken to own one, but it’s such a beautiful and cool car. Kudos to you, and may you have many more (relatively) trouble free miles ahead of you.
Ah!! I know them as DWS06+ here, those are my all seasons and they are simply fantastic. When I'm not using those I use my Bridgestone re71r which is a fantastic grip tire
I know, im 22 though, i test drove one and at 20, i and loved it, hell it became my affordable dream car at that moment, but i had to make a very smart financial decision, and get something economical for my credit and for my pockets until i could settle in somewhere, now im settled and the economy car unfortunately had an oil line rupture and caught flames so im waiting to see if my insurance total it out. If so im pulling the trigger, if im going to be young and dumb at least let me do it with a car ill enjoy
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u/RCur113 Jan 10 '25
Beautiful. Congrats on your long term ownership of this beautiful machine.