I'm an Alfa fan, and have been for years - I've had a 146, GTV, 147, 156 Sportwagon and currently have a GT.
Within the next year I will be trading the GT in for a Brera.
During the time I've owned Alfas, and because of the number of different models I've had you'd think I would've experienced some problems.......but no. None. Not a single one.
Modern Alfas have a stigma which is simply undeserved. If they were always breaking down, people wouldn't buy them, it really is as simple as that.
Like any car, just so long as they are serviced and reasonably well looked after, you should be OK.
Servicing/repairs are OK as well - it cost more to have a cam belt changed on my wife's Golf than it did on my GT.
The only thing that has annoyed me is that I lost a key and it cost �200 for a new one!!!! But then again, I don't know whether that is good or bad. Are BMW/Ford/VW keys any cheaper?
Plus, aesthetically (in my opinion) they have by far the best looking range of models of any marque - ten times better than any boring Beemer or VW.
Great to drive as well - very eager engines with a great sound.