[alfa] Purchasing an Alfa or BMW in Europe

[Schuga <schuga@xxxxxxxxx>]

Alfisti,
 
As I sit looking outside of my office window at the Daytona like banking of the test track above the old Lingotto FIAT plant in Torino and being shocked about long term rental car prices, I cannot help to wonder if purchasing a vehicle is feasible.  
 
Before I go too far and to avoid a million questions asking the same thing, NO I do not work for FIAT.  I am a consultant to the Torino Olympic Committee for the upcoming 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
 
Therefore, since I am a avid Alfa enthusiast I am considering purchasing a used late model 147 GTA or 2.0 TS.  More than likely since I cannot take the Alfa back with to the US, I will probably purchase a new US spec BMW X5, X3 or 5 series but will strongly consider the Alfa route.
 
Therefore, does anyone out there know or have had dealings with the following: 
1) know a reputable dealer or place that I can buy a good used Alfa from in the Northern part of Italy.
2) have any European BMW contact information (English speaking, of course) so I can investigate the possibility of purchasing a BMW.
3) know of a good rental agency that will not charge me 600 Euros for a two-door FIAT diesel Punto (which actually drives quite nice)!
 
I will report back once I have made my final decision and have purchased a vehicle.
 
Grazie mille,
Chip
Torino, Italy
(formerly of Columbus, Indiana)
t +39 011 11 55 458
mbl +30 697 440 7199
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