Alfa 147 1.6 Service costs

Hi

I recently booked my 147 1.6 Lusso into Caledonia Preston (lancs) for its
36K service and need fell off my chair when they gave me the price £355
+VAT. Along with the brakes that will probably need doing I will likely face
a £500 bill.

This is just the thought of thing that will put me off buying my next Alfa
which is a shame as I really like the car. I also have a Hyundai which comes
with a 5 year warranty and 3 years servicing thrown in. It also has no
faults whereas the 147 has several including a repeat problem with the cam
variator.

Anyone else feel put off by high servicing costs, crap service and cars with
too many faults? For me it taints the joy of owning an Alfa.

Jonathan