159 TBI ti should I or shouldn't I?

159 TBI ti should I or shouldn't I?

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nottyash

Original Poster:

4,670 posts

194 months

Friday 25th September 2015
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Having owned a 156 twin spark a few years ago that was troublesome and a 145 cloverleaf that wasn't brilliant I was reluctant to try another Alfa.
Having seen these late versions with this petrol 200bhp engine and that gorgeous half alcantara/ leather and matt interior I'm hooked.
I've not driven one nor seen one in the flesh close up.
Its to replace my daily which is a BMW 120d, I want a slightly bigger family car but it needs some poke for overtaking on A and B roads going to work.
what are they like in the real world? is performance any good? I hear the mid range is pretty good if the 0-60 time doesn't tell the whole story.
The wife has a Hawkeye WRX so that sort of performance is what I am after.

waynedear

2,157 posts

166 months

Friday 25th September 2015
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Try one and see what you think, me I would go for a 2.4, tweaked of course.

wal 45

654 posts

179 months

Saturday 26th September 2015
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They are a great car and I really like mine, would recommend one highly although they don't feel especially 200ish BHP quick (compared to what I remember of my Impreza 15 years ago or so).

I've got a 61 plate face lift Ti Sportwagon, quite hard to find to be honest as they only sold a few in the first place. Only downsides are the half leather interior wears very badly on the bolsters and the paintwork is incredibly poor quality, fuel consumption is just acceptable but certainly better than a WRX. Tyre wear is high unless you get the alignment set up properly and the Ti is a very hard ride on UK roads, handle very nicely though compared to the 1.9/2.4 and 2.2 cars.

Worth joining Alfaowner forum and do a search for "1750Tbi", there is a huge amount of info on there that highlights the other known issues with these cars.

nottyash

Original Poster:

4,670 posts

194 months

Sunday 27th September 2015
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Thanks.
Theres none near me. I've got my eye on a black 11 plate for £10500 in Birmingham.
I've done searches and havnt really seen any issues with the 1750.
I don't like diesels, as fast as they can be its the fuel of Satan. I Had a evolve tuned 335d a few years ago so I know they can be quick.
my 120d has 193bhp but its dead below 1500rpm and runs out if steam quickly after the kick in the back.

robbo 2006

107 posts

171 months

Sunday 4th October 2015
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I'm going to biased here as I have a late run 61 plate sportwagon with full leather. I had the 2.4 Ti before it and the 1750 is the better alrounder. The later run 1750s actually had a slightly bigger turbo and good for 220 hp. It's a lovely drive, quite dieselesque in power delivery but in 3rd and 4th the thing pulls well. These are rare so you'd be driving something not many others do which I like. Contrary to comments above the suspension is fine on UK roads....try a German performance car with run flats! Nice supple drive with a bit of sportiness...it's also lighter than the other models. Go for it!

wal 45

654 posts

179 months

Monday 5th October 2015
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robbo 2006 said:
Contrary to comments above the suspension is fine on UK roads....try a German performance car with run flats! Nice supple drive with a bit of sportiness...it's also lighter than the other models. Go for it!
I stand by my comments about the ride, it is very hard when compared to most other cars and it might put a lot of people off. The only German stuff I've driven recently are E46 and E92 M3's albeit not on run flats, they are certainly more supple.

For me it's fine but for those with a sensitive back or driving on back roads a lot you might be better with a different spec to the Ti.


nottyash

Original Poster:

4,670 posts

194 months

Tuesday 6th October 2015
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When do you think the turbo was bigger? The black one is £10000 now, and an 11 plate.
Theres a private sale white one at £9000 but on a 10 plate.

As they appear not to be selling I think they are overpriced. The we buy any car price of the white one was £7400, so realistically I would say add a grand for a private sale. I offered £8500 for the white one but the sellers sticking to £9k.

Still don't know what to do. Resale is a concern because I never keep cars long.

wal 45

654 posts

179 months

Tuesday 6th October 2015
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I've never been convinced by the bigger turbo argument as the output figures stayed the same at 200 BHP up until the end (have a look at the 2012 brochures on line). The turbo had some mods done apparently around 2011 to prevent oil starvation problems but that's it I think.

You can tell a face lift as it has a black dash rather than polished metal, if it's an 11 plate it should be a face lift.

As for price and value they aren't cheap in relative terms and you've got to want one, the prices you've quoted aren't bad but yes they do seem to hang about especially saloons. I think they are great cars but certainly an acquired taste that you have to be very forgiving of the issues I mentioned in an earlier post, no intentions of selling mine for a long time yet.

nottyash

Original Poster:

4,670 posts

194 months

Wednesday 7th October 2015
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Thanks
The black ones gone. only the white one left. 2010 car, I don't think it's worth £9k though, so will wait.
It's amazing how much of a premium the TI spec attracts though. I really like the Alcantara and leather interior. my 370z has it too.