Alfa Romeo 156/159 1.9 JTD - Good Choice?

[jdwoodbury]

I am looking at one of these cars as a station car (80 miles roundtrip twice a week, mostly motorway), they seem good value currently (budget is approx £3-4k). Never had an Alpha yet in my car career but they seem to be a good choice instead of the normal Mondeo, 407, S60, Passat or others you can have in this segment.

Any reason why I would choose a late 156 over a leggy 159, any owners comments? Clearly the 156 looks better value at the moment and I should be able to get the best car available for my money.

Cheers,

JD

[davebem]

I love my 159, they feel a lot bigger than the 156. 159 seems more refined inside and mechanically. I havnt owned a 156 personally but have looked at and test driven a few. My 1.9 16v jtdm averages around 47mpg, there are a lot of high milers for sale at fair prices, check service history, and make sure cambelt, aux belt and water pumps have been done.

[IanMorewood]

A face lifted 156 offers good value over the 159 but check out the ergonomics of both work for you before you go hunting for the right car.

[MiniMan64]

Been searching for a Sportwagen version of either 156/159 for similar money but it's proving impossible to find ones that's not silver and has leather.

[Billiam]

Question to ask yourself is driving style. The 156 is quicker in the bends, its lighter and quite a bit more agile but the 159 is alot more refined.. i have 3 156's at the moment and you can literally pick them up for next to nothing - my latest purchase cost me £1000 its a 2003 V6 with FSH and all iv done since buying it was chuck in a new rad that id already bought for a previous model and changed the cambelt.. 12k later and she still running like a dream and although the 2.5 is the weakest power unit, its still great kept in high revs.. plus i got other toys for real speed !!

But coming back to your question - personally i would recommend the 2.4 5 cylinder diesel if your going for a derv.. it is quite thirsty compared but if you read around you will hear alot of good things.. theres always going to be horror stories and it doesnt help that i have an Alfa Romeo theory that states 'buy enough of them and eventually you will find a good one' haha but the 2.4 cruising will still achieve over 40mpg and the higher power unit with 170bhp dont half shift !!

Go and drive one of each in both engine variants and maybe talk to the owner on what he pays to run it etc. Try not to rush and find someone who can come with you for spotting common problems.. and definately check underneath If you can budget - buy a V6 !! But i am bias...