Let's see your Alfa Romeos!
Discussion
V6GT said:
vit4 said:
Oh hello Cameron. Nice GTA you have there... Giving it a wash tomorrow, might just be because of the colour but it really doesn't suit not being clean! Still grin like an idiot every time I drive it though, so all is well
I've been lurking around on here of a ail now, so I suppose it's time I properly introduce myself, and my short car history.
As soon as I got my drivers license on my 18th birthday (minimal age here in Belgium) I bought my first car, it had to be reliable, cheap, relatively safe, and no be all tougher boring.
I chose a 2004 Fiesta . Not the greatest car of them all, but all in all a great first car, that despite the lack of power provided good handling and some fun.
However, a couple of years later I had the brilliant idea to buy a Rotax Max kart, so a tow bar had to be installed. I did the trip to the kart track two times, but quickly concluded that the 80hp petrol engine wasn't going to cut it for this type of thing, so that was the end of the Fiesta.
So this time the budget was a bit bigger, I was in doubt between buying a relatively new boring diesel station wagon, or buying something a bit less expensive, but older that had more options. I had always found the 156 SW the prettiest wagon ever made (In high volume production) and was surprised how cheap a relatively new one could be had, so I ended up with a 2004 1.9JTD 16V back Ti SW that had all these great options (The leather electric Recaro's, the bose sound system,…) and was quite quick after a Squadra remap:
Fast forward 2 years, and the same scenario repeats itself, I'm passing time on the net, and find out a good 159 SW in Ti trim isn't so expensive compared to the costs I'll face keeping the 156 in pristine condition (The horror stories about rust under the protective coating for the face lifted versions really start worrying me) and I end up with a 2008 159 SW Ti 1.9JTDm.
Best car I've owned, much better build quality then the 156, but sadly, even after a remap, it lacks the power to give me the same sensations as the 156 did. However, it is great as a commuter car, and on the long winter trips to Andorra (I'm a ski instructor during Belgian school holidays) given the economy of the diesel.
So, my solution? Buy a "summer car":
Bought a bone stock 2002 mx5 1.8 VVT and added coilovers, a roll-bar, stainless steel exhaust and alloys. I had been playing around with the idea to install a turbo or compressor, but in the end decided it was fun enough to drive already, the MX5 doesn't need to be able to do a great 0_60 to be fun on a nice day.
And so we arrive at the present. I've moved closer to work, decided to sell the kart and trailer and the ski trips are done by bus, so I start thinking if it's worth to keep up the maintenance on a diesel that clearly doesn't like the short trips all that much, and is on the wrong side of 100.000 miles, or should buy something new? So on the first day of the Brussels car show (Hey, I'm there for work anyways.) I check out all those cars I like when they drive by. The Mercedes C, The Mazda 6, the 3-series,… even the Giulietta, and end up deceived. I don't like any of them more than the 159.
So that evening I start checking the classifieds again, and I'll think you'll know the story by now… saturday I'm going to pick up this one:
More pics here: http://sdrv.ms/1eib9Q3
It's the 159 I've always wanted:
- 2009 1750Tbi
- Alfa Rosso
- Ti trim
- Light interior
- Xenons
So it's not much younger compared to mine, but it only has 37500 miles, so it should be a lot "fresher".
Plans:
- Squadra Remap (Appointment made for next friday )
- CSC or bespoke Stainless steel exhaust
- Install my Kenwood 7" nag-headunit
- Install parking sensors in the rear bumper (Have a camera setup now, but it isn't as practical as you would think)
- Sound upgrade, I've always missed the Bose from the 156 because it sounded relatively good, but looked stock. I want to achieve the same in this 159 using aftermarket components.
As soon as I got my drivers license on my 18th birthday (minimal age here in Belgium) I bought my first car, it had to be reliable, cheap, relatively safe, and no be all tougher boring.
I chose a 2004 Fiesta . Not the greatest car of them all, but all in all a great first car, that despite the lack of power provided good handling and some fun.
However, a couple of years later I had the brilliant idea to buy a Rotax Max kart, so a tow bar had to be installed. I did the trip to the kart track two times, but quickly concluded that the 80hp petrol engine wasn't going to cut it for this type of thing, so that was the end of the Fiesta.
So this time the budget was a bit bigger, I was in doubt between buying a relatively new boring diesel station wagon, or buying something a bit less expensive, but older that had more options. I had always found the 156 SW the prettiest wagon ever made (In high volume production) and was surprised how cheap a relatively new one could be had, so I ended up with a 2004 1.9JTD 16V back Ti SW that had all these great options (The leather electric Recaro's, the bose sound system,…) and was quite quick after a Squadra remap:
Fast forward 2 years, and the same scenario repeats itself, I'm passing time on the net, and find out a good 159 SW in Ti trim isn't so expensive compared to the costs I'll face keeping the 156 in pristine condition (The horror stories about rust under the protective coating for the face lifted versions really start worrying me) and I end up with a 2008 159 SW Ti 1.9JTDm.
Best car I've owned, much better build quality then the 156, but sadly, even after a remap, it lacks the power to give me the same sensations as the 156 did. However, it is great as a commuter car, and on the long winter trips to Andorra (I'm a ski instructor during Belgian school holidays) given the economy of the diesel.
So, my solution? Buy a "summer car":
Bought a bone stock 2002 mx5 1.8 VVT and added coilovers, a roll-bar, stainless steel exhaust and alloys. I had been playing around with the idea to install a turbo or compressor, but in the end decided it was fun enough to drive already, the MX5 doesn't need to be able to do a great 0_60 to be fun on a nice day.
And so we arrive at the present. I've moved closer to work, decided to sell the kart and trailer and the ski trips are done by bus, so I start thinking if it's worth to keep up the maintenance on a diesel that clearly doesn't like the short trips all that much, and is on the wrong side of 100.000 miles, or should buy something new? So on the first day of the Brussels car show (Hey, I'm there for work anyways.) I check out all those cars I like when they drive by. The Mercedes C, The Mazda 6, the 3-series,… even the Giulietta, and end up deceived. I don't like any of them more than the 159.
So that evening I start checking the classifieds again, and I'll think you'll know the story by now… saturday I'm going to pick up this one:
More pics here: http://sdrv.ms/1eib9Q3
It's the 159 I've always wanted:
- 2009 1750Tbi
- Alfa Rosso
- Ti trim
- Light interior
- Xenons
So it's not much younger compared to mine, but it only has 37500 miles, so it should be a lot "fresher".
Plans:
- Squadra Remap (Appointment made for next friday )
- CSC or bespoke Stainless steel exhaust
- Install my Kenwood 7" nag-headunit
- Install parking sensors in the rear bumper (Have a camera setup now, but it isn't as practical as you would think)
- Sound upgrade, I've always missed the Bose from the 156 because it sounded relatively good, but looked stock. I want to achieve the same in this 159 using aftermarket components.
edbanger said:
I've been lurking around on here of a ail now, so I suppose it's time I properly introduce myself, and my short car history.
As soon as I got my drivers license on my 18th birthday (minimal age here in Belgium) I bought my first car, it had to be reliable, cheap, relatively safe, and no be all tougher boring.
I chose a 2004 Fiesta . Not the greatest car of them all, but all in all a great first car, that despite the lack of power provided good handling and some fun.
However, a couple of years later I had the brilliant idea to buy a Rotax Max kart, so a tow bar had to be installed. I did the trip to the kart track two times, but quickly concluded that the 80hp petrol engine wasn't going to cut it for this type of thing, so that was the end of the Fiesta.
So this time the budget was a bit bigger, I was in doubt between buying a relatively new boring diesel station wagon, or buying something a bit less expensive, but older that had more options. I had always found the 156 SW the prettiest wagon ever made (In high volume production) and was surprised how cheap a relatively new one could be had, so I ended up with a 2004 1.9JTD 16V back Ti SW that had all these great options (The leather electric Recaro's, the bose sound system,…) and was quite quick after a Squadra remap:
Fast forward 2 years, and the same scenario repeats itself, I'm passing time on the net, and find out a good 159 SW in Ti trim isn't so expensive compared to the costs I'll face keeping the 156 in pristine condition (The horror stories about rust under the protective coating for the face lifted versions really start worrying me) and I end up with a 2008 159 SW Ti 1.9JTDm.
Best car I've owned, much better build quality then the 156, but sadly, even after a remap, it lacks the power to give me the same sensations as the 156 did. However, it is great as a commuter car, and on the long winter trips to Andorra (I'm a ski instructor during Belgian school holidays) given the economy of the diesel.
So, my solution? Buy a "summer car":
Bought a bone stock 2002 mx5 1.8 VVT and added coilovers, a roll-bar, stainless steel exhaust and alloys. I had been playing around with the idea to install a turbo or compressor, but in the end decided it was fun enough to drive already, the MX5 doesn't need to be able to do a great 0_60 to be fun on a nice day.
And so we arrive at the present. I've moved closer to work, decided to sell the kart and trailer and the ski trips are done by bus, so I start thinking if it's worth to keep up the maintenance on a diesel that clearly doesn't like the short trips all that much, and is on the wrong side of 100.000 miles, or should buy something new? So on the first day of the Brussels car show (Hey, I'm there for work anyways.) I check out all those cars I like when they drive by. The Mercedes C, The Mazda 6, the 3-series,… even the Giulietta, and end up deceived. I don't like any of them more than the 159.
So that evening I start checking the classifieds again, and I'll think you'll know the story by now… saturday I'm going to pick up this one:
More pics here: http://sdrv.ms/1eib9Q3
It's the 159 I've always wanted:
- 2009 1750Tbi
- Alfa Rosso
- Ti trim
- Light interior
- Xenons
So it's not much younger compared to mine, but it only has 37500 miles, so it should be a lot "fresher".
Plans:
- Squadra Remap (Appointment made for next friday )
- CSC or bespoke Stainless steel exhaust
- Install my Kenwood 7" nag-headunit
- Install parking sensors in the rear bumper (Have a camera setup now, but it isn't as practical as you would think)
- Sound upgrade, I've always missed the Bose from the 156 because it sounded relatively good, but looked stock. I want to achieve the same in this 159 using aftermarket components.
Hi Edbanger, and welcome!As soon as I got my drivers license on my 18th birthday (minimal age here in Belgium) I bought my first car, it had to be reliable, cheap, relatively safe, and no be all tougher boring.
I chose a 2004 Fiesta . Not the greatest car of them all, but all in all a great first car, that despite the lack of power provided good handling and some fun.
However, a couple of years later I had the brilliant idea to buy a Rotax Max kart, so a tow bar had to be installed. I did the trip to the kart track two times, but quickly concluded that the 80hp petrol engine wasn't going to cut it for this type of thing, so that was the end of the Fiesta.
So this time the budget was a bit bigger, I was in doubt between buying a relatively new boring diesel station wagon, or buying something a bit less expensive, but older that had more options. I had always found the 156 SW the prettiest wagon ever made (In high volume production) and was surprised how cheap a relatively new one could be had, so I ended up with a 2004 1.9JTD 16V back Ti SW that had all these great options (The leather electric Recaro's, the bose sound system,…) and was quite quick after a Squadra remap:
Fast forward 2 years, and the same scenario repeats itself, I'm passing time on the net, and find out a good 159 SW in Ti trim isn't so expensive compared to the costs I'll face keeping the 156 in pristine condition (The horror stories about rust under the protective coating for the face lifted versions really start worrying me) and I end up with a 2008 159 SW Ti 1.9JTDm.
Best car I've owned, much better build quality then the 156, but sadly, even after a remap, it lacks the power to give me the same sensations as the 156 did. However, it is great as a commuter car, and on the long winter trips to Andorra (I'm a ski instructor during Belgian school holidays) given the economy of the diesel.
So, my solution? Buy a "summer car":
Bought a bone stock 2002 mx5 1.8 VVT and added coilovers, a roll-bar, stainless steel exhaust and alloys. I had been playing around with the idea to install a turbo or compressor, but in the end decided it was fun enough to drive already, the MX5 doesn't need to be able to do a great 0_60 to be fun on a nice day.
And so we arrive at the present. I've moved closer to work, decided to sell the kart and trailer and the ski trips are done by bus, so I start thinking if it's worth to keep up the maintenance on a diesel that clearly doesn't like the short trips all that much, and is on the wrong side of 100.000 miles, or should buy something new? So on the first day of the Brussels car show (Hey, I'm there for work anyways.) I check out all those cars I like when they drive by. The Mercedes C, The Mazda 6, the 3-series,… even the Giulietta, and end up deceived. I don't like any of them more than the 159.
So that evening I start checking the classifieds again, and I'll think you'll know the story by now… saturday I'm going to pick up this one:
More pics here: http://sdrv.ms/1eib9Q3
It's the 159 I've always wanted:
- 2009 1750Tbi
- Alfa Rosso
- Ti trim
- Light interior
- Xenons
So it's not much younger compared to mine, but it only has 37500 miles, so it should be a lot "fresher".
Plans:
- Squadra Remap (Appointment made for next friday )
- CSC or bespoke Stainless steel exhaust
- Install my Kenwood 7" nag-headunit
- Install parking sensors in the rear bumper (Have a camera setup now, but it isn't as practical as you would think)
- Sound upgrade, I've always missed the Bose from the 156 because it sounded relatively good, but looked stock. I want to achieve the same in this 159 using aftermarket components.
I guess you'll be at Ital Mobiel in Oostende next week. I'm hoping to get over there with my 155 Q4 (it's already had the Squadra treatment). I'm based just outside Gent. Maybe see you there.
sunbeam alpine said:
Hi Edbanger, and welcome!
I guess you'll be at Ital Mobiel in Oostende next week. I'm hoping to get over there with my 155 Q4 (it's already had the Squadra treatment). I'm based just outside Gent. Maybe see you there.
Hi, it's a small world after all!.I guess you'll be at Ital Mobiel in Oostende next week. I'm hoping to get over there with my 155 Q4 (it's already had the Squadra treatment). I'm based just outside Gent. Maybe see you there.
I'll b at Ital Mobiel on friday around noon indeed, I'm driving over there from just north-west of Brussels, but I'll be passing Gent . Hope to see you there!
(And holy crap, a 155 Q4! That thing must be quite something, especially after the Massimo treatment. I'll have to check out your posts about that car now!)
edbanger said:
sunbeam alpine said:
Hi Edbanger, and welcome!
I guess you'll be at Ital Mobiel in Oostende next week. I'm hoping to get over there with my 155 Q4 (it's already had the Squadra treatment). I'm based just outside Gent. Maybe see you there.
Hi, it's a small world after all!.I guess you'll be at Ital Mobiel in Oostende next week. I'm hoping to get over there with my 155 Q4 (it's already had the Squadra treatment). I'm based just outside Gent. Maybe see you there.
I'll b at Ital Mobiel on friday around noon indeed, I'm driving over there from just north-west of Brussels, but I'll be passing Gent . Hope to see you there!
(And holy crap, a 155 Q4! That thing must be quite something, especially after the Massimo treatment. I'll have to check out your posts about that car now!)
Also appears (briefly) in a video of a Pistonheads run on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWr9uRd4Hec
You may also be interested in: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
(probably still time to join us if you like!)
sunbeam alpine said:
...my 155 Q4 ....
You asked me re Q4 in your other thread and mentioned that your car had sprung a few leaks....please check the oil level in the rear diff especially as they only hold a litre or so and owners sometimes leave minor oil drips before the rear diff is kaput. I had the same problem and landed up waiting 2 weeks for the right oil seal from Italy. arguti said:
You asked me re Q4 in your other thread and mentioned that your car had sprung a few leaks....please check the oil level in the rear diff especially as they only hold a litre or so and owners sometimes leave minor oil drips before the rear diff is kaput. I had the same problem and landed up waiting 2 weeks for the right oil seal from Italy.
Thanks for that. Diff is leak-free, and I check it every time we put it on the lift.Slight embarassment last weekend - while changing the spark plugs I noticed the second dipstick (gearbox oil) for the first time! It was bone dry
I only managed to get 1/2 liter in, so I guess it wasn't completely empty. No difference in sound, so I think I was lucky!
Only one problem with the Q4 - keeping it down to any kind of sensible speed!
Hi all.. some beautiful machines on show here ! As ever.. they are Italian afterall :P Thought id say hello, cant believe i havent drop into Alfa yet - im a big fan, had quite a few and currently own 4, im breaking 2 but keeping 2 others.. at least thats the plan ! I usually just hang around on forum.156.net but had to show off the girls haha althought I was tempted the other day to buy my first true Alfa and was looking for a 1960s Spider in red (of course).. but instead i bought a TVR lol
So here they all are my 2004 JTS (breaking), 1999 GTV V6, 1999 156 V6 (breaking) and 2003 156 V6
So here they all are my 2004 JTS (breaking), 1999 GTV V6, 1999 156 V6 (breaking) and 2003 156 V6
£220 I think... Less than my previous 2.0 petrol mazda3 anyhow.
I'd love the v6 don't get me wrong but the diesel is the best compromise IMO. Plus I have a kit car for zooming about in.
I worked out the running costs and figured the 3.2 would cost me about 1k more per year to run than the diesel..insurance, tax and fuel considered.
I'd love the v6 don't get me wrong but the diesel is the best compromise IMO. Plus I have a kit car for zooming about in.
I worked out the running costs and figured the 3.2 would cost me about 1k more per year to run than the diesel..insurance, tax and fuel considered.
edbanger said:
I've been lurking around on here of a ail now, so I suppose it's time I properly introduce myself, and my short car history.
As soon as I got my drivers license on my 18th birthday (minimal age here in Belgium) I bought my first car, it had to be reliable, cheap, relatively safe, and no be all tougher boring.
I chose a 2004 Fiesta . Not the greatest car of them all, but all in all a great first car, that despite the lack of power provided good handling and some fun.
However, a couple of years later I had the brilliant idea to buy a Rotax Max kart, so a tow bar had to be installed. I did the trip to the kart track two times, but quickly concluded that the 80hp petrol engine wasn't going to cut it for this type of thing, so that was the end of the Fiesta.
So this time the budget was a bit bigger, I was in doubt between buying a relatively new boring diesel station wagon, or buying something a bit less expensive, but older that had more options. I had always found the 156 SW the prettiest wagon ever made (In high volume production) and was surprised how cheap a relatively new one could be had, so I ended up with a 2004 1.9JTD 16V back Ti SW that had all these great options (The leather electric Recaro's, the bose sound system,…) and was quite quick after a Squadra remap:
Fast forward 2 years, and the same scenario repeats itself, I'm passing time on the net, and find out a good 159 SW in Ti trim isn't so expensive compared to the costs I'll face keeping the 156 in pristine condition (The horror stories about rust under the protective coating for the face lifted versions really start worrying me) and I end up with a 2008 159 SW Ti 1.9JTDm.
Best car I've owned, much better build quality then the 156, but sadly, even after a remap, it lacks the power to give me the same sensations as the 156 did. However, it is great as a commuter car, and on the long winter trips to Andorra (I'm a ski instructor during Belgian school holidays) given the economy of the diesel.
So, my solution? Buy a "summer car":
Bought a bone stock 2002 mx5 1.8 VVT and added coilovers, a roll-bar, stainless steel exhaust and alloys. I had been playing around with the idea to install a turbo or compressor, but in the end decided it was fun enough to drive already, the MX5 doesn't need to be able to do a great 0_60 to be fun on a nice day.
And so we arrive at the present. I've moved closer to work, decided to sell the kart and trailer and the ski trips are done by bus, so I start thinking if it's worth to keep up the maintenance on a diesel that clearly doesn't like the short trips all that much, and is on the wrong side of 100.000 miles, or should buy something new? So on the first day of the Brussels car show (Hey, I'm there for work anyways.) I check out all those cars I like when they drive by. The Mercedes C, The Mazda 6, the 3-series,… even the Giulietta, and end up deceived. I don't like any of them more than the 159.
So that evening I start checking the classifieds again, and I'll think you'll know the story by now… saturday I'm going to pick up this one:
More pics here: http://sdrv.ms/1eib9Q3
It's the 159 I've always wanted:
- 2009 1750Tbi
- Alfa Rosso
- Ti trim
- Light interior
- Xenons
So it's not much younger compared to mine, but it only has 37500 miles, so it should be a lot "fresher".
Plans:
- Squadra Remap (Appointment made for next friday )
- CSC or bespoke Stainless steel exhaust
- Install my Kenwood 7" nag-headunit
- Install parking sensors in the rear bumper (Have a camera setup now, but it isn't as practical as you would think)
- Sound upgrade, I've always missed the Bose from the 156 because it sounded relatively good, but looked stock. I want to achieve the same in this 159 using aftermarket components.
I enjoyed reading about your experiences with the 156 sportwagon, I'm intrigued to hear what you think of the 1750TBI engine in your new 159, that's assuming you bought it!?
I'm currently enjoying my 145QV phase 2 in rosso, although I'm on the lookout for a 156 Sportwagon 2.5V6 as late as poss and not in silver (anyone out there have one please get in touch!)
Here's my 145:
Cheers
As soon as I got my drivers license on my 18th birthday (minimal age here in Belgium) I bought my first car, it had to be reliable, cheap, relatively safe, and no be all tougher boring.
I chose a 2004 Fiesta . Not the greatest car of them all, but all in all a great first car, that despite the lack of power provided good handling and some fun.
However, a couple of years later I had the brilliant idea to buy a Rotax Max kart, so a tow bar had to be installed. I did the trip to the kart track two times, but quickly concluded that the 80hp petrol engine wasn't going to cut it for this type of thing, so that was the end of the Fiesta.
So this time the budget was a bit bigger, I was in doubt between buying a relatively new boring diesel station wagon, or buying something a bit less expensive, but older that had more options. I had always found the 156 SW the prettiest wagon ever made (In high volume production) and was surprised how cheap a relatively new one could be had, so I ended up with a 2004 1.9JTD 16V back Ti SW that had all these great options (The leather electric Recaro's, the bose sound system,…) and was quite quick after a Squadra remap:
Fast forward 2 years, and the same scenario repeats itself, I'm passing time on the net, and find out a good 159 SW in Ti trim isn't so expensive compared to the costs I'll face keeping the 156 in pristine condition (The horror stories about rust under the protective coating for the face lifted versions really start worrying me) and I end up with a 2008 159 SW Ti 1.9JTDm.
Best car I've owned, much better build quality then the 156, but sadly, even after a remap, it lacks the power to give me the same sensations as the 156 did. However, it is great as a commuter car, and on the long winter trips to Andorra (I'm a ski instructor during Belgian school holidays) given the economy of the diesel.
So, my solution? Buy a "summer car":
Bought a bone stock 2002 mx5 1.8 VVT and added coilovers, a roll-bar, stainless steel exhaust and alloys. I had been playing around with the idea to install a turbo or compressor, but in the end decided it was fun enough to drive already, the MX5 doesn't need to be able to do a great 0_60 to be fun on a nice day.
And so we arrive at the present. I've moved closer to work, decided to sell the kart and trailer and the ski trips are done by bus, so I start thinking if it's worth to keep up the maintenance on a diesel that clearly doesn't like the short trips all that much, and is on the wrong side of 100.000 miles, or should buy something new? So on the first day of the Brussels car show (Hey, I'm there for work anyways.) I check out all those cars I like when they drive by. The Mercedes C, The Mazda 6, the 3-series,… even the Giulietta, and end up deceived. I don't like any of them more than the 159.
So that evening I start checking the classifieds again, and I'll think you'll know the story by now… saturday I'm going to pick up this one:
More pics here: http://sdrv.ms/1eib9Q3
It's the 159 I've always wanted:
- 2009 1750Tbi
- Alfa Rosso
- Ti trim
- Light interior
- Xenons
So it's not much younger compared to mine, but it only has 37500 miles, so it should be a lot "fresher".
Plans:
- Squadra Remap (Appointment made for next friday )
- CSC or bespoke Stainless steel exhaust
- Install my Kenwood 7" nag-headunit
- Install parking sensors in the rear bumper (Have a camera setup now, but it isn't as practical as you would think)
- Sound upgrade, I've always missed the Bose from the 156 because it sounded relatively good, but looked stock. I want to achieve the same in this 159 using aftermarket components.
I enjoyed reading about your experiences with the 156 sportwagon, I'm intrigued to hear what you think of the 1750TBI engine in your new 159, that's assuming you bought it!?
I'm currently enjoying my 145QV phase 2 in rosso, although I'm on the lookout for a 156 Sportwagon 2.5V6 as late as poss and not in silver (anyone out there have one please get in touch!)
Here's my 145:
Cheers
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