A couple of queries about an Alfa 156 2.4JTD
Discussion
I'm potentially in the market for some sort of diesel box. A car that's caught my eye is an '04 Alfa 156 Sportwagon with the 2.4JTD, it seems reasonably priced and looks like it's got good history.
The downside is that there's no leather and its got small wheels, the wheels are easy enough to change but are the interiors the same between prefacelift and facelift?
The specs for the 5 pot engine look great on paper, are they as good in reality? Is the engine used in anything non Fiat or is it one of their own? Its on 120k just now, what could I expect it to last to?
Finally, I need to ask, what sort of reliability should I expect? The reviews I can find seem quite positive.
Cheers
Lugy
The downside is that there's no leather and its got small wheels, the wheels are easy enough to change but are the interiors the same between prefacelift and facelift?
The specs for the 5 pot engine look great on paper, are they as good in reality? Is the engine used in anything non Fiat or is it one of their own? Its on 120k just now, what could I expect it to last to?
Finally, I need to ask, what sort of reliability should I expect? The reviews I can find seem quite positive.
Cheers
Lugy
Assume it's a 20V as it's an 04 model, the unit was used in modified form in the Brera/159. It was also used in other Fiat group products the majority of which weren't sold in the UK, the only other one I can think of is the Fiat Croma!
Even though it shows a 25/35bhp deficit to the modified lump in the 159 as the 156 is lighter it actually feels quicker and with less EU meddling on the emissions equipment they are a lot better on fuel than the 159.
Regarding interiors some had horrible light grey plastics with light grey seats, the leather seats are interchangeable from any post 2002 model with the facelifted interior, you would also need the door cards if you were doing the job properly.
Personally if running costs are a consideration I'd stick with the standard 16" alloys, they drive better on these anyway. As 156 front suspension is made of cheese larger wheels and lower profile tyres just accelerates the wear of anti roll bar drop links, lower and top arms. They are also more prone to wearing the tyres on the inside edge and lastly the 17" alloys are prone to buckling.
Other things are the usual items, make sure it's had a recent cambelt/water pump or factor this in when buying. The other biggie is the clutch, make sure there are no noises from the DMF and that the clutch isn't overly heavy, also check synchros on all the gears.
The pixels can go in the centre display and the air con controls can fail but are obviously easy to check.
I'd also have a look underneath as the later 156s don't seem as well protected on the floor pan so make sure there's no sign of rust.
Don't less this put you off, they are great cars and one of the most characterful diesels ever sold.
Even though it shows a 25/35bhp deficit to the modified lump in the 159 as the 156 is lighter it actually feels quicker and with less EU meddling on the emissions equipment they are a lot better on fuel than the 159.
Regarding interiors some had horrible light grey plastics with light grey seats, the leather seats are interchangeable from any post 2002 model with the facelifted interior, you would also need the door cards if you were doing the job properly.
Personally if running costs are a consideration I'd stick with the standard 16" alloys, they drive better on these anyway. As 156 front suspension is made of cheese larger wheels and lower profile tyres just accelerates the wear of anti roll bar drop links, lower and top arms. They are also more prone to wearing the tyres on the inside edge and lastly the 17" alloys are prone to buckling.
Other things are the usual items, make sure it's had a recent cambelt/water pump or factor this in when buying. The other biggie is the clutch, make sure there are no noises from the DMF and that the clutch isn't overly heavy, also check synchros on all the gears.
The pixels can go in the centre display and the air con controls can fail but are obviously easy to check.
I'd also have a look underneath as the later 156s don't seem as well protected on the floor pan so make sure there's no sign of rust.
Don't less this put you off, they are great cars and one of the most characterful diesels ever sold.
Lugy said:
I'm potentially in the market for some sort of diesel box. A car that's caught my eye is an '04 Alfa 156 Sportwagon with the 2.4JTD, it seems reasonably priced and looks like it's got good history.
The downside is that there's no leather and its got small wheels, the wheels are easy enough to change but are the interiors the same between prefacelift and facelift?
The specs for the 5 pot engine look great on paper, are they as good in reality? Is the engine used in anything non Fiat or is it one of their own? Its on 120k just now, what could I expect it to last to?
Finally, I need to ask, what sort of reliability should I expect? The reviews I can find seem quite positive.
Cheers
Lugy
Wheels: The 15s look a bit lost and can be a little vague apparently, 17s look great but the ride suffers. I had 16s on my V6 (and still have them) and these are regarded as the best everyday compromise .The downside is that there's no leather and its got small wheels, the wheels are easy enough to change but are the interiors the same between prefacelift and facelift?
The specs for the 5 pot engine look great on paper, are they as good in reality? Is the engine used in anything non Fiat or is it one of their own? Its on 120k just now, what could I expect it to last to?
Finally, I need to ask, what sort of reliability should I expect? The reviews I can find seem quite positive.
Cheers
Lugy
Interior. It "fits", but door card texture, is different, and the airbags need to match up (see here http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-and-gt... ) I have a swapped interior, and I'm pretty sure it increases the likelihood of airbag faults due to the connectors to the seats.
I may need to change to something more economical, and the 2.4JTD does look great on paper, sound decent and drive well, from what I understand, its more reliable than the 1.9jtd, but I'm not sure how it compares more widely. Someone will be along to elaborate, or check the alfaowner site.
More generally on 156s, its a heavy lump so the suspension bushes suffer even more - regard them as a consumable. Otherwise, barring a few niggles they are not bad. If it's leaked and water has sat under the carpets, the floor can rust. It's worth checking along the where the floor meats the sills for rust.
Cheers folks, re the interior, it's a very 80s shade of grey velour which would need remedied. As for the suspension, it's supposedly had £700 of work done on the suspension recently which I can only assume is a good thing, I've read front suspension isn't a 156 strong point.
The wheels are indeed 16s, which helps with tyre prices I guess.
I'll hopefully get a look and a test drive tomorrow or Monday and see how I like it.
The wheels are indeed 16s, which helps with tyre prices I guess.
I'll hopefully get a look and a test drive tomorrow or Monday and see how I like it.
Yes that's the shade I was talking about, not pleasant, I would assume the dash and door plastics will be light grey as well, if so it more or less rules out all the leather colour options apart from light grey as all the others will look a bit odd.
From memory I don't think you could get the 20V on 15s in the UK, might be wrong.
From memory I don't think you could get the 20V on 15s in the UK, might be wrong.
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