159 JTD : budget £4500 with £500 to sort out issues etc
Discussion
Climate control is on ~90% of them, its a very good system. Make sure there are no grinding noises from the air con compressor as the bearings are known to go. Blue and me is good and usually trouble free.
At that budget turn the steering lock to lock and make sure there are no groans from pump, they put the wrong fluid in at the factory, if the fluid is a green its a good sign. If its a 1.9 on test drive make sure you get in 5th and 6th and make sure there is no whining from gearbox.
On earlier ones 2005-2008 check for rust on front subframe.
Clunking front suspension is normally top wishbone bushes, they can be replaced very easily. Make sure the front wipers are not catching on bonnet, again its an easy fix. Finally, on the estate, check the rear wiper works.
At that budget turn the steering lock to lock and make sure there are no groans from pump, they put the wrong fluid in at the factory, if the fluid is a green its a good sign. If its a 1.9 on test drive make sure you get in 5th and 6th and make sure there is no whining from gearbox.
On earlier ones 2005-2008 check for rust on front subframe.
Clunking front suspension is normally top wishbone bushes, they can be replaced very easily. Make sure the front wipers are not catching on bonnet, again its an easy fix. Finally, on the estate, check the rear wiper works.
watch out for inner shoulder wear in the front tyres. tracking is critical to get the geo right (all four corners are adjustable)
Make sure it revs cleanly - EGRs and DPFs will clog up if used for short journeys. Later 2.0 diesel had less issues with the DPF / EGR than the earlier 1.9
Watch out for the "eco" version of the 1.9 - its a bit pedestrian...
2.4 diesel has character and performance (for a diesel) but it can be thirsty when driven hard (sub 40mpg and sometimes closer to 30).
1.9 gearboxes are a known weak point and can fail if the car is remapped for performance
the 1.9 and 2.4 respond well to a remap - expect 50+mpg from a remapped 1.9 doing a gentle commute on open roads. expect mid 30s if being used on local roads for short journeys
cambelt and water pump are critical - should be done every 50-60k or 4 years - MAX
I agree that 159s look good in Sportwagon form, but they tend to carry a premium, especially in TI trim. They are also quite colour-sensitive (black or red with tan leather being my fave combo)
wheel size (and design) also plays a big part in the looks. Poverty-spec multi-spoke 17s look like furniture casters in the arches 9but are probably best for ride comfort. 19" TI wheels look best. 18" probably the best compromise
Make sure it revs cleanly - EGRs and DPFs will clog up if used for short journeys. Later 2.0 diesel had less issues with the DPF / EGR than the earlier 1.9
Watch out for the "eco" version of the 1.9 - its a bit pedestrian...
2.4 diesel has character and performance (for a diesel) but it can be thirsty when driven hard (sub 40mpg and sometimes closer to 30).
1.9 gearboxes are a known weak point and can fail if the car is remapped for performance
the 1.9 and 2.4 respond well to a remap - expect 50+mpg from a remapped 1.9 doing a gentle commute on open roads. expect mid 30s if being used on local roads for short journeys
cambelt and water pump are critical - should be done every 50-60k or 4 years - MAX
I agree that 159s look good in Sportwagon form, but they tend to carry a premium, especially in TI trim. They are also quite colour-sensitive (black or red with tan leather being my fave combo)
wheel size (and design) also plays a big part in the looks. Poverty-spec multi-spoke 17s look like furniture casters in the arches 9but are probably best for ride comfort. 19" TI wheels look best. 18" probably the best compromise
would remove EGR and clean it all out then blank it off. Hate the things !
tracking etc is a issue i am aware of. I plan on getting a car pre purchased checked out by Jamie at Alfa workshops as its only £70 and will "put me in the picture"
just wondering how it will compare to a V70 for a 400 mile night drive in the rain "feel"
My volvo is well serviced but hitting 180k and its 12 years old. Hope the 159 does not feel that "cheap" build wise ?
would be thinking of getting it re mapped by "ANGEL" if the clutch etc has been done recently !
cheers
tracking etc is a issue i am aware of. I plan on getting a car pre purchased checked out by Jamie at Alfa workshops as its only £70 and will "put me in the picture"
just wondering how it will compare to a V70 for a 400 mile night drive in the rain "feel"
My volvo is well serviced but hitting 180k and its 12 years old. Hope the 159 does not feel that "cheap" build wise ?
would be thinking of getting it re mapped by "ANGEL" if the clutch etc has been done recently !
cheers
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