Looking at this 159...thoughts?

[156steve]

All, I'm looking for a 1.9 159 for around £5k, quite a small budget admittedly. But they are available.
I'm going to go and see this one because its the closest one to me so it'll get me in the mindset if nothing else.

Its been sitting in there for over a year and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on that? Its also got no physical service history with it, although that doesn't mean there isn't one. I'm actually quite taken with it but, the service history does worry me. Ive already budgeted in a price for getting the timing belt and waterpump done.
I've got a 156 and Giulietta at the minute, so I know what noises etc I'm looking for but I just thought id ask your opinion on it as I'm not a 159 expert.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Thanks in advance

[Nigel_O]

Without knowing the history of the car, and any work already done, you have to face the fact that you could be lining yourself up for a hefty bill

It could easily require any or all of the following:

Wishbones
Turbo
Clutch
Inlet manifold
EGR
brakes

in addition to a full service and a cambelt / water pump

If it needs all of the above (entirely possible) you'll be over £2k, maybe up to £3k

Bought right, they're a decent car. Bought wrong, they're a money pit.

I'd be tempted to up your budget by £1k - £2k and buy newer or lower mileage, with bigger wheels, complete history and some of the big work already done

PS - it has been off the road a lot longer than a year - tax expired in Nov 2012 and MOT expired in July 13

[davebem]

At that mileage, age and history you need to check it has a decent clutch/gearbox and engine isnt suffering egr, dpf and swirl flap issues, but maybe at that mileage it has overcome all those issues if a previous owner was a alfisti as they would have been replaced or prevented by now, only a thourough test drive will tell you.

Check gear change is smooth, and there is no gearbox whine in all gears, esp 5th and 6th. Turn the steering lock to lock, make sure fluid isnt bubbling out of res, also make sure it doesnt whine. Check clutch bite, and make sure the pedal returns to the top. If the front suspension is clunking its normally guaranteed to be the upper wishbone bushes, its quite easy to replace the whole wishbone yourself. Finally, get a good look underneath it and check the front subframe isnt badly rusted.

[156steve]

Thanks for the info, I've got to be honest the service history did bother me and you've basically pit the nail in the coffin for this one.

There are a few other 159's out there with full service history for around the same price. It's just they are ALOT further away.

I may just need to bite the bullet and travel to see the other ones.

[davebem]

It is an Alfa, buy it with your heart, not what your mind says, but that one is a tad risky with no history.