Alfa Romeo 159 Lusso

[danjnixon]

I've always loved them but, for one reason or another, I've never owned a real drivers car. The closest I came was a 1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting, but that had a habit of falling to bits. So, a procession of Renaults, Hondas and Mitsubishis followed.

That all changed today. I picked up my Alfa Romeo 159 Lusso Sport Wagon 2.4 jdtm, and I am utterly in love. The looks (of course), the feel, the soul.

I'm sure it's going to cost me a fortune and the headaches will be consistent. But, right now as I stare out of the front room window at it, I couldn't care less. I'm besotted.

[danjnixon]

Thanks guys! I fully expect a few reliability issues, and those wheels will be high maintenance, but when it looks that good does it matter?!

[danjnixon]

Thanks guys. There really is something about Alfas, I think I've found my car brand for life (just don't tell my bank balance!).

Love that 156 by the way, teledials are just stunning, aren't they?

[danjnixon]

Thanks everyone. So, just returned from a weekend in Cornwall with the wife and kids in the Alfa. Here's the list of issues that reared their head:

- Intermittent power loss (struggling up to 2500rpm) with engine management light coming on, goes off after 30 miles or so
- Drivers side wing mirror will not fold in fully using electric folding motor
- Slow puncture on drivers side front wheel
- Occasional lumpy tickover when warm
- Random immobilisation on one occasion when trying to start
- Heavily corroded wheels all round
- Rear passenger side window grinds rather than stopping when being fully closed
- Gearknob loose
- iPhone dock needs updating to Lightning connector

No one said it would be easy!

Done around 800 miles all told and averaged at 37.5mpg.

Still utterly besotted.