Can anyone talk me out of a 159....?

[Rooty]

2008/58 2.4 jtdm ti sportwagon, black, 36k, roof rails, etc, etc..

Be interested to hear people's views or opinions, past experience, mpg figures, the lot....

Coming from a 2006 BMW 330i, anyone else made a similar move from RWD to FWD? I've had rear drive for many years so just wondering how I'll get on?

Also, £13990, is that a fair price?

Thanks in advance,

James

[Rooty]

Nigel_O said:

I guess it depends what you're looking for.

If its the last word in chassis dynamics, build quality and resale value, stay with BMW.

However, the 5-pot lump in the Alfa is just as characterful as the inline 6 in the BM - different, I'll grant you, but still a huge leap forward from a mundane four-pot.

Also, IMHO, the Alfa Sportwagon is one of the very best looking estates on the road - up there with the Audi RS4/RS6

In the vast majority of circumstances, the FWD/RWD comparison is null and void. Both cars will have handling aids, so you'll have real problems upsetting either car. If this comparison was between (say) a Brera Q4 and a Z4, I would agree that handling is a major consideration, but you're not - you're looking at semi-sporty load-luggers. Ah yes - I understand the Alfa isn't actually all that capacious, so if you're expecting to fit wardrobes in the back, get the measuring tape out.

The BMW is bought with the head - it WILL be the better car. However the Alfa is bought with the heart - it has something about the way it looks that makes the beemer look so... ordinary.

Yes, the Alfa will break down (we call that "character" in Italian car owning circles), but get a good warranty and it won't matter.

Finally, £13,990 is top book, but I've tracked down the car you're looking at and it looks SO good in shiny black, with the alloy roof rails and THAT front end. Not many people will look at a 330 Touring and say "Oh, that looks lovely", but you'll get admiring glances all day long driving the Alfa. I know which one I'd go for....

Great, thanks for the input Nigel, and indeed everyone else.

I'm not too worried about 'breaking down' issues, i've had TVR's for years and am well practiced in waiting by the side of the road for the flatbed. Plus i'm not completely inept with car maintenance. However are we talking electrics, mechanics, what are the issues with the later cars, which i believe are better built?

For the same money i could buy another e90 but it would be 2-3 years older and have at least twice the miles, and would look nowhere near as beautiful/have nowhere near as much road presence/attract as much attention/be as rare (i must see at least a hundred e90's per day if not more, how many 159 SW's? One, maybe if i'm lucky..)

I think i've talked myself into the ownership of one, could just do with a few positive stories to tip me over the edge of making an offer on that one..

Cheers,

James

[Rooty]

Nigel_O said:

You want a BIG positive? The 2.4 5-pot lump is eminently re-mappable

Drop the DPF and watch it fly - 230 to 250 bhp and zillions of torques (and slightly better mpg as well)

That's one of the things that is driving me forward with the 2.4.

These guys have the car i want but the more forums i read on here and on Alfaowner the more i'm put off using them. I like to build a good long term relationship with a car dealer especially if i'm going to have repeat business with them, but after reading the threads and having spoken a few times with them i'm not filled with confidence. However the dealer in the North (Knutsford) doesn't have any cars to suit but their sales guy has given me more than enough reasons to buy through them..

Edited by Rooty on Monday 7th May 12:45