RE: SOTW: Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon
Discussion
boybiskit said:
Great shed. Thanks to all the naysaters for driving down the price of the best cars so i can enjoy them without having to have a load of credit on a chunk of metal depreciating on the drive. so far:
Alfa 33 sportwagon. £800. 25k and no probs
I had a 1988 ? black 1.7 33 Sportwagon- in fact with the reg. A17 WAG. An entertaining drive indeed & largely no probs as I recall. Only changed it to get a Carlton GSi.Alfa 33 sportwagon. £800. 25k and no probs
Not your Sportwagon I assume?
Johnboy Mac said:
I'm really getting tired listening to people bang (a pun? if so excuse) about 156's.......my mates car never gave a bother..........I've done 200k and it only required servicing.........the wife's one was brilliant etc,etc. Let's get real here. 156's gave trouble, full stop and some major trouble at that, overall build quality was crap too. One could say they are a Fiat in drag, nothing much more.
The issue was the cambelt Alfa initially said change at 72000 they soon revised this to 30K or 36K. So those kept in main dealer or Alfa indie were OK, but many were taken out of the "knowledge" failed. That was the main issue.
The issue was the cambelt Alfa initially said change at 72000 they soon revised this to 30K or 36K. So those kept in main dealer or Alfa indie were OK, but many were taken out of the "knowledge" failed. That was the main issue.
Edited by Johnboy Mac on Friday 27th May 23:10
I run a 156 sportwagon on a daily basis - 20k miles a year - every year ! Currently at 118k and feels better than ever.
Ok mines not a shed (gta 3.2 - dynoed a few months back at 263bhp) but have driven higher mileage courtesy cars -170k plus and very impressed. Worth a punt at that price
V6 is much nicer and you can make even a standard one sound like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R335TwbMpD8&fea...
Hopefully the link will work
Ok mines not a shed (gta 3.2 - dynoed a few months back at 263bhp) but have driven higher mileage courtesy cars -170k plus and very impressed. Worth a punt at that price
V6 is much nicer and you can make even a standard one sound like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R335TwbMpD8&fea...
Hopefully the link will work
When the 156 was released, Alfa was undergoing something of a 'wash and brush-up' in the UK with lots of new dealers being appointed and much marketing going on.
Problem was, in a lot of cases the specialists who'd been selling and servicing Alfas for eons were kicked-out of the network and replaced with chains (Evans Halshaw and so on).
This meant that, from new, the cars were being sold by and serviced by people who had NO experience of the cars at all.
We had a few of these on the company fleet - I'd have been one of the owners had it not been for the horrific experiences of the others!! Relatively minor faults like aircon problems were taking 3,4 even 5 trips to the dealer to be rectified - more serious problems (like the car not starting at all) would often drag on and on and on.
In the end I actually steered 2 of our 156s to the former dealer/now specialist who resolved their problems in a single visit - abeit a long one as Alfa UK were being shirty about supplying parts to them...
It appears to be a rite of passage that to own a pretty italian you have to put up with a lot of unnecessary s
t.
Problem was, in a lot of cases the specialists who'd been selling and servicing Alfas for eons were kicked-out of the network and replaced with chains (Evans Halshaw and so on).
This meant that, from new, the cars were being sold by and serviced by people who had NO experience of the cars at all.
We had a few of these on the company fleet - I'd have been one of the owners had it not been for the horrific experiences of the others!! Relatively minor faults like aircon problems were taking 3,4 even 5 trips to the dealer to be rectified - more serious problems (like the car not starting at all) would often drag on and on and on.
In the end I actually steered 2 of our 156s to the former dealer/now specialist who resolved their problems in a single visit - abeit a long one as Alfa UK were being shirty about supplying parts to them...
It appears to be a rite of passage that to own a pretty italian you have to put up with a lot of unnecessary s
t.It appears to be a rite of passage that to own a pretty italian you have to put up with a lot of unnecessary st.
[/quote]
Not if you use a respected independent dealer or do the servicing yourself so you know it's been done right and doesn't cost a fortune. Lots of advice on Alfa Owners forum. Very helpful and knowledgeable people on there.
t.[/quote]
Not if you use a respected independent dealer or do the servicing yourself so you know it's been done right and doesn't cost a fortune. Lots of advice on Alfa Owners forum. Very helpful and knowledgeable people on there.
Edited by wid77 on Saturday 28th May 14:50
Top shed, I've run two GTVs (a twinspark and a v6) and a 156 1800 Tspark and can tell you this is a huge amount of car for the money.
The 1.8 TS is a lot simpler than the 2.0 since it does without counter rotating balancer shafts. This also means they are less prone to timing belt wear than the 2.0. However, it keeps variable valve timing and pulls like a train - mine felt very rapid and economical too (35mpg quite easy).
I never cease to be amazed by how cheap Alfas are. The interiors are a work of art, styling is fabulous, they don't rust, insurance is reasonable and they handle impeccably. The only weakness really is the rear bushes that wear out (a price for strong handling) and minor electrical niggles that simply need resetting every so often.
If it wasn't for the company car, GTV6 and MX5 and wife's Punto I'd buy this without hesitation
The 1.8 TS is a lot simpler than the 2.0 since it does without counter rotating balancer shafts. This also means they are less prone to timing belt wear than the 2.0. However, it keeps variable valve timing and pulls like a train - mine felt very rapid and economical too (35mpg quite easy).
I never cease to be amazed by how cheap Alfas are. The interiors are a work of art, styling is fabulous, they don't rust, insurance is reasonable and they handle impeccably. The only weakness really is the rear bushes that wear out (a price for strong handling) and minor electrical niggles that simply need resetting every so often.
If it wasn't for the company car, GTV6 and MX5 and wife's Punto I'd buy this without hesitation
mrpenks said:
I never cease to be amazed by how cheap Alfas are. The interiors are a work of art, styling is fabulous, they don't rust, insurance is reasonable and they handle impeccably. The only weakness really is the rear bushes that wear out (a price for strong handling) and minor electrical niggles that simply need resetting every so often.
156s certainly do rust - along the top of the windscreen, at the leading edge of the rear of the front wheel arches, the floor pan, the vertical members forward of the front wheel arches that the undertray attaches to. Every suspension bush is prone to wear not just the rears.I was very fond of my 2.0 Twinspark 156 saloon.
I remember driving it back from the dealer, getting it onto the M25 which was gratifyingly quiet and putting my foor down.
Suspension bushes made from pasta aren't ideal and it needed topping up with oil every week but we loved it.
Suspension a bit underdamped too.
Top corner of the front doors will cause some nasty little purple bruises when you blunder into them...
But the 156 remains a cool car.
I remember driving it back from the dealer, getting it onto the M25 which was gratifyingly quiet and putting my foor down.
Suspension bushes made from pasta aren't ideal and it needed topping up with oil every week but we loved it.
Suspension a bit underdamped too.
Top corner of the front doors will cause some nasty little purple bruises when you blunder into them...
But the 156 remains a cool car.
DamienB said:
156s certainly do rust - along the top of the windscreen, at the leading edge of the rear of the front wheel arches, the floor pan, the vertical members forward of the front wheel arches that the undertray attaches to. Every suspension bush is prone to wear not just the rears.
+1 Mine has a rusty underside and at the rear of the front arches as you state and needs new wishbones too, bushes almost seem to be a service item.
I've had several Alfas and currently run a 2004 156 JTDm SW, which is immense!
The key to buying an Alfa is very simple, good history. If the car has been looked after it will look after you. All these know all clowns on these forums running Alfas down for the most part have never even been in one let alone owned one and should be ignored!
I have worked in the motor industry for the past 14 years, I can recount hundreds of stories of issues I've encountered with the likes of Audi & Mercedes, however it isn't fashionable to knock them is it.
The Sportwagon is a cracking car, I can't see me changing mine for quite some time to come!
The key to buying an Alfa is very simple, good history. If the car has been looked after it will look after you. All these know all clowns on these forums running Alfas down for the most part have never even been in one let alone owned one and should be ignored!
I have worked in the motor industry for the past 14 years, I can recount hundreds of stories of issues I've encountered with the likes of Audi & Mercedes, however it isn't fashionable to knock them is it.
The Sportwagon is a cracking car, I can't see me changing mine for quite some time to come!
My 156 V6 needed a Mass Airflow Meter and a thermostat in the time I owned it. Its still one of the best cars I've ever been behind the wheel of, for its spread of abilities. The engine, the looks, the pleasure of driving it, the sharp steering, the noise, the practicality, the way it tugged at the heartstrings. It was as close as anybody can expect to being the total package, at this sort of money anyway.
Yesterday (22:05)
DamienB said:
156s certainly do rust - along the top of the windscreen, at the leading edge of the rear of the front wheel arches, the floor pan, the vertical members forward of the front wheel arches that the undertray attaches to. Every suspension bush is prone to wear not just the rears.
+1 Mine has a rusty underside and at the rear of the front arches as you state and needs new wishbones too, bushes almost seem to be a service item.
Hmmm, mine was rust free even after 9 years. My friend and MOT tester said that he's never failed one for rust (and he's not an Italian car fan so quite unbiased). In terms of suspension wear, of course all bushes wear out but I simply agree that the rears do wear out very quickly.
DamienB said:
156s certainly do rust - along the top of the windscreen, at the leading edge of the rear of the front wheel arches, the floor pan, the vertical members forward of the front wheel arches that the undertray attaches to. Every suspension bush is prone to wear not just the rears.
+1 Mine has a rusty underside and at the rear of the front arches as you state and needs new wishbones too, bushes almost seem to be a service item.
Hmmm, mine was rust free even after 9 years. My friend and MOT tester said that he's never failed one for rust (and he's not an Italian car fan so quite unbiased). In terms of suspension wear, of course all bushes wear out but I simply agree that the rears do wear out very quickly.
Must add my 'pennoth'. Had a 155, full Alfa Service History. Cam belt pulley disintegrated while ticking over = wrecked engine. Trouble with keys. Rattling variator, two lamba sensors. Trouble with front suspension bushes, and sagging rear suspension. Advice from the knowledgeable "Buy a 156 as this is sorted and troubles eliminate"
'Misguided' then bought a 2002 Sportwagon 1.8, nice vehicle to top specification, with three keys but all now have various problems. Trouble with suspension bushes, rear suspension units (changed once already) Front suspension trouble. Consumes sidelight and number plate bulbs.
Contrast. Had two MG Maestro 2.0 with "0" series engines. Huge mileages with no problems until the tin worm won the day on last one. Fiat diesel also now, high mileage, drives like a dream, no suspension knocks, only needed a crankshaft sensor. Why can't Fiat/Alfa build a good Alfa?
'Misguided' then bought a 2002 Sportwagon 1.8, nice vehicle to top specification, with three keys but all now have various problems. Trouble with suspension bushes, rear suspension units (changed once already) Front suspension trouble. Consumes sidelight and number plate bulbs.
Contrast. Had two MG Maestro 2.0 with "0" series engines. Huge mileages with no problems until the tin worm won the day on last one. Fiat diesel also now, high mileage, drives like a dream, no suspension knocks, only needed a crankshaft sensor. Why can't Fiat/Alfa build a good Alfa?
Lovely, lovely cars, had two V6's of which I'm now onto the sportwagon so I can fit my drum kit in 
Sold my saloon V6 to mate, thats on 96K with no problems, mines on 126K with a remap and full sports exhaust (plus other special bits) and it keeps my mates 330d honest as the trip to Wales this weekend proved, i think he felt a bit gutted when he couldn't lose me...
As with all cars, just look after them, check the oil and they will treat you well. Click on my profile to see how a Sportwagon should look
Sold my saloon V6 to mate, thats on 96K with no problems, mines on 126K with a remap and full sports exhaust (plus other special bits) and it keeps my mates 330d honest as the trip to Wales this weekend proved, i think he felt a bit gutted when he couldn't lose me...As with all cars, just look after them, check the oil and they will treat you well. Click on my profile to see how a Sportwagon should look
There are good Alfas out there, and there are truly horrid Alfas. It's not always as simple as maintenance and care. A lot of it is sheer luck as to which you end up with in the first place.
Two mates bought 156s new in 2001. Both looked after them, and both had widely differing experiences. One bought a 2.0 Twin Spark saloon, the other a 2.5 V6 Sportwagon. The Twin Spark spent three of its first twelve months in bits (logged and documented), and continued to be an utter PITA until he got sick of it and punted it on at 2 years old, the car at this point never having strung more than 6 weeks together (also logged and documented) without some kind of mechanical or electrical catastrophe.
By contrast, the Sportwagon had 115,000 largely problem free miles on it when my mate sold it (to emigrate) a couple of years ago. Just bush replacements and a replacement alternator. Seemed to get quicker and quicker with miles, and felt like it would do another 100k easily when he flogged it.
They are seriously beautiful cars though. I can't see how any serious petrolhead can fail to be moved by the shape, noise and driving experience.
Two mates bought 156s new in 2001. Both looked after them, and both had widely differing experiences. One bought a 2.0 Twin Spark saloon, the other a 2.5 V6 Sportwagon. The Twin Spark spent three of its first twelve months in bits (logged and documented), and continued to be an utter PITA until he got sick of it and punted it on at 2 years old, the car at this point never having strung more than 6 weeks together (also logged and documented) without some kind of mechanical or electrical catastrophe.
By contrast, the Sportwagon had 115,000 largely problem free miles on it when my mate sold it (to emigrate) a couple of years ago. Just bush replacements and a replacement alternator. Seemed to get quicker and quicker with miles, and felt like it would do another 100k easily when he flogged it.
They are seriously beautiful cars though. I can't see how any serious petrolhead can fail to be moved by the shape, noise and driving experience.
Yep, OK to look at.
Noise ??? in what way, sterile 4 pots, do they still incorporate that ridiculous retro biased twin spark plug idea, absolutley no mechanical advantage gained, other that a nod to a previously, more engineeringly challanged age.
V6, sounds good, as does VW's, and Fords/Volvos 5 pots.
Driving experience.......give us a break, from a std bread and butter Eurobox.
As said many times, Alfas stopped being special around the mid 60's, they carry a lovely badge to remind of what they were.
And please don't queue the fella, V something or other, who now comes to remind me of all the touring car wins they've had, as totally irrelevant examples of the mark, prepared as track and race cars only, and bearing no resemblance to the road cars.
Noise ??? in what way, sterile 4 pots, do they still incorporate that ridiculous retro biased twin spark plug idea, absolutley no mechanical advantage gained, other that a nod to a previously, more engineeringly challanged age.
V6, sounds good, as does VW's, and Fords/Volvos 5 pots.
Driving experience.......give us a break, from a std bread and butter Eurobox.
As said many times, Alfas stopped being special around the mid 60's, they carry a lovely badge to remind of what they were.
And please don't queue the fella, V something or other, who now comes to remind me of all the touring car wins they've had, as totally irrelevant examples of the mark, prepared as track and race cars only, and bearing no resemblance to the road cars.
Alfahorn said:
I've had several Alfas and currently run a 2004 156 JTDm SW, which is immense!
The key to buying an Alfa is very simple, good history. If the car has been looked after it will look after you. All these know all clowns on these forums running Alfas down for the most part have never even been in one let alone owned one and should be ignored!
I have worked in the motor industry for the past 14 years, I can recount hundreds of stories of issues I've encountered with the likes of Audi & Mercedes, however it isn't fashionable to knock them is it.
The Sportwagon is a cracking car, I can't see me changing mine for quite some time to come!
you are completely right, when people buy a BMW, Audi etc they often see it as the pinacle of their consumer life, so therefore they don't want to slag it off, it is like buying an expensive house and then saying "my house is rubbish", where as 'we' love to put down cars that we feel are below us, Rover being the biggest example on PH. One of the criticisms on the BRM Rover here was the back window broke one night, anyone else would blame a flying stone, vandals etc, this guy blamed Rover. The key to buying an Alfa is very simple, good history. If the car has been looked after it will look after you. All these know all clowns on these forums running Alfas down for the most part have never even been in one let alone owned one and should be ignored!
I have worked in the motor industry for the past 14 years, I can recount hundreds of stories of issues I've encountered with the likes of Audi & Mercedes, however it isn't fashionable to knock them is it.
The Sportwagon is a cracking car, I can't see me changing mine for quite some time to come!
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