Can anyone talk me out of an...
Discussion
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportswagon 1.9 Jtdm?
My requirements are;
>able to fit 3 kids in the car, and a dog in the boot sometimes.
>around the 7-8k mark
>must not be bland.
>must not be dull.
>must be really good at something, whatever it is.
>half decent fuel economy. >=30mpg
>nothing too similar to my current e36 328i touring.
>must look quite new/modern.
The 159 is just so bloody gorgeous, i'm finding it hard to find anything else for this money close to it. I did have a look at a Citroen C6, which was lovely, but just not "dog in the boot" friendly. I'm also avoiding bmws as they would be too similar to me current e36, and i'll get bored quite quickly.
Also had a look at; the Grand Cherokee, but real world fuel economy is poor. The Audi Allroad, but it's looking a bit dated. The legacy, and i'm not sure but it just doesn't do it for me.
(yes I have in fact snuck a 'what car' thread in... sorry!)
My requirements are;
>able to fit 3 kids in the car, and a dog in the boot sometimes.
>around the 7-8k mark
>must not be bland.
>must not be dull.
>must be really good at something, whatever it is.
>half decent fuel economy. >=30mpg
>nothing too similar to my current e36 328i touring.
>must look quite new/modern.
The 159 is just so bloody gorgeous, i'm finding it hard to find anything else for this money close to it. I did have a look at a Citroen C6, which was lovely, but just not "dog in the boot" friendly. I'm also avoiding bmws as they would be too similar to me current e36, and i'll get bored quite quickly.
Also had a look at; the Grand Cherokee, but real world fuel economy is poor. The Audi Allroad, but it's looking a bit dated. The legacy, and i'm not sure but it just doesn't do it for me.
(yes I have in fact snuck a 'what car' thread in... sorry!)
Took delivery of mine last week. Still early days, but really pleased so far. 
Changed jobs recently and don't have a fuel card so now I have all of sudden become very conscious of the price of fuel. I typically do 18K miles pa (business and personal). My Lexus RX300 was managing about 22mpg!!
Wanted something that was interesting, an estate (family, camping trips etc), reasonable kit, not too old, non-German. Dynamically it is probably not as sharp as a 3 series but it is still entertaining.
I bought from a main dealer 8.6K pounds and got them to change the cambelt, tensioners, waterpump as part of the deal. It had 58K and was an 07. On a steady (70ish) motorway run I got 42mpg...on more mixed around 35mpg.
I wanted one with roof rails and blue+me which were both options I think for that MY.
For a small engined diesel it is surprisingly enjoyable to drive although you do need to work the gears. And the research I did beforehand I think that aside from the cambelt etc (which should be fine for a while now) and EGR/DPF which seem to affect most modern diesels it is as reliable as the cars it competes with.
Incidentally the other car which met the pricepoint/criteria etc was the Honda Accord. You could get a better specced car for the same sort of money. But it doesn't look half as good.
Changed jobs recently and don't have a fuel card so now I have all of sudden become very conscious of the price of fuel. I typically do 18K miles pa (business and personal). My Lexus RX300 was managing about 22mpg!!
Wanted something that was interesting, an estate (family, camping trips etc), reasonable kit, not too old, non-German. Dynamically it is probably not as sharp as a 3 series but it is still entertaining.
I bought from a main dealer 8.6K pounds and got them to change the cambelt, tensioners, waterpump as part of the deal. It had 58K and was an 07. On a steady (70ish) motorway run I got 42mpg...on more mixed around 35mpg.
I wanted one with roof rails and blue+me which were both options I think for that MY.
For a small engined diesel it is surprisingly enjoyable to drive although you do need to work the gears. And the research I did beforehand I think that aside from the cambelt etc (which should be fine for a while now) and EGR/DPF which seem to affect most modern diesels it is as reliable as the cars it competes with.
Incidentally the other car which met the pricepoint/criteria etc was the Honda Accord. You could get a better specced car for the same sort of money. But it doesn't look half as good.
haha, great stuff.
I really do like the 156, but fuel would be the issue there. And yes the boot of the alfa is not huge, but it is practical, though the c6 has a big boot, you just can't pack stuff as high, and apparently my dog says she wouldn't appreciate it.
I know what you're saying about the v6. I haven't actually had a diesel before either, so the 1.9 jtdm will be new territory for me. It also seems like dpf removal and remapping will be par for the course at some point.
I really do like the 156, but fuel would be the issue there. And yes the boot of the alfa is not huge, but it is practical, though the c6 has a big boot, you just can't pack stuff as high, and apparently my dog says she wouldn't appreciate it.
I know what you're saying about the v6. I haven't actually had a diesel before either, so the 1.9 jtdm will be new territory for me. It also seems like dpf removal and remapping will be par for the course at some point.
Efbe said:
haha, great stuff.
I really do like the 156, but fuel would be the issue there. And yes the boot of the alfa is not huge, but it is practical, though the c6 has a big boot, you just can't pack stuff as high, and apparently my dog says she wouldn't appreciate it.
I know what you're saying about the v6. I haven't actually had a diesel before either, so the 1.9 jtdm will be new territory for me. It also seems like dpf removal and remapping will be par for the course at some point.
Actually, man maths and joking aside, I don't trust that engine. I had problems with the same unit in my Cadillac BLS (yes, I know it's sad but it was pretty cool to own).I really do like the 156, but fuel would be the issue there. And yes the boot of the alfa is not huge, but it is practical, though the c6 has a big boot, you just can't pack stuff as high, and apparently my dog says she wouldn't appreciate it.
I know what you're saying about the v6. I haven't actually had a diesel before either, so the 1.9 jtdm will be new territory for me. It also seems like dpf removal and remapping will be par for the course at some point.
The V6 might be a bit daft but if I were after a 159, I'd take a 2.2 petrol over a diesel unless I did a lot of miles.
And if you're feeling brave, what about a Saab 9-3 Sportwagon? Very cheap at the moment and more room than a 159.
Thank you. 
I am well pleased with it. I bought a 156 new years ago when they first came out but sold it fairly soon for an E36. This 159 is a step up in build quality versus the 156. There's lots of good info on the www.alfaowner.com site. There's some good ideas for modding options with these guys www.alfacare.co.uk.
I am well pleased with it. I bought a 156 new years ago when they first came out but sold it fairly soon for an E36. This 159 is a step up in build quality versus the 156. There's lots of good info on the www.alfaowner.com site. There's some good ideas for modding options with these guys www.alfacare.co.uk.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff