2005 Alfa 156 2.4 JTD - thoughts

[CaptainSlow]

I'm currently looking for a diesel for around the £3-£4k mark. I have seen the above for a shade under £3k with 87k miles in Veloce trim.

A stunning car when comparing against the Passats, A4s and Mondeos I was previously looking at. Any real life experience - good and bad on these? Will it end in tears?

[carinaman]

There's a very good Alfa forum with many threads that may be of assistance.

The 20V may have sacrificial rockers so not complete engine trashing if the belt or tensioners fail. A long term Alfisti I know went from 156 V6 to 156 JTD as they didn't like the 159 when they test drove it. Supposedly this 5 pot is one of the better sounding diesels.

It seems most Alfas have a healthy appetite for suspension parts, but I don't know how that compares to your other possibilities.

Edited by carinaman on Thursday 27th September 00:17

[CaptainSlow]

Thanks for the reply.

I posted in GG to hopefully get a balance view.

[ajb85]

At 87k it'll want a clutch if it's not already had one. Dual mass fly-wheel too so not cheap.

[Ej74]

Cambelt and water pump at that mileage if not already done.
Check suspension - bushes and arms etc tend to wear.

Have a look at GT's as well better looking car with less doors, but great loading space if you drop the rear seats. I've had a 6ft door in mine with the boot closed !.

[LayZ]

Older 10V engines generally sweeter and more tunable for big power. Since older ones are give away cheap I'd find it hard to justify so much for a 2005 one which is essentially the same, barring an updated interior. I prefer the pre-facelift look too.

[RicksAlfas]

Ej74 said:

Have a look at GT's

But you can't get the 5 pot engine in the GT which is the main reason for getting the lovely 156

OP - this is a good buyers guide:
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_156_buyers.shtm...

Just keep your eyes and ears open and don't be scared of it. Remember you will get issues with any used car - if you go VAG, you'll be sweating on injectors failing, and oil pump drives shearing so you can't win. Just buy the car which will make you smile in the mornings.

[Ej74]

I had a 156 before my GT
Interior and seats more comfy for longer journeys and drives great

[sjg]

ajb85 said:

At 87k it'll want a clutch if it's not already had one. Dual mass fly-wheel too so not cheap.

I ran a 2005 20v one past 100k, it was still on original clutch and not showing any sign of needing one. Squeaking front suspension will be knackered bushes which need new wishbones fitted (they're a single part) but not expensive - mine were £90 in parts, 2 hours labour to fit.

I really liked mine, although in Veloce spec the suspension is comically hard. The engine is pretty tall too then has an undertray which is prone to scraping on speed bumps and speed cushions if you're not careful.