Alfa 159

[walsh]

Specifically the 2.4 Jtm. Anyone had any experience? I'm thinking about one as the next company slag.

Having not yet driven one (will sort a test drive shortly), anything I should know about them? Also, does the five pot engine make a remotely decent noise, or still very derv?

[DanielC4GP]

I don't know about the 159 but the 2.4JTD 156 used to make a great sound from within the cabin. It still used to sound like a Diesel from the outside but inside it was unlike any other Diesel I've heard.

[craigjm]

Company car? I'd you are looking at getting a new one good luck seeing as they stopped making then in July

[Lead]

You may get more responses puttimg this under Alfa section.

Have owned a second hand 2.4 JTDM (210 bhp) for 18 months. Car is great on motorways but not as pleasant to drive on country roads due to all the additional weight. MPG usually averages just 35 mpg on a mixture of roads or just over 40 on a motorway run - doesn`t get anywhere near advertised figures despite correct servicing, tyre pressures etc. Has let me down once with an EGR valve failure. Still one of the best looking saloons around and better than the usual BMW / Audi default choices

[sjg]

I had a late 2.4 20v 156 (I believe the same engine used in the 159 but with some more power) which I loved to bits.

Great noise, averaged 42mpg, felt pretty rapid too. A 159 SW with that unit is pretty tempting now they've come down in price.

[walsh]

I'm not expecting an Audi quattro sound, but it would be nice if it made a remotely pleasing sound when you give it some stick.

[walsh]

Doesn't need to be brand new. It's a small company I work for, the car system is..interesting.

Standard choice is a 170 tdi Audi variant of some description.. which im sure would be lovely and a big step up from a 120 Cdti astra. Just saw one of the these in a local showroom, and it got me thinking.

[Rich n Em]

I've currently got a 159 JTDm but in the 1.9 guise. Personally I love it, it's not particularly frugal (45 mpg motorway) but it stands out from the humdrum Mondeo's, Vectra's, BMW's and the like.

Good kit inside, very well put together and generally superb.

There's lots talk about DPF issues but that seems to be for the short run lot, if you do the mileage its not likely an issue.

Lastly, much as I love the look of the Ti, by all accounts the ride is pretty rough...

[AV12]

walsh said:

I'm not expecting an Audi quattro sound, but it would be nice if it made a remotely pleasing sound when you give it some stick.

It does. I ran a '57 2.4 JTDM for 9 months until 2 weeks ago.

Yes it does sound good in the cabin, good snarl. For me, the gearing was too short needing too many changes at lower speeds. Good torque as 295 lb/ft @ 1500 rpm.

We all know what it looks like - sensational, I would say black was the best colour. Looks very sleek. I didn't think much of the economy, though.

Obviously, premium diesel makes a noticeable difference with predicted range.

The steering is pretty good off centre, although you'll find the lock quick and direct, but at parking, low speed manoeuvring it's pretty crap. Gearbox notchy and because of the need to shift so much at town speeds I just used to launch in 2nd and potter in 3rd 15 mph+.

I thought it was an excellent motorway car. quiet, refined and roomy.

If I can answer any questions, feel free to ask, as my experience with them is fresh. There aren't many 159s about at all, let alone 2.4s.

[walsh]

Took a test drive yesterday on a 56 plater. I'm hooked. It's not ballistic, but its certainly quick enough.

One thing I didn't like, Gearbox felt horrible. Notchy, not very direct. Just the example i drove, or are they all like it?

[RicksAlfas]

The gearbox was pretty notchy, but you soon get used to it.
Try and look out for a 210bhp model (Mid 2007 on I think).