156 diesel estate as a high milage workhorse?
Discussion
Looking for something that I can chuck my bike in the back and that will will do 15k mpa for the next 4 years...happy to follow service intervals & replace worn parts etc., but don't want to feel like I've been bum-raped every time I pay the bill.
Pondering a 2004/5 1.9 JTD for about £3.5k with 80-90k on the clock as an alternative to the more obvious/boring choices.
Good idea, or no?
Ta,
R
Pondering a 2004/5 1.9 JTD for about £3.5k with 80-90k on the clock as an alternative to the more obvious/boring choices.
Good idea, or no?
Ta,
R
I've had my 2004 156 JTDm SW for 14 months and love it, wouldn't part with it.... well not until I can afford a 159 TI JTDm SW anyway!
Fantastic car, does 50 mpg, is comfortable, well specced and rare as rocking horse s
t! If you use an independent garage it shouldn't cost a fortune to run. I'm lucky I work at an Alfa dealer so take advantage of the Alfa techs (the 3 we have are very, very good!) we have and that keeps my running costs down.
Fantastic car, does 50 mpg, is comfortable, well specced and rare as rocking horse s
t! If you use an independent garage it shouldn't cost a fortune to run. I'm lucky I work at an Alfa dealer so take advantage of the Alfa techs (the 3 we have are very, very good!) we have and that keeps my running costs down.Hi
I have been running a 156 SW 2.4jtd for two and a half years.
Until the last MOT and service, the car had been pretty good. The main problems have been around suspension components, wishbones, shocks and bushes. But a £600 bill once every three years is not too bad. I have been told it is a pig to work on, but never done it myself.
Otherwise, it has been pretty good over 25 k miles. Never let us down ( its mainly my wifes car.....), and does a big family holiday into France each year. I wouldn't describe the ride as sporty, but is definitely comfortable and a good cruiser. From personal experience i would look for a car with money spent on suspension components as this seems to be the weak link. Geometry also seems to need a little attention as well.
Other than the cambelts and water pumps on the 2.0 TS engines, the drivetrain is fairly robust ( based on reading the net). I've had a few electric gremlins, but generally easy to solve.
Mike
I have been running a 156 SW 2.4jtd for two and a half years.
Until the last MOT and service, the car had been pretty good. The main problems have been around suspension components, wishbones, shocks and bushes. But a £600 bill once every three years is not too bad. I have been told it is a pig to work on, but never done it myself.
Otherwise, it has been pretty good over 25 k miles. Never let us down ( its mainly my wifes car.....), and does a big family holiday into France each year. I wouldn't describe the ride as sporty, but is definitely comfortable and a good cruiser. From personal experience i would look for a car with money spent on suspension components as this seems to be the weak link. Geometry also seems to need a little attention as well.
Other than the cambelts and water pumps on the 2.0 TS engines, the drivetrain is fairly robust ( based on reading the net). I've had a few electric gremlins, but generally easy to solve.
Mike
alfa pint said:
OP - try a 2.4 5 cylinder version if you can. Much nicer diesel than the 1.9. Points above viz suspension valid on 156s and the interiors are lovely and the steering very precise.
I find the steering a little vague on mine - had everything checked and all reported good. When turned into a corner it 'feels' pretty good, but initial turn in can feel vague especially with small steering inputs. Maybe going from my eunos and MINI the steering by comparison is not quite as sharp?Always quite difficult to describe the 'feeling' of ride, steering, feedback on a forum. But at the end of the day driving the car for yourself will tell you what you need......
Mike
I think the quick steering rack on a 156 can take some getting used too, it's not the most feelsome set up, but it is very direct, 2.1 turns lock to lock is amongst the quickest rack on any 'normal'car.
To the OP, do check you can get your bike into the back of a 156 Wagon, they aren't the roomiest of estates..... probably the nicest looking though
To the OP, do check you can get your bike into the back of a 156 Wagon, they aren't the roomiest of estates..... probably the nicest looking though
Thanks all, appreciate the input.
I'll probably plump for a 1.9 over a 2.4...there seem to be more about, I need to change quickly and the cost of fuel is a factor. Currently averaging 40mpg from an E46 330cd (mix of town, rural & m'way) and I don't want to see less than this. More would be a definite bonus.
Suspension servicing I'm happy to do when required (or rather, I'm happy to pay someone to do it for me)...but it's not something I'd want to do on a 'regular' basis. If it needs doing every 70k then no problem, every 20k and it then becomes an annual expense (almost) and therefore very off-putting.
Anyone dealt with, or know by reputation, Second City Motor Company (B'ham)?
Ta,
R
edit: will check boot space for bike!
I'll probably plump for a 1.9 over a 2.4...there seem to be more about, I need to change quickly and the cost of fuel is a factor. Currently averaging 40mpg from an E46 330cd (mix of town, rural & m'way) and I don't want to see less than this. More would be a definite bonus.
Suspension servicing I'm happy to do when required (or rather, I'm happy to pay someone to do it for me)...but it's not something I'd want to do on a 'regular' basis. If it needs doing every 70k then no problem, every 20k and it then becomes an annual expense (almost) and therefore very off-putting.
Anyone dealt with, or know by reputation, Second City Motor Company (B'ham)?
Ta,
R
edit: will check boot space for bike!
Edited by RustyShackleford on Tuesday 8th November 12:56
You can fit bikes in the back with the seats down. Not too much trouble. We use a rack on the back when we pop over to France to carry two bikes.
Not sure if this is true or not, but the 1.9 suspension components 'should' last longer than the 2.4 as the engine weighs less and therefore puts less stress on components. Will have to check the price i paid, as it included a service, MOT plus various suspension bits doing. Also, I live on the isle of wight which somewhat limits who i can use (and trust) so prices maybe a little skewed.
I think some of the specialists quote fixed prices for some of jobs.
Mike
Not sure if this is true or not, but the 1.9 suspension components 'should' last longer than the 2.4 as the engine weighs less and therefore puts less stress on components. Will have to check the price i paid, as it included a service, MOT plus various suspension bits doing. Also, I live on the isle of wight which somewhat limits who i can use (and trust) so prices maybe a little skewed.
I think some of the specialists quote fixed prices for some of jobs.
Mike
velocemitch said:
I think the quick steering rack on a 156 can take some getting used too, it's not the most feelsome set up, but it is very direct, 2.1 turns lock to lock is amongst the quickest rack on any 'normal'car.
Same rack as on my Coupe. It sounds like quite a fast rack until you realise that "lock to lock" consists of the wheels turning about 5 degrees in each direction...The suspension items are only pricey for original Alfa parts. There are plenty of quality replacements for much less money. In terms of labour time its 1.2hrs per lower arm. If you were replacing the full set it would be 4-5hrs. If you got an invoice in the history for this then don't be so worried, if no record of a change out then plenty of choice out there.
I'd be more concerned about a full belt change + water pump. Not as frequent on JTD as the TS. Most specialists recommended every 4yrs on the diesel. Alfa still say 5yrs but I wouldn't go that long.
The other issue is EGR valves, basically you'll have minimal power. Fairly common issue but straight forward to resolve.
Google search for:
Alfa Workshop
Auto Lusso
Alfa Shop
EB Spares
Buy Parts By
and get yourself on to www.alfaowner.com
The Alfa 156 is an amazing car for little money. Just think you could get a Vectra Estate, emmmm
I'd be more concerned about a full belt change + water pump. Not as frequent on JTD as the TS. Most specialists recommended every 4yrs on the diesel. Alfa still say 5yrs but I wouldn't go that long.
The other issue is EGR valves, basically you'll have minimal power. Fairly common issue but straight forward to resolve.
Google search for:
Alfa Workshop
Auto Lusso
Alfa Shop
EB Spares
Buy Parts By
and get yourself on to www.alfaowner.com
The Alfa 156 is an amazing car for little money. Just think you could get a Vectra Estate, emmmm
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