Any tips on finding a used 156 1.9 Diesel?

[philvector]

Hi all,

I'm a PistonHeads newbie.

Basically just looking for some advice, I'm on the lookout for a 2004/2005 Reg used Alfa Romeo 156.

Have mainly been looking on Ebay, theres a few on here too but none that match the exact spec I'm looking out for.

Just wondering if there are any 156 owners out there who could share some opinions on the car in general,
reliability, fuel consumption, general satisfaction?

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated, such as mileage,
If I find a car with say 60-80k on the clock I'd imagine it would be due a cambelt change, but then if I go for a car with over 100k done, it's most likely the necessary main services and belt changes would be done BUT then you're contending with a car that might have more wear and tear and might be prone to niggly problems in the future etc.

Cheers,

Phil.

[Alfahorn]

These are difficult cars to find. I'm lucky enought to have a rare 2004 Sportwagon Multijet Veloce .

Make sure you buy a car with history, if the seller says its had a Cambelt you need to see a receipt. The belts and water pump should be changed every 5 years and ideally no more than 60000 miles (36000 for the petrol)

Look out for dodgy climate control panels, rear electric windows not working, knocking form the suspension, wear from the inner edges of the tyres and check the radiator as these tend corrode from the bottom edge.

[philvector]

Cheers for the advice mate.

[robsco]

I might have exactly what you're looking for. I'll drop you a mail tomorrow to confirm. What's your budget?

[Parabola]

I waited over a year to find the exact spec 156 I wanted, (2.4JTD, Sportwagon, black, roofbars, Veloce, teledials)
Was worth it though. Good luck!

[robsco]

Phil there doesn't seem to be an option to email you through your profile, perhaps because your account is too recently set up. I have a 55 plate Sport saloon coming in, in immaculate condition, with all the relevant work completed. It's bloody gorgeous.

[Alfahorn]

robsco said:

Phil there doesn't seem to be an option to email you through your profile, perhaps because your account is too recently set up. I have a 55 plate Sport saloon coming in, in immaculate condition, with all the relevant work completed. It's bloody gorgeous.

The sport looks great in the grey metallic as well.

[Red Firecracker]

All the above perfectly true. Suspension arms seem to be a consumable. I've had all brakes (discs & pads), handbrake cables, rad, power steering pipes, rack, thermostat, suspension arms done so far over and above normal servicing and wear and tear. With my sensible hat on, it really should go, but it's just that it always brings a smile when it's driven.

The climate control can be fixed easily (dry joints) and to be fair, all the issues are fairly well known so it's a case of going into ownership with your eyes open and knowing what to expect.

[philvector]

Hi robsco,

apologies I haven't been on here recently.

My email is [e-mail]

I'm looking for a 2004/2005 plate 156 1.9 Diesel.

Ideally with the cam belt change done recently and not too high mileage.

Preferable extras would be:
Leather seats
cruise control

I'd be happy to hear what you have for sale, thanks mate.