156 JTD Ti

[Xpander]

I'm looking for something diesel powered to replace my Legacy estate. I keep coming back to this 156, but does it seem a bit on the expensive side?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alfa-Romeo-156-2-4JTD-TI...


Any thoughts?

Thanks

[Alfahorn]

It seems expensive because its a facelift 156 in desirable TI spec with the stonking 2.4 diesel and its a Sportwagon.

That's near as damn it the holy grail of used Alfas.

[sjg]

Blimey. I traded in my year-older one with 100k miles for under half that, over 3 years ago. Wasn't TI spec but Veloce with the same electric Recaro seats as the TI optioned.

Nice car, stonking engine but it always seemed to need extra stuff doing every service (hoses, or suspension wishbones, or handbrake cables, or..), it had comically poor ground clearance and steering lock, terrible ride, and not that useful as an estate.

If you want the best diesel engine and trim level that the 156 had, in wagon form, they're very rare so I guess you have to pay that sort of money. I'd be more comfortable paying closer to £3k though.

[RicksAlfas]

It is from an Alfa specialist too I suppose the price is hiked up somewhat.
As mentioned above it is the one to have but I would hope some negotiation was possible!

FWIW I had an earlier 10 valve version and loved it to bits. Those seats are the best I've ever had.

[Xpander]

Thanks for your thoughts. I've done a little reading up on these but I think a bit more research into the potential pitfalls is required.

I know the 2.4 diesel isn't the last word in economy, but it lacks the DPF of the 159 which does help somewhat. Anything better than the ~20mpg I get in the Legacy is a bonus to be honest.


But it certainly is a lovely thing...

[RicksAlfas]

I think the biggest thing you need to be aware of coming from a Legacy is the size. They are not that big. Think of it as a 5 door coupe and you're more on the right lines than a wardrobe lugger. On motorways you'll be more than doubling your 20mpg, so if you can't fit it all in you'll have to go twice.

[Xpander]

That's not actually an issue, I don't even need the space - I just like estates!

I could quite happily get by with a GT coupe in all honesty, but I think I prefer the look of the 156 Sportwagon. I truth I've been considering everything from a Lupo GTi to Mondeo ST TDCi to Fabia vRS. My list of actual requirements is small, only that it needs to be a reasonable amount more economical than the Subaru.

[RicksAlfas]

That's OK then. I was in much the same boat when I had mine. Some people expect Volvo capacity that's all.

[Xpander]

RicksAlfas said:

That's OK then. I was in much the same boat when I had mine. Some people expect Volvo capacity that's all.

Yeah, I can imagine. I've now decided I'm going the diesel route, it's just deciding which one. This 156 is right up there at the moment.