159 Estate..2.4 or 1.9 diesel ?
Discussion
Depends on how you're going to use the car...lots of long journeys and the 2.4 is a powerful engine but if you're just pootling around the local area you'll kill the DPF and EGR valves.
Best all rounder would be a 1.9 JTD imho (we have the 170bhp version in our 147 and it flies)....unless you want to remove the offending items on the 2.4
wrinx
Best all rounder would be a 1.9 JTD imho (we have the 170bhp version in our 147 and it flies)....unless you want to remove the offending items on the 2.4
wrinx
Had both the 150 and 170 bhp versions of the 1.9 16V engine. Only real problem has been the EGR on both. This is a problem which has been solved with a Fiat / Alfa sanctioned metal plate which partially blanks off the EGR. Might be worth checking that this plate is in place as a £5 plate might prevent a far bigger bill further down the line. If not; it's a 20 minute job to fit it. That includes 10 minutes driving to and from the garage to buy the plate! It's just 4 bolts (6 if you're being pedantic and including the 2 oil breather pipe bracket bolts which go onto a threaded top end of 2 of the valve's retaining bolts).
I recall looking at the 2.4 version and reading reviews that it wasn't as good value for money wise as the 1.9 16V engine. The extra running costs and initial outlay weren't justified by the comparatively small increase in performance. That was on the Fiat Croma, though.
I recall looking at the 2.4 version and reading reviews that it wasn't as good value for money wise as the 1.9 16V engine. The extra running costs and initial outlay weren't justified by the comparatively small increase in performance. That was on the Fiat Croma, though.
I've got a 1.9 EGR perforated plate somewhere if anyone needs one. It's an Ebay one, not an expensive Fiat one.
I'm a big fan of the grunt and noise of the 2.4, but as Wrinx says it does need it's legs stretching regularly. It does make the car feel a cut about a four pot rattler however so if you can justify it at all that's the one for me. Even better if you get the DPF junked.
Perhaps the best all round option is the later 2.0 JTD?
Ti looks the best. Only downside is expensive tyres.
I'm a big fan of the grunt and noise of the 2.4, but as Wrinx says it does need it's legs stretching regularly. It does make the car feel a cut about a four pot rattler however so if you can justify it at all that's the one for me. Even better if you get the DPF junked.
Perhaps the best all round option is the later 2.0 JTD?
Ti looks the best. Only downside is expensive tyres.
Firstly thats a nice car!
secondly sorry to jump on the bandwagon but i am in the same position
trying to decide on a 08 2.4 or a 10 2.0 i drive to work everyday 1 hour each way- mainly national speed limit roads and am slightly worried the 2.4s fuel consumption will wound me (currently driving a focus 1.8..) any owners out there of 2.0 or 2.4s what fuel consumption are you getting?
secondly sorry to jump on the bandwagon but i am in the same position
trying to decide on a 08 2.4 or a 10 2.0 i drive to work everyday 1 hour each way- mainly national speed limit roads and am slightly worried the 2.4s fuel consumption will wound me (currently driving a focus 1.8..) any owners out there of 2.0 or 2.4s what fuel consumption are you getting?
I don't know the MOT implications but if you can take the DPF off as well you'll be flying, and with better economy.
e.g. http://www.alfacare.co.uk/Servicing/DPFRemoval2012...
e.g. http://www.alfacare.co.uk/Servicing/DPFRemoval2012...
I have the 1.9 Ti. Had it Angel Tuned, but EGR and DPF remain, for now. Power is up a little, but not greatly. MPG risen from circa 34 to 40.
Tyres on the Ti are not expensive - see threads on Alfaowner re Accelera tyres - about £100 a corner. Really good tyres in my opinion - I will get another set.
Tyres on the Ti are not expensive - see threads on Alfaowner re Accelera tyres - about £100 a corner. Really good tyres in my opinion - I will get another set.
phil1979 said:
Tyres on the Ti are not expensive - see threads on Alfaowner re Accelera tyres - about £100 a corner. Really good tyres in my opinion - I will get another set.
Not something you see very often! The words "lethal", "taken off" and "wouldn't put them round my boat" are more typical. 
You need to be careful with some tyres as they don't have the correct load rating - important on the 2.4, maybe not on the 4 pots.
Great looking car but I am biased as I have the dark red 159 estate version but the TDI version, just clocked 103k on the clock and nothing gone wrong bar a parking sensor. Tempted to remove the DPF filter but will probably dont know if the clutch will be ok. I cant justify the increase in insurance and the £600 to get it done when all I do is sit in the queue on the M3 and A322 for boring 40mins commute barely hitting 70+ 15 mins!
I don't like wheels as they are such a pain to clean and the chrome effect is pealing on the alfa front nose!
I don't like wheels as they are such a pain to clean and the chrome effect is pealing on the alfa front nose!
I have owned a 159 1.9 JTD and a 2.4 JTD Spider.
Both were remapped.
The 1.9 was a lovely drive after the map with plenty of smooth power. it was no rocket ship, but punchy enough to really enjoy a good drive in it. It was also pretty frugal. A great tourer still with enough punch to be nice to drive.
The 2.4 is in a different league however once remapped. Huge torque and overtaking grunt in all gears make it an awesomke long distance companion and a hoot on a good road. Before being remapped they are pretty thirsty, but post map they are acutally a lot better on fuel in my experience. Well, when you are taking it easy that is.
I put the Spider on a hub mounted dyno after the remap and it was showing 230 bhp and 420 ft lbs of torque.
It did spit its clutch and DMF out soon after though, so be warned. A remap will hasten the demise of a tired clutch. I bought a replacement and sent it to CG Motorports who uprated it - they have developed a special clutch mod using kevlar to ensure durability in remapped diesels with high torque outputs.
I would still remap again if I got another - par for the course if another 30 - 50 bhp, loads more torque and the deletion of the troublesome DPF and EGR valve. This also means now more regen cycles wasting fuel and killing the drive of the car. Hurrah!
Both were remapped.
The 1.9 was a lovely drive after the map with plenty of smooth power. it was no rocket ship, but punchy enough to really enjoy a good drive in it. It was also pretty frugal. A great tourer still with enough punch to be nice to drive.
The 2.4 is in a different league however once remapped. Huge torque and overtaking grunt in all gears make it an awesomke long distance companion and a hoot on a good road. Before being remapped they are pretty thirsty, but post map they are acutally a lot better on fuel in my experience. Well, when you are taking it easy that is.
I put the Spider on a hub mounted dyno after the remap and it was showing 230 bhp and 420 ft lbs of torque.
It did spit its clutch and DMF out soon after though, so be warned. A remap will hasten the demise of a tired clutch. I bought a replacement and sent it to CG Motorports who uprated it - they have developed a special clutch mod using kevlar to ensure durability in remapped diesels with high torque outputs.
I would still remap again if I got another - par for the course if another 30 - 50 bhp, loads more torque and the deletion of the troublesome DPF and EGR valve. This also means now more regen cycles wasting fuel and killing the drive of the car. Hurrah!
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