159 1.9JTDM???
Discussion
It doesn't matter what I look at I keep coming back to the 159. I think this is gorgeous and would love to own it but need some advice from those in the know. I work from home 3 days a week and have a 150 mile round trip twice a week mainly consisting of A1/A14/M11. Would I be mad?? is this engine any good?
I really would appreciate any advice/info............
http://www.veloces.co.uk/cars/kdy/alfa-romeo/159/2...
Thanks
edit to add....can you really get 50mpg??
I really would appreciate any advice/info............
http://www.veloces.co.uk/cars/kdy/alfa-romeo/159/2...
Thanks
edit to add....can you really get 50mpg??
Edited by Steve H on Friday 14th February 16:56
50mpg? hmmm maybe, I've had mine for just over a month and a half (the saloon 159Ti) and mpg has certainly increased dramatically since I brought it home. When I got it it started off at 38mpg which I wasn't too happy about, I suspect though it had been sat a while because since then the gearbox has loosened up and, after checking tyre pressures (the place I bought it off had them at around 30psi all round when they should be 39 front/36 back) mpg is in the easy high forties (it's due a wheel alignment as well) if it's anything like the Merc it replaced, which I hated, I should be averaging 50 calculated mpg over the week (doing an average 60mph over a 300 mile weekly commute, the speed is part choice part limited by traffic/roads, and I don't mind as it's such a nice a place to be in).
The engine has a lot of pull higher up in the gears (she's not exactly the quickest off the block though) and I think like any engine if you look after it they shouldn't give too many issues, it's used in Alfa's as well as a fair bit of GM/Vauxhall stuff (if I'd bought the Astra that I took a look at I'd have ended up with the same engine). You just need to keep an eye on the EGR valves that get gummed up (but apparently aren't hugely difficult to get to/clean) and like all modern diesels the DPF needs to be kept an eye on if you're doing a lot of short trips.
It's certainly one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven in, while the feel through the steering is totally numb at least the weight is consistent (unlike the Merc whose noticeably variable weighted steering caught me off guard once or twice when it lightened up when I wasn't expecting it).
The engine has a lot of pull higher up in the gears (she's not exactly the quickest off the block though) and I think like any engine if you look after it they shouldn't give too many issues, it's used in Alfa's as well as a fair bit of GM/Vauxhall stuff (if I'd bought the Astra that I took a look at I'd have ended up with the same engine). You just need to keep an eye on the EGR valves that get gummed up (but apparently aren't hugely difficult to get to/clean) and like all modern diesels the DPF needs to be kept an eye on if you're doing a lot of short trips.
It's certainly one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven in, while the feel through the steering is totally numb at least the weight is consistent (unlike the Merc whose noticeably variable weighted steering caught me off guard once or twice when it lightened up when I wasn't expecting it).
I've got the 1.9, which I had mapped by Angel Tuning. The engine is pretty rough to listen to, but I think it pulls well enough.
I drove the 2.4 before I plumped for the 1.9 - I just preferred the 1.9 - perhaps the 2.4 that I drove was a lemon? Not sure.
I'm averaging around 37 mpg, but I haven't been doing very long runs recently. When I do, it's usually in low 40's, but even then I'm no slouch.
Edit - it's actually a very good motorway car. I also bought the one above from Veloces (my second Alfa from them).
I drove the 2.4 before I plumped for the 1.9 - I just preferred the 1.9 - perhaps the 2.4 that I drove was a lemon? Not sure.
I'm averaging around 37 mpg, but I haven't been doing very long runs recently. When I do, it's usually in low 40's, but even then I'm no slouch.
Edit - it's actually a very good motorway car. I also bought the one above from Veloces (my second Alfa from them).
I run a 56 plate 1.9 Sportwagon with 175k miles on the clock. It averages around 42mpg in a mix of quick motorway driving and normal use. I've seen up to 47mpg and never had it drop below 38mpg.
It doesn't like running in high gears at low revs which may be the EGR valve or DPF playing up but I just drive round it. Overall it's been pretty reliable, never let me down, it makes some strange noises from time to time but I don't get too hung up on them - so long as it stops and starts I'm happy!
It doesn't like running in high gears at low revs which may be the EGR valve or DPF playing up but I just drive round it. Overall it's been pretty reliable, never let me down, it makes some strange noises from time to time but I don't get too hung up on them - so long as it stops and starts I'm happy!
No problem Steve, I've got the 1.9 lump in mine (with 53,000 on the clock so it's also due the belt/water pump treatment) and as Phil says it isn't the smoothest engine to listen to but it seems on par with every diesel that I've driven in terms of noise (which in all fairness isn't exactly broad, ranging from an '86 1.8 in a 205, a '91 1.9 in a Clio and the '07 2.1 in the Merc that it replaced). I have to admit I kind of expected them to have improved on the noise an oil burner makes considering my first two diesels where getting on a bit when I bought them 
.
I'm still trying to get used to driving a six speed manual, as the Merc was also a manual (and being in fourth at 30mph), in my, limited, experience I've found that both the merc and the 159 don't particularly like to be below certain speeds in certain gears, treating sixth as more of an overdrive (though the Alfa does actually have quite a bit of pull in sixth compared to the asthmatic c200CDi that I had). Mine sits quite happily in sixth if I'm doing over 50 but woe betide you if you drop below 50 and you keep it there (the gearing still feels all wrong), this sort of thing though was/is the same on both the merc and the alfa as it's pretty much down to the gearing.
I'll be able to tell at the end of this week just what kind of mileage I'm getting (calculate) as I noted the exact point on the fuel gauge when I filled up and my driving has settled back into the regular commute.
Tips? mmm... outside of the usual keep an eye on the make/brand of tyre as they are quite pricey on the Ti's 19" rims, mine came on the budget (£77 a corner the next tyre up is £153 for ContiContactsport 5's) Accelera's, while by nowhere near the worst tyre I've ever driven on (that little accolade goes to the Hankook's I put on my 200 coupe) they aren't brilliant in the wet. Take a look at the inside wear of the tread as tracking is known to go out (mine has), take a look that the front fog lights as these are known to crack from stone impacts. If it's the later models make sure to open the boot with both the remote and the button (i.e. the Alfa Badge) as the boot button is known to have a few issues, brakes don't come out of the factory lubricated (or rather the guide pins) and the rears are known to stick.
In all honesty I went onto Alfaowner.com to get as much info as possible, a friendly place and heaps of info on what to look out for through various guides.
.I'm still trying to get used to driving a six speed manual, as the Merc was also a manual (and being in fourth at 30mph), in my, limited, experience I've found that both the merc and the 159 don't particularly like to be below certain speeds in certain gears, treating sixth as more of an overdrive (though the Alfa does actually have quite a bit of pull in sixth compared to the asthmatic c200CDi that I had). Mine sits quite happily in sixth if I'm doing over 50 but woe betide you if you drop below 50 and you keep it there (the gearing still feels all wrong), this sort of thing though was/is the same on both the merc and the alfa as it's pretty much down to the gearing.
I'll be able to tell at the end of this week just what kind of mileage I'm getting (calculate) as I noted the exact point on the fuel gauge when I filled up and my driving has settled back into the regular commute.
Tips? mmm... outside of the usual keep an eye on the make/brand of tyre as they are quite pricey on the Ti's 19" rims, mine came on the budget (£77 a corner the next tyre up is £153 for ContiContactsport 5's) Accelera's, while by nowhere near the worst tyre I've ever driven on (that little accolade goes to the Hankook's I put on my 200 coupe) they aren't brilliant in the wet. Take a look at the inside wear of the tread as tracking is known to go out (mine has), take a look that the front fog lights as these are known to crack from stone impacts. If it's the later models make sure to open the boot with both the remote and the button (i.e. the Alfa Badge) as the boot button is known to have a few issues, brakes don't come out of the factory lubricated (or rather the guide pins) and the rears are known to stick.
In all honesty I went onto Alfaowner.com to get as much info as possible, a friendly place and heaps of info on what to look out for through various guides.
Edited by alpha channel on Tuesday 18th February 08:56
Same engine - different Alfa - I have a 2008 Alfa GT 1.9 Jtd with 165,000 miles on it. I do 80 miles a day, five days a week - average since I got the car last June is 44mpg, but following a recent remap, I'm getting closer to 46mpg now. However, I find that the volume of traffic has a huge effect - If I leave home early or drive home late, I'll almost always get over 50mpg, simply due to not having to stop as much (I find that pulling away from standstill is what kills the mpg the most - if your commute is mostly motorway cruising, you should do very well on fuel). I also noticed that the mpg dropped when I fitted winter tyres - hopefully it'll go back up a bit when the summer tyres go back on. Hopefully, a Terraclean treatment on Saturday will make another 1 or 2 mpg improvement - would be nice to get it to 50mpg average.
AFAIK, the 159 is a fair bit heavier (GT is based on the 156/147 platform) so I would expect the consumption to be closer to 40mpg in a heavier shell
As far as reliability goes, the 1.9 is pretty bullet-proof. IIRC, the 1.9 is a Fiat Group lump, whereas the 2.0 is a GM engine?
AFAIK, the 159 is a fair bit heavier (GT is based on the 156/147 platform) so I would expect the consumption to be closer to 40mpg in a heavier shell
As far as reliability goes, the 1.9 is pretty bullet-proof. IIRC, the 1.9 is a Fiat Group lump, whereas the 2.0 is a GM engine?
Hi,
I went from a GT 1.9 (kept it for the missus) to a 159 Ti 2.0.
The 1.9 on about 90,000miles has recently had EGR replacement. This engine has loads more torque lower down the rev range than my 2.0. Partly due to the lighter weight of the GT and partly the engine.
If you can afford the choice between the 2.0 and 1.9 I would choose the 2.0. It is some much more refined. But certainly lacking in torque at low revs until the turbo whacks in. Mid range to high speed motorway pull it is superb.
The 1.9 GT is averaging around 38mpg. Now don't let my 2.0 put you off....I'm currently averaging 29mpg. mostly city driving and fast motorway
. But when cruising in 6th at 50-60mph it will return 50+mpg.
The 159's water pump gave up at around 50,000 miles. I replaced cam belt at the same time.
I have a couple of questions too for 159 Ti drivers. I have uneven wear on all four tires. All wearing on the inside edge. Is this a common trait? Or should i take a look at my camber and toeing?
Louis
I went from a GT 1.9 (kept it for the missus) to a 159 Ti 2.0.
The 1.9 on about 90,000miles has recently had EGR replacement. This engine has loads more torque lower down the rev range than my 2.0. Partly due to the lighter weight of the GT and partly the engine.
If you can afford the choice between the 2.0 and 1.9 I would choose the 2.0. It is some much more refined. But certainly lacking in torque at low revs until the turbo whacks in. Mid range to high speed motorway pull it is superb.
The 1.9 GT is averaging around 38mpg. Now don't let my 2.0 put you off....I'm currently averaging 29mpg. mostly city driving and fast motorway
. But when cruising in 6th at 50-60mph it will return 50+mpg.The 159's water pump gave up at around 50,000 miles. I replaced cam belt at the same time.
I have a couple of questions too for 159 Ti drivers. I have uneven wear on all four tires. All wearing on the inside edge. Is this a common trait? Or should i take a look at my camber and toeing?
Louis
Tyre wear on the inside on all four? they are know for it as the tracking goes out (mine has and shall be booked in shortly when I've got the replacement tyres) with the wear being more noticeable on the fronts due to the extra weight. It should be a simple case of getting your tracking sorted.
alpha channel said:
Tyre wear on the inside on all four? they are know for it as the tracking goes out (mine has and shall be booked in shortly when I've got the replacement tyres) with the wear being more noticeable on the fronts due to the extra weight. It should be a simple case of getting your tracking sorted.
Thanks, I know i need to take it to the garage to get the tracking sorted and hopefully will be an easy fix. I have to do the same with the TVR after front wishbone replacement, TVR takes priority at the moment! RE my previous post of my 2.0Jtdm returning late 20's mpg, that's with an average speed of 17mph and enthusiastic lack of patience driving.
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