General opinion on the 156
Discussion
Hi,
I need a stylish saloon car for my job. I don't really want to spend much more than £3K so all that fits the bill for that cash is a 156. I drove a £1500 110,000 mile X reg 2.0 Veloce the other day and it felt sweet as a nut, no funny noises from the drivetrain or suspension, no warning lights, and smooth handling considering it's mileage. It was a selespeed too! It seemed to be good quality inside and the leather seats were in great nick.I just missed out on buying it though.
I get loads of people moaning that the 156 is a real pile of unreliable poor quality tripe but I can't agree with that.
What do you reckon of the 156? Current/previous 156 owners?
Thanks.
I need a stylish saloon car for my job. I don't really want to spend much more than £3K so all that fits the bill for that cash is a 156. I drove a £1500 110,000 mile X reg 2.0 Veloce the other day and it felt sweet as a nut, no funny noises from the drivetrain or suspension, no warning lights, and smooth handling considering it's mileage. It was a selespeed too! It seemed to be good quality inside and the leather seats were in great nick.I just missed out on buying it though.
I get loads of people moaning that the 156 is a real pile of unreliable poor quality tripe but I can't agree with that.
What do you reckon of the 156? Current/previous 156 owners?
Thanks.
Wife has a 1.8 156 of 1999 vintage. Now done 70-odd 000 miles and has actually been extremely reliable. I DO, however, think that quality could be better. Lots of stupid irritations with it. The whole car (as with many modern cars) is held together with crappy litle plastic clips that break if you try and take them apart. Crappy undertray fixings, air filter housing bolts corrode into their brass inserts because they were too stingy to use brass bolts, rear seat bolts cross threaded into their captive nuts, poory made tail light bulb holders that keep making the bulb failure light come on - that sort of thing.
Having said all that, it is still on its original exhaust (even the tail box) and I only changed the original battery this year! Other than suspension bushes, we've spent remarkably little on the car in all the time we've had it. We haven't (apart from the tail light bulbs) had a single electrical failure the whole time we've had the car (about 5 years)!
The only really nasty thing that happened was the timing belt shedding its teeth. That was only because we stupidly believed Alfa when they said the service interval was 72,000 miles. They've now changed it to 36,000 and I'm sure we'd have no problem at all if we keep to that. It just left a nasty tase, that's all.
Having said all that, it is still on its original exhaust (even the tail box) and I only changed the original battery this year! Other than suspension bushes, we've spent remarkably little on the car in all the time we've had it. We haven't (apart from the tail light bulbs) had a single electrical failure the whole time we've had the car (about 5 years)!
The only really nasty thing that happened was the timing belt shedding its teeth. That was only because we stupidly believed Alfa when they said the service interval was 72,000 miles. They've now changed it to 36,000 and I'm sure we'd have no problem at all if we keep to that. It just left a nasty tase, that's all.
Make sure you see receipts for the tensioner and idler pulleys as well when you look through the history. If the cam belt doesn't self - destruct, there's a reasonably good chance that the plastic pullys on those will break up and do the same job!
Also, most of them DRINK oil. That's OK, they don't seem any the worse for it, but running them low for long periods can trash the variator that does the variable valve timing. If you can get to see one started up from cold, listen carefully. If it sounds like a diesel for more than a few seconds, the variator is probably on the way out.
Also, most of them DRINK oil. That's OK, they don't seem any the worse for it, but running them low for long periods can trash the variator that does the variable valve timing. If you can get to see one started up from cold, listen carefully. If it sounds like a diesel for more than a few seconds, the variator is probably on the way out.
I have a 2000 X-plate 2.0l TS that I bought new. It has been very carefully serviced and has now done pushing 95,000 miles. THe only thing of any note that has gone wrong is the clutch, which was replaced at 60,000 miles-odd. It has never broken down, nothing has ever fallen off. It has been a faithful, reliable companion and it still drives and polishes up beautifully.
I'm on my third 156 now, first one was a 2.0TS, Sport pack, then a 2.0JTS Veloce now a 156GTA SW. No real complaints about any of them, yes you need to change the cambelts, 36K on the 2.0's, about 48K on the V6. Suspension bushes, rear track control arms and front anti roll bar links wear out quite quickly so listen for squeeks and rattles.
The undertrays break easily, especially on the V6 and the big 2.4JTD's as the engines are heavier.
Veloce suspension (Or GTA if you can afford it) is the better set up especially if you want to use the bigger 17" wheel option, the Lusso suspension, a heavy engine and 17" wheels all work against each other to ruin the body control.
To be fair if the 156 has a vice as regards road manners then it has to be said body control is it, on a smooth road they are brilliant, on an undulating road they lack a bit of composure and can get all out of sorts if you push too hard.
On a tightish budget, I would try and find a mid face lift 156 JTS Veloce, that is 52 reg to 53 reg (Old nose end, new interior). Avoid sillyspeed it can be troublesome though some owners love theirs.
A good cheap modification would be a front strutbrace, it stiffens up the chassis and avoids some of the body control issues mentioned above.
I wouldn't be too worried about reliabilty, just keep up to it and it will be no worse than the majority of cars on the road, watch your Oil level, listen for suspension noises and be carefull not to break your undertray...
The undertrays break easily, especially on the V6 and the big 2.4JTD's as the engines are heavier.
Veloce suspension (Or GTA if you can afford it) is the better set up especially if you want to use the bigger 17" wheel option, the Lusso suspension, a heavy engine and 17" wheels all work against each other to ruin the body control.
To be fair if the 156 has a vice as regards road manners then it has to be said body control is it, on a smooth road they are brilliant, on an undulating road they lack a bit of composure and can get all out of sorts if you push too hard.
On a tightish budget, I would try and find a mid face lift 156 JTS Veloce, that is 52 reg to 53 reg (Old nose end, new interior). Avoid sillyspeed it can be troublesome though some owners love theirs.
A good cheap modification would be a front strutbrace, it stiffens up the chassis and avoids some of the body control issues mentioned above.
I wouldn't be too worried about reliabilty, just keep up to it and it will be no worse than the majority of cars on the road, watch your Oil level, listen for suspension noises and be carefull not to break your undertray...
I have got a 1.6 T-Spark 04 reg as a company car and overall it is not bad. THe engine being so small needs to be reved to get the most out of it and for a 1.6 returns poor mpg but as for reliablity pretty good.
I have done 53,000 miles now and all work that needed doing has been carried out under warrrenty:
New speedo because the fuel gauge was going up and down like whores draws.
Variator - common problem but does not do the car any damage, just sounds like a diesel on start up.
Suspension wear on bushes etc. This was done around 2,000 miles ago.
It has, touch wood never broken down and i think you would be hard pushed to get more car for £3k. One thing that is also common is the rear wheel can get stuck on the car. I had a flat tyre one morning, jacked up the car took of the wheel nuts and i could not move the wheel. I was at home, went and got a hammer no joy! I had to call the AA. Never known anything like it on my other company cars.
D
I have done 53,000 miles now and all work that needed doing has been carried out under warrrenty:
New speedo because the fuel gauge was going up and down like whores draws.
Variator - common problem but does not do the car any damage, just sounds like a diesel on start up.
Suspension wear on bushes etc. This was done around 2,000 miles ago.
It has, touch wood never broken down and i think you would be hard pushed to get more car for £3k. One thing that is also common is the rear wheel can get stuck on the car. I had a flat tyre one morning, jacked up the car took of the wheel nuts and i could not move the wheel. I was at home, went and got a hammer no joy! I had to call the AA. Never known anything like it on my other company cars.
D
DamienCBR said:
One thing that is also common is the rear wheel can get stuck on the car. I had a flat tyre one morning, jacked up the car took of the wheel nuts and i could not move the wheel. I was at home, went and got a hammer no joy! I had to call the AA. Never known anything like it on my other company cars.
D
Ask any tyre fitters - this is common on lots of cars with alloy wheels. Nothing to do with it being an Alfa!!! We've had it at work on VWs and BMWs for instance.D
I bought a 52 plate Lusso in March and absolutly love it, probably the best car i've ever owned, so far...
Can't think of any car of a similar age you could get for under £4K with anywhere near similar spec. and/or performance (1.6 basic Focus anyone?).
It needs its 60K service soon, and I'll get the variator changed as part of that, but so far its been returning an average of over 40MPG and hasn't used any oil so I'm pretty pleased, long may it continue!
Can't think of any car of a similar age you could get for under £4K with anywhere near similar spec. and/or performance (1.6 basic Focus anyone?).
It needs its 60K service soon, and I'll get the variator changed as part of that, but so far its been returning an average of over 40MPG and hasn't used any oil so I'm pretty pleased, long may it continue!
I've had a couple and I loved/love them both ('98 V6 SP3 and '05 GTA SW).
I would say the materials are good quality, and the core engineering - engines, gearboxed, brakes, etc all very good. There are some build niggles that are more QA issues than anything else, and many of the dealers are rubbish - but use a specialist instead and they represent great value as they are dirt cheap SH.
Whenever I sit in an Audi or BMW of the same age/mileage as my first 156 was when I got rid of it (4 years/90k) I wonder what all this "premium" stuff is about, and reckon they don't deserve to hold their value so well.
I would say the materials are good quality, and the core engineering - engines, gearboxed, brakes, etc all very good. There are some build niggles that are more QA issues than anything else, and many of the dealers are rubbish - but use a specialist instead and they represent great value as they are dirt cheap SH.
Whenever I sit in an Audi or BMW of the same age/mileage as my first 156 was when I got rid of it (4 years/90k) I wonder what all this "premium" stuff is about, and reckon they don't deserve to hold their value so well.
We've had a 156 2lt TSpark Lusso for just over 2 years.
Things that have given us issues:
Corroded aircon pipe. Cost 80 quid for the pipe, plus half an hour to fit and the re-gas costs.
2xcatalysts. Not a disaster as they're under 90 quid delivered. Only needed 2 as I used a local dodgy tyre place to get the first one fitted 'for cash' - and he contaminated the cat. with exhaust paste. By the time I found out, he'd gone bust.
We did have one or two issues getting an MOT this year - the engine wouldn't hold a fast idle for the emissions test. Solved by pulling a relay on the aircon to stop the compressor kicking in.
Other than that, it has been completely reliable in the 2 years / 20k miles my wife has been driving it.
Usually turns in around 28mpg - but her commute is in relatively heavy traffic.
We bought from Veloces, who give all cars a full cambelt service and suspension overhaul before sale - it's worth paying a bit extra to get the belts done before sale - it's not a hugely expensive job to do, but you really want to make sure the change is done at a 36k mile / 3 year interval to be on the safe side.
Plenty of cheap ones out there, which I'd avoid. Buy the best you can afford from a reputable dealer and make sure you get a decent warranty (you never know if a previous muppet owner has never checked the oil, meaning the bottom end is on the verge of self-destruction).
I love it and have seriously considered chopping my company car for the cash alternative and the latest, lowest mileage, 159 JTD Sportwagon I can find.
Things that have given us issues:
Corroded aircon pipe. Cost 80 quid for the pipe, plus half an hour to fit and the re-gas costs.
2xcatalysts. Not a disaster as they're under 90 quid delivered. Only needed 2 as I used a local dodgy tyre place to get the first one fitted 'for cash' - and he contaminated the cat. with exhaust paste. By the time I found out, he'd gone bust.
We did have one or two issues getting an MOT this year - the engine wouldn't hold a fast idle for the emissions test. Solved by pulling a relay on the aircon to stop the compressor kicking in.
Other than that, it has been completely reliable in the 2 years / 20k miles my wife has been driving it.
Usually turns in around 28mpg - but her commute is in relatively heavy traffic.
We bought from Veloces, who give all cars a full cambelt service and suspension overhaul before sale - it's worth paying a bit extra to get the belts done before sale - it's not a hugely expensive job to do, but you really want to make sure the change is done at a 36k mile / 3 year interval to be on the safe side.
Plenty of cheap ones out there, which I'd avoid. Buy the best you can afford from a reputable dealer and make sure you get a decent warranty (you never know if a previous muppet owner has never checked the oil, meaning the bottom end is on the verge of self-destruction).
I love it and have seriously considered chopping my company car for the cash alternative and the latest, lowest mileage, 159 JTD Sportwagon I can find.
I bought my 2000 w reg V6 about 2 years ago. I was seduced by the good looks and noise. Unfortunatly the previous owner must have run her on a shoe string so i ended up paying for loads of work - Radiator, maf, cambelt/waterpump, both upper arms, clutch, disks and pads all round and other odds and sods totalling about £2k. Since then i have not had any trouble and the only thing on the cards are a plug change and upper wishbones (again) They are a lot of car for the money, just buy the best example you can and only buy a car that has FSH and has evidence of recent work. Check the clutch bites in the middle. Check there are no squeeks/knocks from the front end (signalling upper wishbones, common and about £120 to fix both sides, they wont squeek on a wet day though) Check the temp stays just below or on 90. The rads last 6 years and look ok in the bay but fall apart when you change em. Check all electrics. On all models but especially the twin sparks check the cambelt has been done within the last 10k to avoid a £500 bill. They all like a drink of oil so check the dipstick, if its low walk away, all owners of 156's should check the level on a regular basis. The above sounds alot, but they are good cars and i have had a trouble free two years so far. Don't veiw one with your eyes closed! Ps avoid a selespeed, it may not give you trouble but you will have trouble trying to sell when the time comes... Ps good websites to use are shop4parts.co.uk & buypartsby.co.uk, Alfa bits can be bought for a good price here. The 2.4 JTD engine is a peach with a 5 cylinder warble, and potential for an easy 190bhp! One pulled away from me once and they get 45 MPG.
Edited by exgtt on Tuesday 17th July 17:56
Edited by exgtt on Tuesday 17th July 17:57
I searched for this thread as I am buying an Alfa 156 again after being without for about three years now.
The one I am going for is a 2003 2.0 facelift with about 40k on the clock. I am orrect in thinking that the cambelt thing (apologies for my non -techy ness)should have been changed at 36k? I remember that it was 72k offically when I had my first one, but the reccomendation was to change it sooner.
Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.
The one I am going for is a 2003 2.0 facelift with about 40k on the clock. I am orrect in thinking that the cambelt thing (apologies for my non -techy ness)should have been changed at 36k? I remember that it was 72k offically when I had my first one, but the reccomendation was to change it sooner.
Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.
limpsfield said:
I searched for this thread as I am buying an Alfa 156 again after being without for about three years now.
The one I am going for is a 2003 2.0 facelift with about 40k on the clock. I am orrect in thinking that the cambelt thing (apologies for my non -techy ness)should have been changed at 36k? I remember that it was 72k offically when I had my first one, but the reccomendation was to change it sooner.
Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.
Alfa changed the time to change the belt down to 36k. Make sure it have been done or get it down ASAP and use it as a bargaining tool. My rep had his go as he was driving to his 48K miles service. As this was within the warrenty period they did the belt FOC as it has always been main dealer serviced.The one I am going for is a 2003 2.0 facelift with about 40k on the clock. I am orrect in thinking that the cambelt thing (apologies for my non -techy ness)should have been changed at 36k? I remember that it was 72k offically when I had my first one, but the reccomendation was to change it sooner.
Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.
Other things.
Check oil - they drink
When starting the engine if it sounds like a diesel for a second or two the varriator is shot. Mine has gone once around that sort of mileage and sounds like it have again. DOes not damage the car but costs, so again bargaining power. Suspension bushes, mine were replaced under warrenty again at similar mileage, and the fuel guage was as it kept going up and down like a hoars draws. THey replaceed the speedo and it fixed it.
D
Mine's great. Okay, it's a 2006, last of the range 2.0 Lusso. I've never taken it appart so never broke any fittings yet, and no rattles but it handles sweetly but costs an arm and a leg to have the major service done, I've heard.
Mine drinks oil when I drive it hard (since new) but stops drinking when the going is slower and more mellow. I'm going to try 10W60 oil, the recomended one for fast driving, after the next service.
I love mine even though it may be a bit quirky. At least it looks gorgeous, handles well and performance is decent with good fuel consumption...
...oh, and bonus points because it's not a Ford or Toyota, and doesn;t handle or feel plasticky like them...
Mine drinks oil when I drive it hard (since new) but stops drinking when the going is slower and more mellow. I'm going to try 10W60 oil, the recomended one for fast driving, after the next service.
I love mine even though it may be a bit quirky. At least it looks gorgeous, handles well and performance is decent with good fuel consumption...
...oh, and bonus points because it's not a Ford or Toyota, and doesn;t handle or feel plasticky like them...
DamienCBR said:
limpsfield said:
I searched for this thread as I am buying an Alfa 156 again after being without for about three years now.
The one I am going for is a 2003 2.0 facelift with about 40k on the clock. I am orrect in thinking that the cambelt thing (apologies for my non -techy ness)should have been changed at 36k? I remember that it was 72k offically when I had my first one, but the reccomendation was to change it sooner.
Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.
Alfa changed the time to change the belt down to 36k. Make sure it have been done or get it down ASAP and use it as a bargaining tool. My rep had his go as he was driving to his 48K miles service. As this was within the warrenty period they did the belt FOC as it has always been main dealer serviced.The one I am going for is a 2003 2.0 facelift with about 40k on the clock. I am orrect in thinking that the cambelt thing (apologies for my non -techy ness)should have been changed at 36k? I remember that it was 72k offically when I had my first one, but the reccomendation was to change it sooner.
Anything else I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.
Other things.
Check oil - they drink
When starting the engine if it sounds like a diesel for a second or two the varriator is shot. Mine has gone once around that sort of mileage and sounds like it have again. DOes not damage the car but costs, so again bargaining power. Suspension bushes, mine were replaced under warrenty again at similar mileage, and the fuel guage was as it kept going up and down like a hoars draws. THey replaceed the speedo and it fixed it.
D
Thanks for this. I was looking at about four 156s, all done just above 40k miles and none had the cambelt changed. The one I have decided on:
is getting it done pre-sale as part of the negotiation so thanks for the pointers.
Edited by limpsfield on Thursday 25th October 16:17
Jonesey,
Glad to be of help. Really like the colour and the wheels. You do get a lot of car for not a lot of money with the Alfa. Overall i have been pleased with mine. When i heard i was getting one as a company car i was a bit worried due to the stigmer attached to them. But apart from stuff i have mentioned it has been fine.
It is going in for is 60k service next month so we will see what happens then. I am expecting new pads and disks, they said they were low at last service. The variator is knackered again but who knows if the company will pay for it this time, out of warrenty now. It is just passed 3 year with 60k on the clock and essential abused as company cars normally are but has never really missed a beat. If it was my dosh i would definately consider one.
Have fun with it!
D
Glad to be of help. Really like the colour and the wheels. You do get a lot of car for not a lot of money with the Alfa. Overall i have been pleased with mine. When i heard i was getting one as a company car i was a bit worried due to the stigmer attached to them. But apart from stuff i have mentioned it has been fine.
It is going in for is 60k service next month so we will see what happens then. I am expecting new pads and disks, they said they were low at last service. The variator is knackered again but who knows if the company will pay for it this time, out of warrenty now. It is just passed 3 year with 60k on the clock and essential abused as company cars normally are but has never really missed a beat. If it was my dosh i would definately consider one.
Have fun with it!
D
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