156 V6 repairs

[fin]

Hi guys, I know there are a few of you out there who love their 156 V6, so having just received the bill for the latest trip to the garage, I thought I would pass it on as general info for anybody that can use it. I have a 1999 T reg 156 V6, 90,000 miles. I have had it 18 months and spent £1800 on garage bills. I don't know whether you consider that expensive or not, but I like to keep my cars in pretty good knick even though it's old!

Labour -
Fitted Y piece to windscreen washer hose
Renew aux drive belt
Change oil & filter
Fit new reverse light switch
Strip and clean gear linkage
Adjust handbrake
Remove o/s driveshaft & fit new inner cv boot
Renew exhaust front pipes 5.25hrs £43.00 Total £225.75

Parts -
Oil Semi syn 29.75
Oil filter 6.95
Switch 17.67
Aux belt 18.75
Exhaust front pipes 230.00
Screenwash valve 2.30
CV boot 12.60
Parts sub total 318.02
Labour 225.75
VAT 81.56
Total £625.33

It might make you consider getting some things checked out you hadn't thought about. For instance, it was the mechanic who noticed the wear and tear on the belt and the drive shaft. I had only booked it in for the exhaust, oil and reversing light switch.
Anyway, hope I haven't broken any rules posting this!

[V6]

Thanks for the heads up - always an interesting read Mine is in for a service soon at DTR in South London, good guys very trustable and knowledgeable.

[bint]

Had mine just over 2 years and haven't spent that much on it - and we've had the top end rebuilt!!

Been serviced once (2nd was when the top end was done so included at time), back box replaced, handbrake cable replaced, discs and pads on rears replaced and a new battery.

[fin]

V6 said:

Thanks for the heads up - always an interesting read Mine is in for a service soon at DTR in South London, good guys very trustable and knowledgeable.

I know what you mean. I've been using the same guy for the last 16 yrs, when I bought my first Alfa. A 75 Twin Spark. Coincidentally, although we live in Scotland, my sister bought a Fiat Barchetta from DTR a few years back. She's now on her second one.

Thinking about the bills, the exhaust cost £600 of the £1800 I've spent, so I don't feel it's too bad. I don't know if every mechanic tends to check out the whole car and give you a report on further work required. Nobody likes bad news but I find it reassuring and can budget around that. Did you consider using anything other than standard parts when replacing suspension etc. Just curious.

[Sam Gamgee]

bint said:

Had mine just over 2 years and haven't spent that much on it - and we've had the top end rebuilt!!

Been serviced once (2nd was when the top end was done so included at time), back box replaced, handbrake cable replaced, discs and pads on rears replaced and a new battery.

If you dont object to me asking (sorry all for the little hijack!!!!), how muchos was it to have your top end rebuilt and did you notice any difference?

Thanks

Dave.

[V6]

fin said:

V6 said:

Thanks for the heads up - always an interesting read Mine is in for a service soon at DTR in South London, good guys very trustable and knowledgeable.

Thinking about the bills, the exhaust cost £600 of the £1800 I've spent, so I don't feel it's too bad. I don't know if every mechanic tends to check out the whole car and give you a report on further work required. Nobody likes bad news but I find it reassuring and can budget around that. Did you consider using anything other than standard parts when replacing suspension etc. Just curious.

Indeed I fear my exhaust needs at least part of it replacing.. I am always happy to use non standard parts as long as they are of at least equal quality. I had koni suspension fitted to my 145 which made it ride and corner wonderfully, I'm thinking about it for the 156 but with the V6 at the front it is sooo heavy I'm not sure it is worth the bother - I should really buy a GTV as well I suppose

[bint]

Sam Gamgee said:

If you dont object to me asking (sorry all for the little hijack!!!!), how muchos was it to have your top end rebuilt and did you notice any difference?

Thanks

Dave.

Off the top of my head, including 2nd hand cams it was about £900.

There is a thread about it somewhere in here I'll dig it up.
ETA - oooh I found the thread (damn search function still not working)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...


It did make a difference - she'd been loose for about 40K (previous mechanic hadn't tightened bolts on properly we think hence cams wearing smooth) but pulled okay if a bit rattly.

Edited by bint on Friday 6th February 18:24

[Sam Gamgee]

Thanks, bint.....spooky stuff! Mine is a little bit rattley esp. on starting but think its just age/mileage (152K!!!!). Also, I`m a little paranoid

Regards
Dave.