I want an Alfa....
Discussion
It's been said that you're not a true petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa.
I tried to fulfill that ambition about 8 years ago but owing to the ambivalent nature of the local dealer I ended up with a Volvo
Anyway the time has come to pick up something that will be entertaining. Back in 2000 I longed for a 156; I'm still keen. Locally, a 2.5 V6, 1998, has come up for well under £2k with relatively low mileage (<80K) which sounds interesting but I'd like the view of those in the know.
Is the V6 worth it? I'd heard that the extra weight dulls the agility? But I like big engines!
Is there anything I really need to look out for? Or should I wait out for a particular model? I have to say I'd go for a Sportwagon by choice but they seem rare.
Your replies are eagerly awaited.
I tried to fulfill that ambition about 8 years ago but owing to the ambivalent nature of the local dealer I ended up with a Volvo
Anyway the time has come to pick up something that will be entertaining. Back in 2000 I longed for a 156; I'm still keen. Locally, a 2.5 V6, 1998, has come up for well under £2k with relatively low mileage (<80K) which sounds interesting but I'd like the view of those in the know.
Is the V6 worth it? I'd heard that the extra weight dulls the agility? But I like big engines!
Is there anything I really need to look out for? Or should I wait out for a particular model? I have to say I'd go for a Sportwagon by choice but they seem rare.
Your replies are eagerly awaited.
The V6 is a great engine, but for mr the 2L twinnie is the best all rounder.
At just under 80K miles it should have had all its belts and tensioners done.
Check it has all the paperwork it should have.
Check the oil level if its low then its been abused!!!!
Top of the range comes with the leather.
Check on alfa156.net there is a downloadable buyers check list!
At just under 80K miles it should have had all its belts and tensioners done.
Check it has all the paperwork it should have.
Check the oil level if its low then its been abused!!!!
Top of the range comes with the leather.
Check on alfa156.net there is a downloadable buyers check list!
Hi, I've owned a 156 2litre twin spark and currently have a 156 V6. Believe me, if you get a half decent one it's the V6. How many times do you drive where the handling is important. Mostly its passing somebody on an A road or motorway or blasting away from the lights every now and again. V6 again, even putting the foot down in 5th makes you smile, try booting it to 7000rpm in 3rd, you know it makes (no)sense! 
i think the 156 v6 is an atrocious car! I've had many Alfas and I have indeed driven the 156 v6 and quite frankly, its handling and grip are poo! It certainly sounds good but even still, the 2.5 v6 was never the greatest. If you really must have a v6 in a 156, then climb mountains to get hold of a 156 gta but steer clear of the less 2.5
2.0 twinny 156 is the best all-rounder.
2.0 twinny 156 is the best all-rounder.
As usual you get the divided opinion which is not surprising. I'd certainly like to get hold of a GTA but they're pretty rare and generally not within my budget.
Based on the opinions expressed here I think I'll base my purchase on other factors so it'll either be a 2.5V6 or a 2.0TS!
And thanks for the reference to the Alfa forums. I've learnt a lot and feel I know what questions to ask.
Oh, and next time you hear from me I hope it'll be to introduce myself as an Alfa newbie!
Based on the opinions expressed here I think I'll base my purchase on other factors so it'll either be a 2.5V6 or a 2.0TS!
And thanks for the reference to the Alfa forums. I've learnt a lot and feel I know what questions to ask.
Oh, and next time you hear from me I hope it'll be to introduce myself as an Alfa newbie!
Edited by caiss4 on Friday 13th March 17:28
My wife had a 156 1.8 twinnie and now has a 2.0 JTS. The difference is ASTOUNDING! The 1.8 was OK for its size but you had to rev the knackers off it to get anywhere - even my wife commented that it only really did anything useful between 5000 and 7000! By comparison, the 2.0 JTS (OK, I never drove a 2.0 Twinne) is a MUCH nicer drive. It actually has a bit of torque, so you don't have to work as hard to get it to go. It's smoother than the 1.8 too (The 1.8 didn't have the counterbalance shafts) and it manages all this (and significantly more power) with only half as many plugs!
Twin Spark sounds pretty good too. 
.Congrats I hope you enjoy it, V6 Alfas always bring a smile!
I agree with the other comment about the twinspark driving though........rev high and enjoy it!
The 1.8s aren't much slower than the 2.0s really so thats probably the one thats better all round these days, never actually tried a JTS to see what thats like.......but might in the future after the V6.
I agree with the other comment about the twinspark driving though........rev high and enjoy it!
The 1.8s aren't much slower than the 2.0s really so thats probably the one thats better all round these days, never actually tried a JTS to see what thats like.......but might in the future after the V6.
I never really got that much pleasure out of revving the 1.8 to be honest. It used to be quite tractable at low revs - surprisingly so, which I guess is the advantage of variable valve timing. It used to start pulling well at about 5k, but it never really used to come "on cam". My old 12 valve V6 is an utter joy, by comparison. Loads of torque, pulls well from low revs, gets up to about 4k and then really comes on cam. The induction note changes and it just pulls all the way up to the redline. The 1.8 was, I'm sure, much more efficient, but I was always a bit disappointed by the last 1000 revs.
I've only had 2.0 TwinSparks to be honest but i think you can really notice the variator if its working correctly at around 3000rpm, and higher its just gets better.
I've been in standard 1.8s though that have felt quicker than 2.0s.......just because with any older car I suppose, some will run better than others.
I've been in standard 1.8s though that have felt quicker than 2.0s.......just because with any older car I suppose, some will run better than others.
Sorry to butt in... I'm thinking the same thing, 156 2.5 V6, or perhaps a 147 2.0.
Currently I have an A4 2.8 quattro. But I just had to put a pair of cats and lambdas on it, then someone kicked the wing mirrors off (and another dozen cars in the street, some screens too), and all in all I've lost the love. So, before I lose the opportunity, I'm going to dive in and see how the water is.
So, has anyone had direct experience of the 147 and 156? Not concerned about mpg or load carrying, just looking for something which is going to offer a fair balance of fun, interest and... reliability...?
Currently I have an A4 2.8 quattro. But I just had to put a pair of cats and lambdas on it, then someone kicked the wing mirrors off (and another dozen cars in the street, some screens too), and all in all I've lost the love. So, before I lose the opportunity, I'm going to dive in and see how the water is.
So, has anyone had direct experience of the 147 and 156? Not concerned about mpg or load carrying, just looking for something which is going to offer a fair balance of fun, interest and... reliability...?
carlosvalderrama said:
Sorry to butt in... I'm thinking the same thing, 156 2.5 V6, or perhaps a 147 2.0.
Currently I have an A4 2.8 quattro. But I just had to put a pair of cats and lambdas on it, then someone kicked the wing mirrors off (and another dozen cars in the street, some screens too), and all in all I've lost the love. So, before I lose the opportunity, I'm going to dive in and see how the water is.
So, has anyone had direct experience of the 147 and 156? Not concerned about mpg or load carrying, just looking for something which is going to offer a fair balance of fun, interest and... reliability...?
If it's fun and interest you're looking for, then it's the V6 every time. If it's Reliability, then probably the 2.0. Essentially with Alfa it is rare to have all 3, at the same time. Seriously though, if you're not bothered about general running costs, which it would appear you are not, then there is no question the V6 is the one for you. The soundtrack alone sets it head and shoulders above its competition.Currently I have an A4 2.8 quattro. But I just had to put a pair of cats and lambdas on it, then someone kicked the wing mirrors off (and another dozen cars in the street, some screens too), and all in all I've lost the love. So, before I lose the opportunity, I'm going to dive in and see how the water is.
So, has anyone had direct experience of the 147 and 156? Not concerned about mpg or load carrying, just looking for something which is going to offer a fair balance of fun, interest and... reliability...?
sixpot said:
If it's fun and interest you're looking for, then it's the V6 every time. If it's Reliability, then probably the 2.0. Essentially with Alfa it is rare to have all 3, at the same time. Seriously though, if you're not bothered about general running costs, which it would appear you are not, then there is no question the V6 is the one for you. The soundtrack alone sets it head and shoulders above its competition.
I know we're not exactly dealing with the most reliable of vehicles here, but in terms of unreliability, am I looking at things like snapped rods and holed pistons? Or piddly things like iffy plug top coils and poor quality camcover seals and such.carlosvalderrama said:
I know we're not exactly dealing with the most reliable of vehicles here, but in terms of unreliability, am I looking at things like snapped rods and holed pistons? Or piddly things like iffy plug top coils and poor quality camcover seals and such.
Most annoying thing I find is suspension bushes made out of pasta. The newer cars seem better but on the older ones (especially 145 era) there was always something knocking! 147/156 are a bit susceptible to it too - they have quite a complicated suspension set up.Engine wise there can be the odd problem with (Bosch) air flow sensors and (Bosch) crank sensors. Critical thing on Twin Sparks is a cambelt change (with tensioners) at 36,000 miles and to check the oil very regularly. I would suggest the V6 is less fragile than the Twin Spark and I would favour that or a JTD.
I bought my 166 3.0 V6 from an auction ,pretty much untested .Have since done over 6000 miles in less than six months ,it has never failed to get me to my destination and has done so with considerable style and panache. I know that a 528i is a better car ,but slightly lacking in character compared to the Alfa ,which has heart and soul rather than being just a collection of parts!
If it has had even a modicum of care then the motor itself should be fine ,but the cambelt change is crucial on these V6 motors as they do have a habit of snapping ,and the electrics can be a bit iffy on occaision (MAF sensors springs to mind!)
If it has had even a modicum of care then the motor itself should be fine ,but the cambelt change is crucial on these V6 motors as they do have a habit of snapping ,and the electrics can be a bit iffy on occaision (MAF sensors springs to mind!)
Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff