Alfa 159 2.2 JTS

[evenflow]

I've found a beautiful Alfa 159 that I'd quite like, but it has the 2.2 petrol (I can't really get on with diesels).
Several things I've read on here suggest people think this engine is awful. How so?
Most of the car mag reviews I've read online are quite positive about it.

[RicksAlfas]

The main criticism is a low rev hesitation which makes driving in traffic unpleasant. It can be sorted with a remap if it bothers you. The other usual complaint is that it's a GM derived engine and not an Italian one.

Have you had a go in the car yet?

[evenflow]

Thanks.

Haven't druiven one yet, no.

[jamieboy]

I'm not a big fan of the 2.2.

I found it a bit weedy, with nothing to speak of at low revs. Which is a shame, because I don't think it's a nice engine to rev - it doesn't seem keen, and doesn't make a particularly nice noise, either. I also don't think that an engine that you have to cane all the time to make any progress suits the nature of the 159 - fine in our old Seicento Sporting, fine in the 1.6 147, but out of place in the 159.

So - no power low down, unpleasant to rev, doesn't suit the car. Add in the known hesitation problem (although I'm bound to say I didn't notice it in any of the ones Ive driven), and the fact that Alfa have dropped the engine already, and it's hard to make a case in its favour.

Generaly, I'm a big fan of petrol engines. I've said before, but the 2.2 is the reason I've got a diesel 159.

Edited by jamieboy on Tuesday 15th December 09:14

[rickyw]

I know you are not a Diesel fan, but give the 2.4 one a go. It's a 5 pot and sounds very un Diesel like on the move with the lovley 5 cyl thrum.

I'm a bit biased as this is the one I have. IMHO the only other one to go for is the 3.2, but with an average of 19MPG, I could not justify that.