After some advice/help - New 159

[Nocker]

Am seriously considering getting a new 159 1750TBi TI.. Currently have a TVR and a the missus has a little Peugeot which we're probably going to chip in and go down to one car..

However, the missus thinks I'm a tad tonto to go from the reliable comfort of the TVR to another marque known for its reliability.. and frankly I need some arguements for (other than me just saying 'look at it'.. ), as all she gets is the usual ramblings off her work colleagues about Alfa's being rubbish..

Are there issues ? is the 1750TBi a problem child, or is it pretty well 'run in' in terms of it being a newish engine type/known issues now ?

Have read through as many threads as I could find and other than some niggles with stalks and a problem with the front tyres (which seems to have a solution now anyway), is there anything else I need to be wary of ?

All help/thoughts appreciated

[RicksAlfas]

Can't think of anything, but as you say the 1750 is a relatively new engine so there's not that many out there yet. It is in a fairly low state of tune at the moment so Alfa are obviously assuming it's a tough engine. Other than the tyre issue you have mentioned the 159 is a strong and well made car.

[herbialfa]

Go for it!!!! )

From what I've heard with other Ti owners is just the price of "GOOD" tyres when they need replacing!

£400 a corner!

[RicksAlfas]

I think it's nearer to £200 than £400!

[jamieandthemagic]

The tyres wear on the inside, so get the tracking adjusted to zero degrees toe in. then you should see 15-20k from a set of rubber.

I'd avoid 19's if I could.

I plumbed for 18's, rides not as harsh, rubber cost is more sensible (just bought Bridgestone rubber for £165 a corner....... 235/45/18).

dont bother with the "blue & me" it got too many niggles.

[RicksAlfas]

Doesn't the Ti spec have Blue & Me as standard?
Anyway, I wouldn't be without mine and would recommend it to anyone despite the niggles!

[Nocker]

Thanks all, does reducing the toe-in affect handling a great deal ? or do you need to be on track to really notice any difference ?

Otherwise, sounds like I've sold it to the better half this weekend, time to book a test drive

[RicksAlfas]

Nocker said:

Thanks all, does reducing the toe-in affect handling a great deal ? or do you need to be on track to really notice any difference ?

I suspect many dealers are doing this without even telling the drivers. Don't think you'll notice to be honest.

[Nocker]

ordered this weekend.. roll on 10-12 weeks time..

[clarkey]

I've got a two month old sportwagen with the 2.0 jtdm engine, in ti spec (red with natural leather, yummmm)
I've done 7,500 miles now, and my issues so far have been:

1. Windows lowering themselves overnight. This went away after about 3 days and hasn't come back.
2. Blue &me is rubbish. Ipod rarely connects and the phone connection drops out regularly.
3. Fuel consumption. Manufacturers combined economy is about 52mpg, I've averaged 38mpg, which means I lose money on each mile driven (it's a company car). Please don't tell me the 1750 averages more than this!!!

Otherwise very happy. It looks good, build quality is superb, and is very comfortable.

[jamieboy]

clarkey said:

2. Blue &me is rubbish. Ipod rarely connects and the phone connection drops out regularly.

Interesting - I read somewhere else that someone recently got a new 159 and the B+M isn't great.

Mine is a mid-08 car (bought in July, not exactly sure when it was built) and the B+M works absolutely perfectly with my iPhone. I can hear the callers fine, they can hear me clearly, no issues at all.

The only place it drops a call is a section of road where there is no O2 signal, none of my phones have ever worked there so it seems harsh to blame B+M for that.

Can't comment on the iPod, I just leave a cheap memory stick plugged in all the time.

I wonder if something's changed on them recently?

[RicksAlfas]

clarkey said:

1. Windows lowering themselves overnight. This went away after about 3 days and hasn't come back.

Does yours have the facility to hold down the unlock button on the key and it winds down all the windows?
You may have inadvertently sat on the button. I know it sounds odd but it happens a lot with the boot release button!

My 2006 Blue&Me has been fine.

[RicksAlfas]

Nocker said:

ordered this weekend.. roll on 10-12 weeks time..

Great stuff!
What spec, colour?

[Nocker]

RicksAlfas said:

Nocker said:

ordered this weekend.. roll on 10-12 weeks time..

Great stuff!
What spec, colour?

A 1750 tbi ti, gone Carbonio (sp ?) Black, black interior too, as the natural's a bit Dale Winton with the black exterior (think it goes with the Red better), which is a shame as I wouldn't have minded a better beige with the black exterior, but can't complain..

Was a bit concerned the 19's would be a bit harsh on the ride, but seemed fine on the test drive, gone for the Bose stereo upgrade too, but left off the sat-nav/electric seat adj and sunroof as just seemed like they'd be more trouble then they're worth..

Can't wait.. (albeit need to get my TVR through it's MOT next week, but given nothing came up last year, I'd be surprised if anything big does this year)

Edited by Nocker on Thursday 22 April 09:08

[clarkey]

RicksAlfas said:

clarkey said:

1. Windows lowering themselves overnight. This went away after about 3 days and hasn't come back.

Does yours have the facility to hold down the unlock button on the key and it winds down all the windows?
You may have inadvertently sat on the button. I know it sounds odd but it happens a lot with the boot release button!

My 2006 Blue&Me has been fine.

It does, but I hid the keys away and it still happened. Dealer thinks it was related to moisture or humidity....

[clarkey]

jamieboy said:

clarkey said:

2. Blue &me is rubbish. Ipod rarely connects and the phone connection drops out regularly.

Interesting - I read somewhere else that someone recently got a new 159 and the B+M isn't great.

Mine is a mid-08 car (bought in July, not exactly sure when it was built) and the B+M works absolutely perfectly with my iPhone. I can hear the callers fine, they can hear me clearly, no issues at all.

The only place it drops a call is a section of road where there is no O2 signal, none of my phones have ever worked there so it seems harsh to blame B+M for that.

Can't comment on the iPod, I just leave a cheap memory stick plugged in all the time.

I wonder if something's changed on them recently?

Phone isn't so bad (if not exactly intuitive to use) but the ipod isn't usually found, and then it will connect some time later.... I keep meaning to try a memory stick, I think it could be due to too many tracks on the ipod.