RE: Alfa Romeo 159 | Shed of the Week
Discussion
Not for me. Had one in 2017 for a year, it was constantly throwing up issues. It may have been a bad example but put me off for life.
The engine was very agricultural too. The handling was good and I loved the looks both inside and out. I think a good example with the right engine (not this one) would be a nice thing to own but expect to get to know your mechanic!
The engine was very agricultural too. The handling was good and I loved the looks both inside and out. I think a good example with the right engine (not this one) would be a nice thing to own but expect to get to know your mechanic!
DrBrule said:
BlackPorker said:
There is a story behind the car: It was built for the Australian market and languished in the factory for months, if not years, at the end of the production run. Alfa Italy eventually decided to send it to the UK and it was registered here by Alfa UK in 2014. It *must* be the last 159 registered in the UK.
Was it 4wd? I had heard that Alfa did some V6 that were FWD but I'm not sure whether they were sold in the UK.xstian said:
Don't see the appeal myself. I can't get excited about a diesel Fiat in a pretty frock. As said above if you want a Alfa money pit, it has to be a V6.
At least last week's toyota had a turn of pace for what it was and I can't imagine this alfa being exactly exciting to drive.
Fiat diesel are good and always have been. Look at the amount of manufacturers that have used them At least last week's toyota had a turn of pace for what it was and I can't imagine this alfa being exactly exciting to drive.
I bought a 159 Sportwagon last year- in my opinion the best looking mainstream estate ever made. The interior is really lovely though it’s not that inspiring to drive, my second 1.9jtdm following a GT a couple years ago- the commute dictates that unfortunately, which is unfortunate as they’re not really a very nice engine at all. My GT did make it to 150k miles with no engine issues bar some boost leakage before the rest of the car fell apart around it, my 159 at 90k miles is keeping me busy with a collection of strange power steering and EGR problems- but even when running well they’re a nasty clattery smelly engine, even by 4 cylinder diesel standards. A 2.4 would be a better choice if you can make do without the extra economy, I sadly can’t currently- it’s averaging 50+ on the commute which can’t really be knocked and it’s a lovely car for soaking up miles. Just not dynamically inspiring in the slightest and whenever I’m not motorway cruising I’m lamenting the horrid lump up front.
Dog Star said:
wpa1975 said:
Being an Alfa plus lack of spares, diesels have issues with ECU failure plus many other issues.
This thread is the first I’ve heard of ECU failures. What are the other numerous issues over what you’d see on any vehicle?wpa1975 said:
Dog Star said:
wpa1975 said:
Being an Alfa plus lack of spares, diesels have issues with ECU failure plus many other issues.
This thread is the first I’ve heard of ECU failures. What are the other numerous issues over what you’d see on any vehicle?adf83 said:
I’ve never heard of ECU failures on the diesel (or any) version of the 159. I run a 12 year old diesel sportwagon with 140k miles on the clock. Reliability has been very good and certainly better than the E91 touring I ran before it for a few months with had numerous faults that no specialist could ever properly sort.
steering lock ecu's can fail which isn't uncommon - I'm in the process of swapping mine in my Brera - they still seem to be in stock which is a relief - unlike air intake hoses, they're like rocking horse.........!!I had a 2.4, remapped to 250 bhp and 423 ft/lb, it was quick.
Handing was ok but no more, very confirmable car though.
Its a shame that the platform was for a 166 replacement thus a bit hefty and took its toll on the suspension.
Having owned the last 4 Afla saloons at the relative same time after their launch the Guilia is by far the best (apart from boot size!).
Handing was ok but no more, very confirmable car though.
Its a shame that the platform was for a 166 replacement thus a bit hefty and took its toll on the suspension.
Having owned the last 4 Afla saloons at the relative same time after their launch the Guilia is by far the best (apart from boot size!).
CanoeSniffer said:
I bought a 159 Sportwagon last year- in my opinion the best looking mainstream estate ever made. The interior is really lovely though it’s not that inspiring to drive, my second 1.9jtdm following a GT a couple years ago- the commute dictates that unfortunately, which is unfortunate as they’re not really a very nice engine at all. My GT did make it to 150k miles with no engine issues bar some boost leakage before the rest of the car fell apart around it, my 159 at 90k miles is keeping me busy with a collection of strange power steering and EGR problems- but even when running well they’re a nasty clattery smelly engine, even by 4 cylinder diesel standards. A 2.4 would be a better choice if you can make do without the extra economy, I sadly can’t currently- it’s averaging 50+ on the commute which can’t really be knocked and it’s a lovely car for soaking up miles. Just not dynamically inspiring in the slightest and whenever I’m not motorway cruising I’m lamenting the horrid lump up front.
The 2.0l is the one to go for in a diesel. The TBI is you're after a petrol[quote=wpa1975]
It is a 16 year old Alfa Romeo, not noted for being reliable when new, yes it is shed money but with so many better mainstream choices available why bother.
Wayne - you'll never understand...those of us who love our Alfas would avoid 'mainstream' if possible
I had a 2.0 156 from new up to almost 200k and never let me down
I now have a 166 2.0 TS which is just a joy
I prefer driving it to my other cars
It is a 16 year old Alfa Romeo, not noted for being reliable when new, yes it is shed money but with so many better mainstream choices available why bother.
Wayne - you'll never understand...those of us who love our Alfas would avoid 'mainstream' if possible
I had a 2.0 156 from new up to almost 200k and never let me down
I now have a 166 2.0 TS which is just a joy
I prefer driving it to my other cars
Having owned a number of Alfa's over the years including a 159, it comfortably ranks as the worst of the lot. Not for reasons typically associated with Alfas, I can put up with them, I suppose that's what you sign up for when you become an "Alfisti".
But it was just god awfully boring. Looked stunning which was why I was always drawn towards them but it was so dull to drive. Nothing like the ratty old 156 which I picked up for 500 big ones a few years previous. The 156 was great fun to drive and full of soul, the things usually associated with Alfas. Unfortunately the 159 was sorely lacking in these departments.
Never went wrong in the two months I had it, so can't complain on that front but I certainly wouldn't own one again.
But it was just god awfully boring. Looked stunning which was why I was always drawn towards them but it was so dull to drive. Nothing like the ratty old 156 which I picked up for 500 big ones a few years previous. The 156 was great fun to drive and full of soul, the things usually associated with Alfas. Unfortunately the 159 was sorely lacking in these departments.
Never went wrong in the two months I had it, so can't complain on that front but I certainly wouldn't own one again.
I love the 159. I’d get an estate.
I’m not bothered by the reliability fears. My 2.4 Brera is 14 years old, 189k, and is really reliable apart from the chocolate suspension arms which get replaced a LOT. Not a single creak or rattle inside. It’s well built. I can’t see the 159 being that different.
I’m not bothered by the reliability fears. My 2.4 Brera is 14 years old, 189k, and is really reliable apart from the chocolate suspension arms which get replaced a LOT. Not a single creak or rattle inside. It’s well built. I can’t see the 159 being that different.
I had an Alfa Red 159 Diesel Lusso back in the day 
It was a great car and I have many happy memories of piloting it down to the South of France and Italy with the family on holiday.
I also went all round the UK in it with work. It was a real quality piece and the best looking mainstream saloon ever produced in my opinion
Great shed and wonderful to have an Alfa back after all those Saab’s and Rover 75’s. If we get a Ford Mondeo next week we’ll be on a role
It was a great car and I have many happy memories of piloting it down to the South of France and Italy with the family on holiday. I also went all round the UK in it with work. It was a real quality piece and the best looking mainstream saloon ever produced in my opinion
Great shed and wonderful to have an Alfa back after all those Saab’s and Rover 75’s. If we get a Ford Mondeo next week we’ll be on a role
wpa1975 said:
It is a 16 year old Alfa Romeo, not noted for being reliable when new, yes it is shed money but with so many better mainstream choices available why bother.
honevo said:
Wayne - you'll never understand...those of us who love our Alfas would avoid 'mainstream' if possible
I had a 2.0 156 from new up to almost 200k and never let me down
I now have a 166 2.0 TS which is just a joy
I prefer driving it to my other cars
I do understand, my dad had a 2.0 156 that I enjoyed driving when I could but that is not the point, if you only spending shed money it makes no sense to buy this, true enthusiasts looking for an Alfa would not be buying a ex rep diesel special but spending thousands more on a petrol.I had a 2.0 156 from new up to almost 200k and never let me down
I now have a 166 2.0 TS which is just a joy
I prefer driving it to my other cars
If your only spending shed money this is not a wise buy.
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