Alfa 159 to buy or not to buy
Discussion
Forgiven 
Okay. I love my 159 (2.2 petrol)
Pros from owning one for a year
Chicks love it
Everyone thinks it's worth double what I paid for it.
Sounds great with an exhaust.
Random people come up to me in service stations to talk about cars.
Alfa drivers wave at me
Cons
Too slow and too small a power band from the 2.2. I'm planning a remap but I need to drive about 2,000k and over a strait to get this done properly.
Back seat just a tad too small.
Servicing can cost a bit but not ridiculous. I just had the timing chain done but saved money using the GM part. I've found sensors like the Oil level warning and fragile and even after doing the chain the engine warning light was coming on but got less and less and is now fine.
Okay. I love my 159 (2.2 petrol)
Pros from owning one for a year
Chicks love it
Everyone thinks it's worth double what I paid for it.
Sounds great with an exhaust.
Random people come up to me in service stations to talk about cars.
Alfa drivers wave at me
Cons
Too slow and too small a power band from the 2.2. I'm planning a remap but I need to drive about 2,000k and over a strait to get this done properly.
Back seat just a tad too small.
Servicing can cost a bit but not ridiculous. I just had the timing chain done but saved money using the GM part. I've found sensors like the Oil level warning and fragile and even after doing the chain the engine warning light was coming on but got less and less and is now fine.
What mpg do you get, both in town and on the motorway. Thinking of changing a V6 166 for a 2.2 JTS but the mpg figures I have seen look poor. Not keen on a diesel though. Thanks.
Rex Ironstone said:
Forgiven
Okay. I love my 159 (2.2 petrol)
Pros from owning one for a year
Chicks love it
Everyone thinks it's worth double what I paid for it.
Sounds great with an exhaust.
Random people come up to me in service stations to talk about cars.
Alfa drivers wave at me
Cons
Too slow and too small a power band from the 2.2. I'm planning a remap but I need to drive about 2,000k and over a strait to get this done properly.
Back seat just a tad too small.
Servicing can cost a bit but not ridiculous. I just had the timing chain done but saved money using the GM part. I've found sensors like the Oil level warning and fragile and even after doing the chain the engine warning light was coming on but got less and less and is now fine.
Okay. I love my 159 (2.2 petrol)
Pros from owning one for a year
Chicks love it
Everyone thinks it's worth double what I paid for it.
Sounds great with an exhaust.
Random people come up to me in service stations to talk about cars.
Alfa drivers wave at me
Cons
Too slow and too small a power band from the 2.2. I'm planning a remap but I need to drive about 2,000k and over a strait to get this done properly.
Back seat just a tad too small.
Servicing can cost a bit but not ridiculous. I just had the timing chain done but saved money using the GM part. I've found sensors like the Oil level warning and fragile and even after doing the chain the engine warning light was coming on but got less and less and is now fine.
theshrew said:
One thing to consider is that they dont make them anymore that might affect the price when you sell
Sorry I'm not sure of the conversion. Highway driving I get around 7.2 l/100km and around 12.5 l/100km in really bad stop start traffic. Massive difference but it's probably highly influenced by my driving style 
Rex Ironstone said:
Forgiven
Okay. I love my 159 (2.2 petrol)
Pros from owning one for a year
Chicks love it
Everyone thinks it's worth double what I paid for it.
Sounds great with an exhaust.
Random people come up to me in service stations to talk about cars.
Alfa drivers wave at me
Cons
Too slow and too small a power band from the 2.2. I'm planning a remap but I need to drive about 2,000k and over a strait to get this done properly.
Back seat just a tad too small.
Servicing can cost a bit but not ridiculous. I just had the timing chain done but saved money using the GM part. I've found sensors like the Oil level warning and fragile and even after doing the chain the engine warning light was coming on but got less and less and is now fine.
Just got my Alfa 159 2.2 JTS Lusso Okay. I love my 159 (2.2 petrol)
Pros from owning one for a year
Chicks love it
Everyone thinks it's worth double what I paid for it.
Sounds great with an exhaust.
Random people come up to me in service stations to talk about cars.
Alfa drivers wave at me
Cons
Too slow and too small a power band from the 2.2. I'm planning a remap but I need to drive about 2,000k and over a strait to get this done properly.
Back seat just a tad too small.
Servicing can cost a bit but not ridiculous. I just had the timing chain done but saved money using the GM part. I've found sensors like the Oil level warning and fragile and even after doing the chain the engine warning light was coming on but got less and less and is now fine.
(ill post some pics soon) Only been able 2 drive it for 4 days though as im away at work for a month now damnit. It seems quick to me as i only had a 1.2 punto before haha. I'm only 21 so the v6 would of been a bit to much insurance wise and i didnt want a diesel.DeepFriedLlama said:
Rex Ironstone said:
Forgiven
Okay. I love my 159 (2.2 petrol)
Pros from owning one for a year
Chicks love it
Everyone thinks it's worth double what I paid for it.
Sounds great with an exhaust.
Random people come up to me in service stations to talk about cars.
Alfa drivers wave at me
Cons
Too slow and too small a power band from the 2.2. I'm planning a remap but I need to drive about 2,000k and over a strait to get this done properly.
Back seat just a tad too small.
Servicing can cost a bit but not ridiculous. I just had the timing chain done but saved money using the GM part. I've found sensors like the Oil level warning and fragile and even after doing the chain the engine warning light was coming on but got less and less and is now fine.
Just got my Alfa 159 2.2 JTS Lusso Okay. I love my 159 (2.2 petrol)
Pros from owning one for a year
Chicks love it
Everyone thinks it's worth double what I paid for it.
Sounds great with an exhaust.
Random people come up to me in service stations to talk about cars.
Alfa drivers wave at me
Cons
Too slow and too small a power band from the 2.2. I'm planning a remap but I need to drive about 2,000k and over a strait to get this done properly.
Back seat just a tad too small.
Servicing can cost a bit but not ridiculous. I just had the timing chain done but saved money using the GM part. I've found sensors like the Oil level warning and fragile and even after doing the chain the engine warning light was coming on but got less and less and is now fine.
(ill post some pics soon) Only been able 2 drive it for 4 days though as im away at work for a month now damnit. It seems quick to me as i only had a 1.2 punto before haha. I'm only 21 so the v6 would of been a bit to much insurance wise and i didnt want a diesel.DeepFriedLlama said:
Just got my Alfa 159 2.2 JTS Lusso (ill post some pics soon) Only been able 2 drive it for 4 days though as im away at work for a month now damnit. It seems quick to me as i only had a 1.2 punto before haha. I'm only 21 so the v6 would of been a bit to much insurance wise and i didnt want a diesel.
Nice one (ill post some pics soon) Only been able 2 drive it for 4 days though as im away at work for a month now damnit. It seems quick to me as i only had a 1.2 punto before haha. I'm only 21 so the v6 would of been a bit to much insurance wise and i didnt want a diesel. Post some pics. I did a nice 1,100k trip a new weekends ago and did have a lot of fun. If you had of told me 18 months ago that I'd be a driving a 4cyl FWD I'd have said you were crazy, but up in the revs on a nice straight and even around corners it is generally a great little package. 
I am thinking of a 159 for when I change in September. I don't do many miles and quite a lot of my driving is relatively short distance (6 miles to the station, for example).
I have never owned an Alfa before and have yet to drive a 159. I am told that the diesel (1.9 or 2.0) is the best option. I have been told that the larger diesel is a bit nose-heavy, but I have no direct experience, never having driven one. I have no preconceptions concerning the choice of fuel and would certainly consider a petrol engine (my current car is a petrol). Economy is not a real concern given my low mileage. Without in any way wanting to start a general petrol vs. diesel debate, what is the best option for a 159 given my low mileage, short trips (I have DPFs in mind here) and, most importantly, the fact that I am a driving enthusiast?
Thanks in advance.
Andy
I have never owned an Alfa before and have yet to drive a 159. I am told that the diesel (1.9 or 2.0) is the best option. I have been told that the larger diesel is a bit nose-heavy, but I have no direct experience, never having driven one. I have no preconceptions concerning the choice of fuel and would certainly consider a petrol engine (my current car is a petrol). Economy is not a real concern given my low mileage. Without in any way wanting to start a general petrol vs. diesel debate, what is the best option for a 159 given my low mileage, short trips (I have DPFs in mind here) and, most importantly, the fact that I am a driving enthusiast?
Thanks in advance.
Andy
Edited by Andy Meads on Monday 16th July 23:26
Personally with such short commute, and occ longer runs, I'd go for petrol every time.
If you can afford the high VED I'd think about the V6, but the smaller four-pots seem pretty good too.
Try to avoid larger wheels (ie 19") as tyres don't last long and can be expensive.
Having the suspension set up properly is a must for any 159 owner - Protyre get good reviews from AROC members.
159s seem much better built than previous Alfas, are a bit heavier and more solid altogether, different beast to a 156 that's for sure, more 'grown-up', but still expect electrical niggles. With older cars, stay away from main dealers and use your local independent Alfa specialist, plenty around the country.
Come to National Alfa Day - Aug 12 at Newby Hall near Ripon
If you can afford the high VED I'd think about the V6, but the smaller four-pots seem pretty good too.
Try to avoid larger wheels (ie 19") as tyres don't last long and can be expensive.
Having the suspension set up properly is a must for any 159 owner - Protyre get good reviews from AROC members.
159s seem much better built than previous Alfas, are a bit heavier and more solid altogether, different beast to a 156 that's for sure, more 'grown-up', but still expect electrical niggles. With older cars, stay away from main dealers and use your local independent Alfa specialist, plenty around the country.
Come to National Alfa Day - Aug 12 at Newby Hall near Ripon
HebdenHedgehog said:
Personally with such short commute, and occ longer runs, I'd go for petrol every time.
If you can afford the high VED I'd think about the V6, but the smaller four-pots seem pretty good too.
Try to avoid larger wheels (ie 19") as tyres don't last long and can be expensive.
Having the suspension set up properly is a must for any 159 owner - Protyre get good reviews from AROC members.
159s seem much better built than previous Alfas, are a bit heavier and more solid altogether, different beast to a 156 that's for sure, more 'grown-up', but still expect electrical niggles. With older cars, stay away from main dealers and use your local independent Alfa specialist, plenty around the country.
Come to National Alfa Day - Aug 12 at Newby Hall near Ripon
Thanks very much for this - very useful info. I had the geo done on my Discovery last week and it has transformed it, so I can only imagine what it does for an Alfa! If you can afford the high VED I'd think about the V6, but the smaller four-pots seem pretty good too.
Try to avoid larger wheels (ie 19") as tyres don't last long and can be expensive.
Having the suspension set up properly is a must for any 159 owner - Protyre get good reviews from AROC members.
159s seem much better built than previous Alfas, are a bit heavier and more solid altogether, different beast to a 156 that's for sure, more 'grown-up', but still expect electrical niggles. With older cars, stay away from main dealers and use your local independent Alfa specialist, plenty around the country.
Come to National Alfa Day - Aug 12 at Newby Hall near Ripon
I can't make the 12th, sorry to say: I like going up to Yorkshire anyway and a car day would be a great reason to go. It seems like a friendly community of owners, too.
Cheers again.
Andy
I asked the same;
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I bought this;
No regrets!
Tyres don't have to cost the earth (and no need to resort to ditchfinders - £110 accelera PHI).
Residuals on the 159 appear to be pretty good, certainly decent demand.
Do it!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I bought this;
No regrets!
Tyres don't have to cost the earth (and no need to resort to ditchfinders - £110 accelera PHI).
Residuals on the 159 appear to be pretty good, certainly decent demand.
Do it!!
Danesgate said:
I asked the same;
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I bought this;
No regrets!
Tyres don't have to cost the earth (and no need to resort to ditchfinders - £110 accelera PHI).
Residuals on the 159 appear to be pretty good, certainly decent demand.
Do it!!
Thanks for this. I read your earlier thread with interest and I want one even more now. I also have to get two booster seats and a baby seat in, at least occasionally, so it's good to see that this is possible.http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I bought this;
No regrets!
Tyres don't have to cost the earth (and no need to resort to ditchfinders - £110 accelera PHI).
Residuals on the 159 appear to be pretty good, certainly decent demand.
Do it!!
I just hope that I can find a good one within budget, but my research so far indicates that I should be able to do so. Not sure I'll be able to get a Ti (my preferred option), but a Lusso seems to be easy enough.
I will be looking at cars in September and have already asked my local dealer to inform me of any suitable part-exes from the upcoming registration change. If I go for it, I'll let you know how I get on.
Danesgate said:
I asked the same;
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I bought this;
No regrets!
Tyres don't have to cost the earth (and no need to resort to ditchfinders - £110 accelera PHI).
Residuals on the 159 appear to be pretty good, certainly decent demand.
Do it!!
Has the front bumper had a respray ? Being a nerd I thought it looked a bit different............. The flat right beneath the 3 headlights is normally black.http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I bought this;
No regrets!
Tyres don't have to cost the earth (and no need to resort to ditchfinders - £110 accelera PHI).
Residuals on the 159 appear to be pretty good, certainly decent demand.
Do it!!
Ps; selling my 159 sport wagon in sept if anyone's after one.
jamieandthemagic said:
Has the front bumper had a respray ? Being a nerd I thought it looked a bit different............. The flat right beneath the 3 headlights is normally black.
Ps; selling my 159 sport wagon in sept if anyone's after one.
If its Alfa red, I'd guess do. Usually they get more chips than Harry Ramsden!!Ps; selling my 159 sport wagon in sept if anyone's after one.
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