Alfa 156 sportwagon jtd 1.9

[acf8181]

Anyone got one? Opinions please?

I've held off getting a diesel for as long as i can, but 20k a yr in my beloved subaru is just too expensive now.

I know i'm gonna hate the power band and sound of the engine in any diesel, so am trying to compensate with a bit of style!

Biggest question is how they handle? Please tell me it's not an understeery barge?!

[psychoR1]

I had a 2TS S/W.
Understeery - yes - ultimately on the limit.
Barge - no - not really.
I really rated mine - great car and the 156 steering is superb. Boot isn't huge but the 156 styling is great and interior is a nice place to be.
I would have another tomorrow.

[forzaminardi]

Hired one a long time ago in Italy. Doesn't sound too bad inside. Good steering and ride, but understeery when pressing on. Remarkably good demister (long story). Good car overall in my opinion.

[dave_s13]

I had a 2.4JTD SW (175bhp)

Great engine but I hated that car, it was terrible. Only car that ever stranded us, well the wife and baby, drive shaft popped out parking up in asda, in the snow.

A mate had the 1.9 and did 20k miles+ per year in it. He was constantly getting suspension parts replaced, had 2x turbos and the thing gradually fell apart around him. Triggers broom that car.

I personally wouldn't touch one.

[DamienB]

The 2.4 sounds much nicer than the 1.9s.

Understeer? Compared to...? I find it holds the road incredibly well and have never once had a panicky moment and certainly don't hold back on the twisty stuff. I wonder what tyres the others were using and if they kept up with replacing suspension bits every sodding year as it eats them like smarties.

Great fun to drive, looks great, fairly economical (44 mpg caning it, 55ish driving like a granny), can be expensive to keep on the road once they're past the 75K mark (put aside a grand a year and you won't be hurt too badly when it goes past that).