Time for a change

[dema]

well, the 159 has been gone to a new owner this evening, glad that it went to an Alfista and I know it will be looked after.

Next chapter... undecided between another 159, this time 2.4JTD or a 147JDT 07+
Budget is 5K, i don't need a lot of space but having to take in account a new comer at some point in the future so the boot will need to be big enough for a pram and baby stuff or for the time being 2 suit cases.

That I can see:
159 has the space but for 5K I wont be able to get a low mileage TI and 30mpg on a diesel seems a bit steep.
147 07+ ideally with Q2 seems more fun, younger (in style) 5K would get me a TI model with 40+K miles, interiors are no where near as nice as the 159 (style wise, I love the 3 gauges) and I'm not sure that the boot is that big.

Both should have the same running and maintenance costs.

What's your thought?

[crostonian]

Does the GT not float your boat? It's practical and plenty of 1.9 JTDs around for £5k.

[HebdenHedgehog]

Bending over installing baby into rear of a GT won't endear you to your partner although I agree they are more practical than they at first appear.

Maybe a late low mileage 156 SW would suit sir?

I think you'd find the boot in a 147 too small for much baby paraphenalia - have you seen the size of modern prams?! Like cars they keep getting ever larger...

[dema]

No 156 thanks, too many horror stories.

I know that there are some nicve examples out there that have benn going on for mies and miles with no issues but it seems a hit and miss.

Like the idea of the GT......

[Alfahorn]

What 156 horror stories???

I'm the proud owner of a near mint 156 SW JTD and it's a fantastic car.

Yes, go for a 147 with Q2 it will be fantastic.

[dema]

Had a look at the GT on the net to get some ideas, I now need your though on couple of points I picked up:
ENGINE: Will need to be the 1.9JTD, all very similar performances but the cloverleaf it is just about a head of the standard engine and Q2. I guess that 40to70mph will be the same in all models? Is there a cloverleaf Q2 (should save me money on fitting it later)
SPACE: Some say it can fit 2 adults other say 2 kids, which is it? Do the rear seats have isofix?
HANDLING: General review is not great. Can anyone compare it to a 159 wagon petrol (2.2jts)
GEAR BOX: Notchy and a let down. As above, can anyone compare to a 159?

All of the above comments are taken from various web sites like Evo, What Car, Parker's etc.. just trying to get an overall idea

Many thanks

[HebdenHedgehog]

Late 156s are much better built than early ones, all drive really well

147s / GT will be fine while you have no kids but you will struggle once you do. I'd maybe buy what you want for now and change if / when you need to.

AFAIK GTs are based on 156 floorpan, with 147 electrics / interior so a good combo, and why they are spacious in the back. As to how many adults / kids - fir in the back - depends how big they are I guess! If you think you'll need to carry adults on a regular basis I'd suggest a 2+2 coupe isn't really the right car, unless they're drunk of course and don't care! And installing babies into the back will quickly become a chore - you won't believe the amount of crap such a small person requires to go with them

[crostonian]

HebdenHedgehog said:

Late 156s are much better built than early ones, all drive really well

Beg to differ on that from my experience buying and selling Alfas and financial involvement with an Alfa specialist our opinion is that with every facelift the 156 build quality deteriorated. My feeling was that the accountants started to run the party and tried to cut costs wherever they could, would also say the same about the 147.

[dema]

What your reccomandation would be on 159 and GT?

[crostonian]

The 159 is the sensible choice given your brief although for £5k I would be inclined toward the 2.2 petrol as you will get a much lower mileage and newer car than the diesel, the 2.2 responds well to a remap which improves the mpg and the low rev response. Unfortunately £5k is the entry point for the diesel models which means high mileage and probably scruffy cars although you may be lucky and stumble accross a good one. A GT will feel more chuckable and lighter on it's feet - although they do feel their age next to a 159 and the quality is from another era. If the choice was 147, 156 or GT then I would go GT, but if you can find a 2.2 159 for £5k then I would take a look.

[HeatonNorris]

dema said:

No 156 thanks, too many horror stories.

I know that there are some nicve examples out there that have benn going on for mies and miles with no issues but it seems a hit and miss.

Like the idea of the GT......

Don't understand this.

The 147 and GT are largely just sawn-off 156s.

[dema]

I can only go by what I've read on other forums, the GT seems to get better reviews when it comes to reliability than 156, not sure my self how/why as thet all use the same platform

[StescoG66]

I'm toying with selling my GT if you are interested. 06 plate remapped JTDm with all the major mechanical stuff done. If interested let me know. Are you on Alfaowner.com?? you'll find me on there same username if it helps.

I'm just under 6ft and I can fit behind myself in the rear of the car if that helps. Headroom is a bit neat, but legroom is fine

[dema]

StescoG66 said:

I'm toying with selling my GT if you are interested. 06 plate remapped JTDm with all the major mechanical stuff done. If interested let me know. Are you on Alfaowner.com?? you'll find me on there same username if it helps.

I'm just under 6ft and I can fit behind myself in the rear of the car if that helps. Headroom is a bit neat, but legroom is fine

Yep, that's me

[StescoG66]

I'm away over the weekend, but drop me a line over on AO if you are interested and I can send you pics etc. If you want a second opinion on the car, Chick at CM Garage will give you the lowdown happily.

I take it you are Alexdm over on AO then???

I may have found a car, so if I do go for it am open to a bit of dealing if you are ready . . .

Edited by StescoG66 on Friday 20th July 16:38

[dema]

At what rpm the turbo does run out of puff?


StescoG66 I've replied on the forum

[-Pete-]

My 156 2.5 V6 was the most reliable company car I've had, better than Volvo or Audi in fact. The selespeed was apparently horriifically unreliable, but otherwise I thought 156's were supposed to be ok?

[dema]

I'm sure that 156 are not as bad as people think/report but you also hear of many car with constant issues ( more than your average car)

For some odd reason the GT seems to get more positive feedback on reliability even if it is a smaller 156

[Alfahorn]

dema said:

I'm sure that 156 are not as bad as people think/report but you also hear of many car with constant issues ( more than your average car)

For some odd reason the GT seems to get more positive feedback on reliability even if it is a smaller 156

I can tell I don't have constant issues with my 156 SW , it's a fantastic car, I'm only sorry they replaced it with a sumo wrestler!

I didn't have any issues with the 156 saloon I owned before it either. Now my 155, that was a different matter!

[mike9009]

Alfahorn said:

dema said:

I'm sure that 156 are not as bad as people think/report but you also hear of many car with constant issues ( more than your average car)

For some odd reason the GT seems to get more positive feedback on reliability even if it is a smaller 156

I can tell I don't have constant issues with my 156 SW , it's a fantastic car, I'm only sorry they replaced it with a sumo wrestler!

I didn't have any issues with the 156 saloon I owned before it either. Now my 155, that was a different matter!

I have owned my 156 2.4jtd sw for three years and it has never let us down. It did need wishbones doing last MOT but other than that it is great. And it is now almost 12 years old!

Mike