Buying/running issues of a 156 1.6/1.8

[deanrufleg]

So i am looking at buying a ceapish car, budgeting on £2k. Currently looking at going for an Alfa 156 engine size 1.6 or 1.8.
So is there any preference over a 1.6/1.8? Anything specific to look for in buying one? Running costs reasonable or not?
Look stylish and good inside, as long as relaibility measures up could be my ideal secondary car....
Whats peoples opinions......

[MILF]

Dont do it my friend (see my previous post).

Indeed they are stylish, are (relatively) cheap & go well, but alas if your running a car on a budget (& with £2000 you probably are, as indeed I have to myself)then the chances of something going bang in the night (or the M62 in my case) is just too great.

[Mon Ami Mate]

MILF said:

Dont do it my friend (see my previous post). Indeed they are stylish, are (relatively) cheap & go well, but alas if your running a car on a budget (& with £2000 you probably are, as indeed I have to myself)then the chances of something going bang in the night (or the M62 in my case) is just too great.

MILF, with respect, why not change the record? I'm very sorry to read of your unfortunate experience and I sympathise deeply with you, but I can assure you it is the exception to the rule. My 156 2.0l has run faultlessly since new and has now covered approaching 80,000 miles. I know many other people with similar stories and yours is the first documented record I have of this kind of experience with a 156.

£2,000 is too low for a 156 - quite simply you won't find anything but a basket case for that money. In general though, the 156 is a fine car.

[silverback mike]

Seconded....again.....and I would agree with mon ami, 2k is a bit cheap really.

But, if you are going for one I would suggest the 1.8, a very rev happy engine that does have lots of get up and go. I have had quite a few alfas, and apart from the one I have now, the 2.0tspark had bags of character.......and never went wrong.

Apart from miniscule bits of trim falling off.