2.0 TS but 147 or 156?

[davey68]

Which of these cars (2.0ts) do you think would be the better bet and why? for similar outlay (£6k) you can get either. The 147 being newer i understand is a bit better built/equipped, but seems if anything to be a bit slower (figures wise) due to weight? anyone got any experience or comments? i like the styling on both, but which is better handling/running costs/performance/interior etc

cheers

[wowbagger t.i.p]

Any particular reason for it having to be a twin spark? It's a nice engine but has reliability issues, what about the 5cyl diesels or V6?

[JimJamSpider]

The 147 seems to hold its value reasonably well and the 156 has sharp depreciation. That would be my only concern.

[davey68]

The main problem with the v6 is running costs..well petrol! my commute is a mix of good driving (A/B roads) and being stuck in traffic so i doubt id see better than 22 mpg.
the diesel is an option but im just not sure i could move over to the dark side! especially an alfa diesel! 147 seems to be a little better built but as suggested holds its value a bit better. how about ride/handling? much difference there?

cheers

[Mon Ami Mate]

The Twinspark engine has no reliability issues if it has been properly maintained. It is a fantastic engine. I like the extra space and presence of the 156 and certainly don't believe that there is any difference in build quality between the two.

[wowbagger t.i.p]

As I said the twin spark is a nice engine but it does have the worst reliability record amongst modern Alfa engines, one of the mechanics at my local Alfa specialists told me that they get a steady stream of blown twinspark engines (mostly, it must be said, caused by owners not checking the oil enough)and that he would not buy a twinspark engined car.( how do you know if a previous owner has let it run low on oil?)
Try the 5 cyl diesel, you might find you like it, especially if you can afford a 20V. IIRC They do about 40 mpg.
By the way I'm not anti Alfas, I am hoping to buy a V6 spider some time this year and I have owned 4, I'm just passing on the advice I was given.

[pwig]

There is nothing wrong with the TS engine, as long as you check your oil regulary and get the belts done often enough.

Silverback mike is proof of that

[silverback mike]

262,000 miles, no work on the engine other than routine 6 monthly services at the dealer without fail.

Original box and clutch as well..

[SCOOTERMAN]

That's a different "Twin Spark" though, is it not? The all-alloy/chain-driven-cams jobbie as per the 75.
The Twin Spark in the 156/147 is a completely differnt engine isn't it?

[silverback mike]

Not sure, mine's got a duplex chain, is that a different sort to the later ones?

[pdV6]

silverback mike said:

Not sure, mine's got a duplex chain, is that a different sort to the later ones?

Poly belts that tend to let go anywhere North of 40k each.

[silverback mike]

Ouch.

[Daaaveee]

check you oil weekly, change it regularly, and change the belts + tensioners every 36k (not 72k as alfa first said and then very quietly amended!), they will see you very well indeed

Dave

[pwig]

Daaaveee said:

check you oil weekly, change it regularly, and change the belts + tensioners every 36k (not 72k as alfa first said and then very quietly amended!), they will see you very well indeed Dave

[pdV6]

Why the ? That is nothing short of excellent advice.

[pwig]

Alfa still say change your belt at 72k or 6 years!

[pdV6]

pwig said:

Alfa still say change your belt at 72k or 6 years!

Which is (a) extremely bad advice for the TS and (b) not what most other AR dealerships say (yours, seemingly, excepted)!

[Daaaveee]

pdV6 said:

pwig said: Alfa still say change your belt at 72k or 6 years! Which is (a) extremely bad advice for the TS and (b) not what most other AR dealerships say (yours, seemingly, excepted)!

thank you pdV6

[minimods]

My cambelt went at 54,000 miles and it had been replaced before. The problem isn't the cambelt as such is the tentioners. They wear and eventually start to break up. When they fail it allows the belt to slip and its either rebuild or new engine time.

Also Daaaveee is very right about checking the oil regularly. The TwinSpark engines do consume a bit of oil and its not abnormal to use 0.5l/1000 miles (iirc).

Other than that the TwinSparks are really good engines.

[pwig]

1 litre every 1000 miles is manufacturers tolerances!