possibly 04/54 156 (either 1.9 or 2.4 JTD) advice pls!!!
Discussion
Hi there guys, basically i wanted to know if you had experience with each of the diesel engines listed above! Basically as i see it Alfa's dont have the best reputation for reliability and so forth, but as i am probably being posted about 250miles from home for my job, i need a nice diesel car! Im slightly against the rumours as such of poor performance and poor reliability as a mate of mine at uni had a 2.9 v6 156 (i think) and a 147 GTA. Both of which i really couldnt pick a fault with. So yeah im just after a few opinions on the engines and as i say... reliability and general issues regarding the running and upkeep of these cars? The best thing about them is for the money that youre spending, it seems to go a long way in an alfa which is always a bonus!!
All feedback much appreciated!
Matt P.
All feedback much appreciated!
Matt P.
You can't go wrong with either. If you are looking at 2004 onwards cars the 2.4 will be the 20 valve version with 175bhp and the 1.9 will be either 140bhp 16 valve (some were 150) or 115 8 valve. The 2.4 is the most grunty, nicer sounding and has bags of character. A great engine. Against that it's heavy and not quite as frugal as the 1.9 but it would be my choice. If you want ease of maintenance and lowest costs the 1.9 8 valve would be the one, but obviously it won't be as quick as the others. Still has about 200lb ft of torque though and the 156 is a very light car.
Other than the engines listen out for suspension clonks as the bushes are not the best - check for even tyre wear all the way across the treads front and back. Timing belts are not as critical as the petrols but want doing say every 4 years and 60,000 miles. Find a good independant specialist to look after it and enjoy.
:thumbs:
Other than the engines listen out for suspension clonks as the bushes are not the best - check for even tyre wear all the way across the treads front and back. Timing belts are not as critical as the petrols but want doing say every 4 years and 60,000 miles. Find a good independant specialist to look after it and enjoy.
:thumbs:
I've run a 2004 156 for nearly a year now - a 2.4 20v JTD. Bought with 60k miles, now at 78k-ish. Can't say I've had any problems at all - the bushes are a little squeaky over speedbumps and certain potholes but that can wait. The 72k (cambelt, etc) service was a bit steep so ideally find a car that's had it done already or use it as a bargaining point.
If you want economy the 1.9 is a better choice though and not really much slower. 16" wheels also ride better than 17" and tyres are a lot cheaper. Oh, and the ride on Veloce spec ones is pretty hard - try on some less than pristine roads before you buy.
As you say, they're ludicrously good value. By the time the facelift came out, they seem to have fixed most of the known 156 issues and have a very good, reliable car.
If you want economy the 1.9 is a better choice though and not really much slower. 16" wheels also ride better than 17" and tyres are a lot cheaper. Oh, and the ride on Veloce spec ones is pretty hard - try on some less than pristine roads before you buy.
As you say, they're ludicrously good value. By the time the facelift came out, they seem to have fixed most of the known 156 issues and have a very good, reliable car.
Excellent thanks, whats the story with the economy on both the engines?? Obviously a large factor in the miles ill be covering. This is my first 'proper' car if you like, so really quite reserved about parting cash, for its a car ill be having for a couple of years at least?! Ive made do with fun cars up until now, like e30 325 and corrado g60 (no regard for the rubbish economy in both)! Time to grow up with diesel i think haha. Thanks again fort he input guys much appreciated!!
Yeah, i see what you mean.... I would probably be after a 2.4 if im being honest. Well currently im basied in the Lake District which is home, but come 2 or 3 months im actually moving to Reading, or very close for a job on the m4. So journey wise its M6 jcn 36 to M5 to M4 i think. So yea a few motorway miles!! But regardless i think 40mpg is respectable enough in itself! Im used to struggling to get 20!
My car is up for sale if it is of interest:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/289766.htm
It is the more frugal 1.9 with 150hp, with the pleasant riding 16" wheels and Lusso suspension. Hi speck, nice miles, good price?
Cheers
Andrew
http://pistonheads.com/sales/289766.htm
It is the more frugal 1.9 with 150hp, with the pleasant riding 16" wheels and Lusso suspension. Hi speck, nice miles, good price?
Cheers
Andrew
Suspension issues seem to be a recurring issue with the 156. Mine's an '05 GTA admittedly, but it needs the suspension overhauling after just 38k miles.
Other than that it's been very reliable so far (touch wood) and the 156 generally is a very nice car.
Other than that it's been very reliable so far (touch wood) and the 156 generally is a very nice car.
Edited by RacingTeatray on Wednesday 16th April 16:31
Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff