Alfa 156 1.9 jtd, any good?

[Sambam]

Right, I am really thinking about a diesel now to seriously cut down my motoring costs. What is the general opinion on these motors? Are they relatively trouble free? Are they pretty economical? What are they like to drive, is there any fun in them at all(coming from an E36 M3)? Would you recommend one or is perhaps the 147 a better bet? I see a lot mentioned about the cam belt, I assume this is expensive?

Sorry for loads of questions, one of the few cars I haven't driven over the years is an Alfa and I want to make sure that the usual tales of expense and unreliability are just that, tales.

Thanks in advance.

[sjg]

One of the best-in-class engines, especially the later multijet ones (16v, 150bhp). Well-proven unit and used in loads of GM stuff as well. Fun is subjective, but I find the good even spread of power/torque over a relatively wide rev range makes them better than most (esp the VAG stuff) for A/B road driving. Same good handling and direct steering as the petrol ones too. Economy - my 2.4 averages 43mpg, 1.9s should see 46mpg or better.

Petrol ones suffer various cambelt woes hence Alfa reducing change interval to 36k miles. Diesels are on 72k, as before. Expect the 72k service to cost around the £500 mark. Suspension can get squeaky, it's the front upper wishbones, around the £200 mark for parts and fitting. I didn't need mine done till 90k miles, some can be earlier depending on how they're used.

Other than that, very solid cars especially if you go for one of the later facelifted ones (for a while they used the facelift interior but the old front end too). My 2.4 has been brilliant so far and still feels tight, well-built and very "together" even as it approaches 100k miles. No plans to change for at least another 30k miles.

[Sambam]

Excellent reply thanks, just the sort I was looking for. The facelift models are falling into my affordable range now with about 75k on the clock. I think that may be my choice.

[RicksAlfas]

I agree with sjg. Great cars and excellent engines. 147 and 156 (and GT) have identical running gear, so if you are not fussy that might give you more choice of cars to look for. Both suffer from suspension clonks which are usually bushes made from left over pasta. Only real weakness of the 1.9 16 valve is the waterpump which can sieze and throw the cambelt. Fortunately the valves don't contact the pistons on the JTD if this happens. So, as a rule of thumb change the cambelt AND the waterpump every 60,000 miles or so.