Thinking of an Alfa but need some advice please :)
Discussion
Hi All,
Well the M3 has gone and been replaced by a CMAX for mrs dids (don't ask
) so now it's my turn to upgrade my old escort!
I've not got a huge ammount of cash to spend (around 2k ish) but I was thinking about what I fancied next, and as I really need an estate, I started thinking of an Alfa 156 sportwagon! I've always liked the look of these although having never owned an Alfa I really don't know much about them so I was hoping if any one could point me in the right direction!
Am I mad to be looking at an Alfa for this price?
Ideally a diesel would be nice although I don't do a huge ammount of miles so a petrol would do the job fine. Any engines to stay away from or servicing I should check for?
If anyone could give me an idea of servicing and running costs that would be great and these reliable??
I've seen this one in the clasifieds here which looks lovely.. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/816315.htm .. although a bit out of budget
unless I get a loan 
Thanks for help guys
Cheers
Paul
Well the M3 has gone and been replaced by a CMAX for mrs dids (don't ask
) so now it's my turn to upgrade my old escort!I've not got a huge ammount of cash to spend (around 2k ish) but I was thinking about what I fancied next, and as I really need an estate, I started thinking of an Alfa 156 sportwagon! I've always liked the look of these although having never owned an Alfa I really don't know much about them so I was hoping if any one could point me in the right direction!
Am I mad to be looking at an Alfa for this price?
Ideally a diesel would be nice although I don't do a huge ammount of miles so a petrol would do the job fine. Any engines to stay away from or servicing I should check for?If anyone could give me an idea of servicing and running costs that would be great and these reliable??
I've seen this one in the clasifieds here which looks lovely.. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/816315.htm .. although a bit out of budget
unless I get a loan Thanks for help guys
Cheers
Paul
Sportwagons are great but they are not a huge load carrier. Think of it as a 5 door coupe.
The one you have spotted in the classifieds is the ultimate JTD version. I'm a bit out of touch with used values but that seems a good price. If you don't want to stretch the budget a mid-2002 facelift model is a good version - you get the original front end, but the revised dashboard, and if you want the 2.4 engine it will be a 10 valve, 150bhp version. Still goes well and it's a very strong lump.
All 156s suffer from crappy suspension bushes so listen out for clonks and knocks and watch for uneven tyre wear - especially right on the insides, so scrabble about on the floor a bit. Check for service history - an independant specialist is arguably better than a main dealer. Other than that just check the usual used car stuff - do all the electrics work, is the locking wheel nut key there etc.
JTD Cambelts should NOT go any further than 72,000 OR 5 years - so the one in your advert needs doing. Twin Spark ones need doing every 3 years or 36,000 miles - and keep an eye on their oil level!
Some idea of servicing costs are here:
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_servicing...
Happy shopping. They are great cars and I still miss mine!
The one you have spotted in the classifieds is the ultimate JTD version. I'm a bit out of touch with used values but that seems a good price. If you don't want to stretch the budget a mid-2002 facelift model is a good version - you get the original front end, but the revised dashboard, and if you want the 2.4 engine it will be a 10 valve, 150bhp version. Still goes well and it's a very strong lump.
All 156s suffer from crappy suspension bushes so listen out for clonks and knocks and watch for uneven tyre wear - especially right on the insides, so scrabble about on the floor a bit. Check for service history - an independant specialist is arguably better than a main dealer. Other than that just check the usual used car stuff - do all the electrics work, is the locking wheel nut key there etc.
JTD Cambelts should NOT go any further than 72,000 OR 5 years - so the one in your advert needs doing. Twin Spark ones need doing every 3 years or 36,000 miles - and keep an eye on their oil level!
Some idea of servicing costs are here:
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_romeo_servicing...
Happy shopping. They are great cars and I still miss mine!
Edited by RicksAlfas on Tuesday 9th December 09:51
Just replaced my old A6 Avant with a 156SW 02 2.0 TS with 72K on the clock at £2300 You can get them for less but I chose on colour and leather. Will cost more as I need to replace the head unit, mats and just done the thermostat that failed just after I bought it. It is a buyers market at the moment so good luck in your search, at £2k it will not be easy to get an SW as they command more than the saloons, look better too
You can get them for less but I chose on colour and leather. Will cost more as I need to replace the head unit, mats and just done the thermostat that failed just after I bought it. It is a buyers market at the moment so good luck in your search, at £2k it will not be easy to get an SW as they command more than the saloons, look better too Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff