really like the 156
Discussion
Timing belts on the twinsparks has to be top of the list, I think. Alfa used to specify a 72,000 mile replacement interval but they didn't last that long and tended to shear the teeth off the belts at about 50,000 miles. Eventually, the specified 36,000 mile intervals (which is fine). Make sure you've had it done! If the belt has failed at any point, there are all kinds of horror stories about other engine damage (valve guides and bottom end bearings) showing up a few thousand miles after the event.
They tend to like a bit of oil - especially if you use the whole rev band a lot. 500 miles to the pint isn't that uncommon (and is prefectly normal)! IF it has been run low on oil though, the variator might have suffered. That's actually quite cheap and simple to fit as part of a cam belt change. It makes a noise like a diesel on cold startup if the variator is on its way out. If it's totally cream-crackered, the car just doesn't go as fast but it still runs.
Other than that, they get through front wishbone bushes (about 50,000-80,000 miles), rear trailing link bushes and front anti roll bar bushes. Airflow meters don't seem to live long either.
They smash their undertrays to bits pretty easily if driven enthusiastically over poor roads, but seem to go OK without an undertry anyway.
It's very easy to strip the thread on the oil sump drain plug.
Other than that, they're not bad. We've had two - both of which we've kept until about 100,000 miles.
They tend to like a bit of oil - especially if you use the whole rev band a lot. 500 miles to the pint isn't that uncommon (and is prefectly normal)! IF it has been run low on oil though, the variator might have suffered. That's actually quite cheap and simple to fit as part of a cam belt change. It makes a noise like a diesel on cold startup if the variator is on its way out. If it's totally cream-crackered, the car just doesn't go as fast but it still runs.
Other than that, they get through front wishbone bushes (about 50,000-80,000 miles), rear trailing link bushes and front anti roll bar bushes. Airflow meters don't seem to live long either.
They smash their undertrays to bits pretty easily if driven enthusiastically over poor roads, but seem to go OK without an undertry anyway.
It's very easy to strip the thread on the oil sump drain plug.
Other than that, they're not bad. We've had two - both of which we've kept until about 100,000 miles.
I've recently got back into Alfa ownership after a few years out. I've got a 156 V6 variant, and I would say the single most important thing when looking at these cars in the service history. If you've got any doubts whatsoever about the maintenance then walk away.
I would dispute the running costs mentioned previously, and if you find a good independant garage they are no more or less expensive to run than any other 4 door saloon (I know people that have gone for allegedly more reliable marques and spent well in excess of £1000 in repair bills in the first year!)
Don't be put off by the doom sayers, they are fantastic cars. If you're still concerned find a good garage that'll supply a car with a warranty and you can't go far wrong.
I would dispute the running costs mentioned previously, and if you find a good independant garage they are no more or less expensive to run than any other 4 door saloon (I know people that have gone for allegedly more reliable marques and spent well in excess of £1000 in repair bills in the first year!)
Don't be put off by the doom sayers, they are fantastic cars. If you're still concerned find a good garage that'll supply a car with a warranty and you can't go far wrong.
I borrowed my housemate's 156 for a couple of weeks after my last car died.
After that I was smitten and couldnt think of any other car in the price range that coupld compare.
I bought a 1.6 at auction (I was after a 2ltr with leather but needed a car immediately and this one popped up). Stamped service book, immaculate condition 2002 car. It's six months old now and has cost nowt but a service (although is going to need a a new rocker cover gasket very soon).
My housemate's has cost him a fair bit in the last 18 months but a huge chunk of that was a new gearbox. His giveaway should have been the lack of third gear when he bought it....
Anecdotally, they have a bad rep. Servicing costs and parts costs are going to be a lot higher than a Citroen, the insurance will be a more, the road tax will be more. On the other hand, I love mine, the only thing I'd change it for it either a 2ltr with leather (that I was originally after) or a GTV.
Get one. Get a good one and you will enjoy every minute. The same as any car though, buy a ropey one that's been abused and not nursed back to health and it will cost you a fortune.
After that I was smitten and couldnt think of any other car in the price range that coupld compare.
I bought a 1.6 at auction (I was after a 2ltr with leather but needed a car immediately and this one popped up). Stamped service book, immaculate condition 2002 car. It's six months old now and has cost nowt but a service (although is going to need a a new rocker cover gasket very soon).
My housemate's has cost him a fair bit in the last 18 months but a huge chunk of that was a new gearbox. His giveaway should have been the lack of third gear when he bought it....
Anecdotally, they have a bad rep. Servicing costs and parts costs are going to be a lot higher than a Citroen, the insurance will be a more, the road tax will be more. On the other hand, I love mine, the only thing I'd change it for it either a 2ltr with leather (that I was originally after) or a GTV.
Get one. Get a good one and you will enjoy every minute. The same as any car though, buy a ropey one that's been abused and not nursed back to health and it will cost you a fortune.
I bought a 1.8TS Veloce at the end of October. 109k with fsh (checked out too!) on a 52 plate with the facelift interior. Superb condition externally (in Rosso) and virtually mint inside. Like you I was looking for a 2.0 with leather but ended up buying the car I did because it was just soooo clean and the good history. The seats have an unusual rubberised cloth on the squabs and backs which not only looks great but also holds you in place very well. Everything works and the car makes a great alternative set of wheels to my Elise. I'm well pleased with it. Just keep an eye on the oil: as stated they do like a drop but after hunting around the forums I've found this is nothing unusual. I was a bit wary of the mileage, but again a dig around the forums seemed to suggest that as long as the servicing has been kept up it shouldn't be a problem. The car certainly runs beatifully.
lesz42 said:
i want a 156, simple, but i hear and read of bad things about alfa, and coming for a saxo vtr, that says a lot.....
so whats the mare bits?
The mare bits are having to pay for things that are fine because the garage that is doing the jobs is incompetant and changes bits that dont need changing.so whats the mare bits?
Well, they are good cars but I would say that as mine is now for sale.
Silver, 99 T plate 2.0 Twinspark with wood interior and full red Momo leather..all immaculate.
1 owner and me, with full history (stamped and documented). Cambelt just done now has 92000 miles.
New: Alternator, air con pp, pulleys, and power steeting pump.
tyres all new, and a years tax put on in december.
New CD/MP3 and card/ USB input and original cassete player.
Drives great, and always commented on by people who are in it.
Not advertised yet but first £1250 takes it.
£1250
nottyash said:
lesz42 said:
i want a 156, simple, but i hear and read of bad things about alfa, and coming for a saxo vtr, that says a lot.....
so whats the mare bits?
The mare bits are having to pay for things that are fine because the garage that is doing the jobs is incompetant and changes bits that dont need changing.so whats the mare bits?
Well, they are good cars but I would say that as mine is now for sale.
Silver, 99 T plate 2.0 Twinspark with wood interior and full red Momo leather..all immaculate.
1 owner and me, with full history (stamped and documented). Cambelt just done now has 92000 miles.
New: Alternator, air con pp, pulleys, and power steeting pump.
tyres all new, and a years tax put on in december.
New CD/MP3 and card/ USB input and original cassete player.
Drives great, and always commented on by people who are in it.
Not advertised yet but first £1250 takes it.
£1250
I've had a 156 V6 Sport Wagon for 4 years now and its great. Mine had a crap service history and high miles for the year when I bought it but I took a punt and its been great. All this stuff about oil is odd cos in 4 years my car hasnt used a drop, I dont even bother checking it any more!
You will go through Rads and bushes faster than mose cars and may need an air flow sensor every now and then but they arent that expensive.
My tip would be find a good indi specialist and use them (I'm lucky to have one near by). They do tend to know a few 'tricks' to fix little problems that the dealers want to charge lots for.
I would say go for it. The money you will save buying it will underwrite any poss problems you have anyway
You will go through Rads and bushes faster than mose cars and may need an air flow sensor every now and then but they arent that expensive.
My tip would be find a good indi specialist and use them (I'm lucky to have one near by). They do tend to know a few 'tricks' to fix little problems that the dealers want to charge lots for.
I would say go for it. The money you will save buying it will underwrite any poss problems you have anyway
^most of what he said^ - except, we've had ours for nearly 6 years, now, had the dealer fsh, 30K + warranty - now 80K odd, had dealer service, (lucky to have a reasonable one close by), now with a very good indie. Last summers fun was the water pump, with a new rad & the first afm for us. Lots of fun, Missus loves it...worth every penny.
Bigdrift, Got no pics as wasnt planning on selling yet. Not in a rush really.
Will probably sort it all out after next weekend when I am home on leave and have more time.
I will take some pics and put it on this site.
It wont be here long though, as I am pricing it properly and its a good one. I have every service/ work reciept from new. An old chap owned it until about 4 months ago when he part exchanged it at a local main Vauxhall dealer, where I bought it to use on 300 mile trips down south every week until I found an M3.....which I now have.
Will probably sort it all out after next weekend when I am home on leave and have more time.
I will take some pics and put it on this site.
It wont be here long though, as I am pricing it properly and its a good one. I have every service/ work reciept from new. An old chap owned it until about 4 months ago when he part exchanged it at a local main Vauxhall dealer, where I bought it to use on 300 mile trips down south every week until I found an M3.....which I now have.
My 2.0 156 TS was great. No horror stories. Used lots of oil which I topped up weekly/fortnightly. Some suspension components are made of pasta which is annoying. Paint was annoyingly soft (although I think the metallics fare better).
Servicing costs were high but I went with main dealer for convenience/resale.
2.0 the best engine/chassis mix until the GTA. The 1.8 courtesy car I borrowed felt gutless. V6 and diesels can be nose heavy so I'm told.
Just don't stick Halfords bits on it eh? Lexus lights etc.
Servicing costs were high but I went with main dealer for convenience/resale.
2.0 the best engine/chassis mix until the GTA. The 1.8 courtesy car I borrowed felt gutless. V6 and diesels can be nose heavy so I'm told.
Just don't stick Halfords bits on it eh? Lexus lights etc.
Edited by captainzep on Monday 12th January 15:23
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