Alfa 156?

[percy]

I'd like a bit of advice please. I'm toying with the idea of getting a used 156, but am on a tight budget (£6k). Am I likely to get a half decent car for this?
Has the reliability of Alfa's improved - I know that the engines are sound, but what about electrics etc?
Sorry for the basic questions, but I have read bad reviews of Alfas and would like a balanced view.
Thanks

[banjolucknicker]

I recently (April) purchased a 156 for around £6K. Guess the same rules apply, buy on condition. Mine had high mileage (80k), but had a huge service history log, all the bits done when they needed to be and so far has been fine.

From what I have learnt, try asking about things like the air flow meter (tends to go on these cars), the electrics (flick every switch) and start the car up and listen from cold. Also ask about oil consumption. I read that these cars can drink oil, so I check mine once a week, but so far have only needed the smallest of top ups.

Most importantly, check the service history and make sure all the relevant work has been done, and try to ensure that the work has been carried out by a decent Alfa specialist or dealer.

Belting car, go for the V6, the sound of the engine is great.

And don't believe everything you read. If you look after the car, it'll look after you.

[number 46]

Have a x reg 156 v6 lusso for almost a year now, dealer purchase low mileage, although around double your budget,great car. Only thing that has broken is a colling fan relay. The engine sounds really distictive and needs to be kept between 4 to 7k to really get the power and acceleration,but at lower revs it is just like a normal car. Six speed box is fun too, I would avoid the selespeed at high mileage as that would probably give you trouble. The lusso suspension is a little soft which makes the car roll quite a lot when really pushed, so perhaps a veloce may better for a sportier drive. V6 does use a bit petrol when you really push it as well. If you want a 'family' car with a bit character and speed then this is the one. shame it is not rear wheel drive!!!

[rab c]

I had a 1996 155 V6 for 6 years and 68k miles the only problem was a failed crankshaft position sensor, it was serviced by a very good alfa specialist with 10/60 oil changed every 6k miles, it burnt no oil and was a superb car, I only sold it cos I needed more space. Provided Alfa build quality has not got worse, a newer and well looked after 156 should be OK.

[nickcoe]

I've had a 156 2litre twin spark for a year now.( not new, 1999) The only problem so far was leaking power steering pipes behind the radiator.The garage where I got them fixed & also bought the car from said this was not an uncommon problem. Other than this and an odd electrical glitch like fast tick-over for a minute or two, the car has been great and a real joy to drive espechially if you push it a bit. I love it.