Going to look at this 156 Sportwagon tomorrow (2.4JTD)

[dave_s13]

I see there's a few 156 related threads floating around the top of the forum but they're for the petrol engine variants.

I'm off to look at this tomorrow

2002 52 Reg ALFA ROMEO 156 2.4 JTD Veloce 5dr Sportwagon
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/ALFA...

It sounds good but then they always do according to the dealer! Serviced on schedule by main dealer/specialist, belt/tensioner done at 72k, just serviced by the dealer (who are an Alfa specialist), nearly new tyres and apparently box fresh in and out.

Is there anything over and above the usual to look out for on these engines? Any input gratefully received.

Then there's the price; just checked on Glass guide via guide and it says:-

Glass guide said:

Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon Veloce
2.4TD Diesel 5-door Estate
5 Speed Manual Front Wheel Drive
Year: 2002 52
Mileage: 91,000

Estimated value of your car


Part-exchange Price:
Excellent condition:
£1630
Average condition:
£1460
Below average condition:
£1280

Dealer says he got it from a main dealer who took it as part ex, given the above valuation how much profit do you think he has in it??

I'm going to bid around 3.5 initially but would also need them to include 12m road tax. If it's really mint then I would pay sticker price (but they need to add 12m tax), walk otherwise. Does that seem reasonable?

[RicksAlfas]

Looks good. Decent outfit those guys too. The only thing with that car is that it's a Phase 1 - not necessarily a problem in itself, but the Phase 2 came out in the Summer of 2002 and you get a nicer dash with integral stereo and buttons on the steering wheel, colour coded bumpers and mirrors and 150bhp, so that one is absolute top money for an "early" car.

Having said that ignore Parkers/CAP guides on 2.4s - they're well out of synch with the market. It still remains one of the most sought after used Alfas, especially in Veloce Sportwagon form.

[V6Alfisti]

Check you can rev that car all the way to the top of the rev range (if not indicates problem with AFM or turbo)
Check for play in aux belt pulley, they chatter if worn
Check clutch is healthy
Front wishbones can squeak, only cure is replacement

[chrisga]

Hi, did you buy the car?
Seems a little over priced to me as the other guys have said. We picked up our 2.4JTD veloce sportwagon with leather, 52 plate also and face lifted interior for £2.5k with 99000 miles on the clock.

Great car though, i'd definitely recommend them although my other half doesnt think its the easiest car to live with but forgives it because its so good to drive.

[dave_s13]

No it needed about £1000 worth of work doing on it.

Wrote about it on this thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I'm going to sit tight for a similar one to come along. I'm also considering a mint looking 2.0JTS Selespeed but not sure I'm brave enough!

[chrisga]

Dave, posted this on your other thread:

How about this alfa?

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/ALFA...

Hope the link works. Its in Keighley but no leather is the only thing that doesnt seem to fit the bill....

[chrisga]

Oh and thinking about it I think Alfa lusso do full leather 156 interiors for something like £350 which seems an absolute bargain to me!

[dave_s13]

See the other thread Chris.

I might go for a look but don't hold out much hope.