156 JTD 2.4 - What to look out for when buying?

[DaveShark]

Hi All,

I am looking to buy an Alfa 156 JTD for commuting to work, probably a 2.4 Lusso with leather, circa 2001/2002. As I am new to these cars, I am keen to know what are the key things to look with this model before I go and look at any.

Cheers,
Dave.

[V6Alfisti]

Cambelts (changed on time)
Oil Level
Service History
Squeaking from front/back (bushes/wishbones)
Make sure it revs past 3k revs (otherwise MAF or Turbo)
Squeaking from Aux belt, probably the adjustable pulley

That's about it really, the 2.4 is a sturdy unit:thumbs:

Edited by V6Alfisti on Tuesday 15th December 10:52

[DaveShark]

Cheers, that sounds pretty good.

[mike9009]

I have recently bought a 2001 156 2.4JTD Sport wagon.

Other things to watch out for are

1. Anti-roll bar drop Links - these have needed to be replaced on mine. The symptoms are a knocking from teh front when going over rough roads. Fairly cheap to get replaced (£40 per side from memory)
2. Rear shocks - one side was leaking and an MOT failure. Got both replaced for just over £200.
3. Has the Cam belt changed. (£248 from memory)
4. My spare key has just started to fail (small microswitch on PCB has detached - £23 to fix on ebay)
5. Headlight wash was leaking. (free to fix with some sealant)

Just my experiences so far. Absolutely love the car though and that engine is just superb......

Enjoy

Mike

[velocemitch]

Some them seemed to have a problem with the Battery earth lead, I think it was a tad short and would keep coming off. Daft little fault but could leave you stranded.

[dave_s13]

Be aware the Veloce is a low slung bugger and if you have a a passenger or 2 going over rough/uneven roads with bottom out the sump gaurd. Sounds really rather worrying sometimes.

Fortunately I live is a reasonably well metalled area so noty really a problem. Over in huddersfield though!

I also found this morning the car will freeze all the doors shut if it drops below 0 deg....a right PITA.

[DamienB]

Check the roof edge along the top of the windscreen for bubbling paint - some rust here. About 300 notes to repair.

If the clutch bite point is high or variable, new clutch needed soon - walk away - expensive job - 600 notes or so.

If there's oil of any kind visible on the aux belt or surrounding areas - walk away, owner is trying to cover up failing tensioner and who knows what else they're lying about.

Check roof lining and carpets for damp areas, probably best to walk away if any found.

Make sure ALL warning lights on dash and VDC button come on then go off when you start the engine. If glow plug light flashes for several seconds shortly after starting that's likely new glow plugs needed.

Good idea to get it on a ramp and check underside for any missing underseal, the floor will rust right through if so. Definitely a walk away job.

Thrash it once it's warmed up - you shouldn't get any significant smoke. If temp gauge doesn't get to 90 and sit solidly there, it probably needs a new thermostat/sender - 90 quid or so for the part alone and a bugger of a job to replace it.

Don't be put off by faded badge on bonnet, it's no indication of the condition of the car or the owner's care of it - they just all do that after a while. 15 quid or so for a new one and straightforward enough to replace.

[DaveShark]

Thanks Damien, some good points there

[DaveShark]

Well after looking at a few 156's , I am now the proud owner of a V6!! Though many of the points raised above still apply (Cambelt, Wishbones, faded badge etc..).

Pretty pleased with my purchace so far. It is the Veloce, so has a nice low stance with the 17" wheels. I did see in the service history that the first owner had the under-tray replaced, so I am now thinking about by-passing a local rat run which has those mini-speed-bump things you can normally stradle, but in this it i very close.