156 Sportwagon

Author
Discussion

fulham911club

Original Poster:

2,046 posts

243 months

Wednesday 3rd March 2004
quotequote all
Going to get one for my wife (but something I can enjoy as well!) ... want one around 2 years old ... can anyone suggest things to look out for, suggest the best engine, guide price etc?

thanks

jimbro1000

1,619 posts

285 months

Wednesday 3rd March 2004
quotequote all
More than anything else, especially at 2 years old, you want to check that the suspension bushes are all intact or have been replaced (check the invoices and receipts). What Alfa think they are playing at with those bushes is anyones guess but they seem to be designed to disintegrate around the 2 year/25000 mile point. Everyone I know personally who has owned an Alfa recently has had the same problem.

Everything else on the car is pretty good though - door locks (especially the tailgate) can get sticky and will lunch themselves if left alone. Can't think of anything else beyond the usual...

If you don't want the big V6 then the best engine is easily the JTD - a quick ECU upgrade will have them pushing out about 200bhp for the newer versions! Take a look in this months Auto Italia magazine if you have any doubts (they quote 195bhp at 4000rpm and 294lbft at 2400rpm as opposed to 150bhp and 225lbft stock)