Used 159 3.2 Q4... am I mad...?

[NLB]

Haven't owned an Alfa for years, but I am pondering changing my E39 530, and it seems that Alfas are very good value, certainly compared to any comparable BMW, as well as being enjoyable. A well known north London independent Alfa dealer (just a couple of miles down the road from me, which is always handy) has a 2007 159 3.2 Lusso Q4 manual, 23,000 miles, £14k. I like it... only had a very short test drive so far, but definitely impressed. I realise it will almost certainly be thirstier than the 530, but is there any other overwhelming reason why I should steer clear..? Are Q4s terrible trouble, or...? You know the sort of thing - all observations and experience gratefully received.

Edited by NLB on Tuesday 13th July 17:48

[funwithrevs]

NLB said:

Haven't owned an Alfa for years, but I am pondering changing my E39 530, and it seems that Alfas are very good value, certainly compared to any comparable BMW, as well as being enjoyable. A well known north London independent Alfa dealer (just a couple of miles down the road from me, which is always handy) has a 2007 159 3.2 Lusso Q4 manual, 23,000 miles, £14k. I like it... only had a very short test drive so far, but definitely impressed. I realise it will almost certainly be thirstier than the 530, but is there any other overwhelming reason why I should steer clear..? Are Q4s terrible trouble, or...? You know the sort of thing - all observations and experience gratefully received.

Edited by NLB on Tuesday 13th July 17:48

Never heard of the Q4 being trouble, and am quite tempted to get one for my next car. I believe the Q4 system is a good old mechanical diff system as used in the 80s. The only complaint people have is that it costs in weight and power to drive all the wheels.

Some people don't like the idea of the engine being based on a Holden block and therefore not entirely Italian but that strikes me as just silly. OK it isn't a work of art like the old Busso designed engine was, but it sounds nice, it delivers lots of power and gets through the modern emissions regs