Opinions on this 156 Sportwagon??

[Turbo-Tastic]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-ALFA-ROMEO-156-T-SPARK-...

I'm really tempted to have this as my daily drive, but I know nothing about Alfa's, other than the stereotypes.

Is there anything about this car that screams out trouble? Is £2.5k a decent price?

Cheers folks,

Ed

[garry68]

Nice car but way over priced, no more then £1500. Ask about cambelt balance belt and tensioners, also ask about camshaft variator. Saloons also suffer from suspension wear, not sure if the wagon suffers the same but worth asking. Ebay has several listings for the wagon, newer and cheaper, i would suggest looking around and driving a few examples before you make a decision.

[robsco]

Check for clunks and moaning from the suspension, belts and tensioners must be replaced every 36k or 3 years on the Twin Sparks engines, otherwise you're asking for trouble. Make sure the owner has checked oil regularly, most TS engines drink oil at a fair rate. Check everything electrical, and on early models like this have a look low down and underneath for any onsets of rust. Otherwise, go for it!

[wrinx]

Probably overpriced because of the LPG conversion.

Reads like it's had most things done but there are lower mileage examples around, without the body damage; and I'd be more tempted with a 2.0L or 2.4 JTD (remapped, they are stunning).

It'll be due for belts and tensioer in just over 10k miles...personally I'd walk on this one unless you need the LPG.

Edit: Looking more closely the front and read bumper look to have been resprayed (or replaced with later spec items) but he doesn't mention it...check for accident damage if you view.

wrinx

Edited by wrinx on Sunday 22 August 22:58

[Turbo-Tastic]

Well, its a toss up between that one and this diesel one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ALFA-ROMEO-156-SPORTWAGON-/2...

I did think the LPG kit would have added some value, as its what attracted me to it. Diesel fuel costs, without the diesel soundtrack The diesel one does look a better buy to me, cheaper, lower mileage, better condition (from pics). Again, any opinions?

This is the first time Ive looked at Alfa's, are they really as bad for reliability as Top Gear make out?

Oh, if anyone knows of a manual 156 estate I should be looking at (LPG or diesel only though please) then pleae point me in the right direction

Cheers
Ed

[robsco]

That one looks really nice Ed. Never owned a 2.4 JTD, but I'm pretty sure from general talk on this forum that you'll be looking at mid 30s to the gallon. Don't believe the hype about reliability, its all a load of rubbish. So you might have to check fluid levels a little more often to make sure things are hunky dory - so what?

The rear wiper might be a simple fix too. My old 147 did it, the shaft tends to get a little rusty as water from the washers can leak into there, of course eventually the rust makes the motor have to work a little harder because of the resistance, in the end it will stop working altogether. All it needed was the motor turned on from the stalk, the wiper lifting off the screen and yanking back down to its original position. It makes a nasty noise and its a vulgar repair, but it worked perfectly from then on.

[DamienB]

That 2.4 JTD looks like a good one. Real world MPG - well mine does around 44, mixed town, twisty country roads and motorway driving, dropping to 38 if I thrash it. Good that clutch and alternator have already been done, they are both expensive jobs. Shame it's not a facelift interior - and that probably means its the 140 BHP engine, not the 150.

[wrinx]

Turbo-Tastic said:

Well, its a toss up between that one and this diesel one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ALFA-ROMEO-156-SPORTWAGON-/2...

Do you have a "thing" for red leather?

Much better buy imho, too many questions about the LPG car. So long as the history backs everythign up the diesle will be a winner...not forgetting the final price of course!

Robsco is right about the rear motor. It may have burnt out but is more likely just stuck. I completed a more subtle repair by removing the motor from the car, stripping it down, cleaning all the rust from the shaft and relubing it....works like new now.

wrinx

[wrinx]

Turbo-Tastic said:

....without the diesel soundtrack

Forgot to add...the 5-cyl diesel doesn't have your average tractor sound

wrinx

[robsco]

wrinx said:

Turbo-Tastic said:

Well, its a toss up between that one and this diesel one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ALFA-ROMEO-156-SPORTWAGON-/2...

Do you have a "thing" for red leather?

Much better buy imho, too many questions about the LPG car. So long as the history backs everythign up the diesle will be a winner...not forgetting the final price of course!

Robsco is right about the rear motor. It may have burnt out but is more likely just stuck. I completed a more subtle repair by removing the motor from the car, stripping it down, cleaning all the rust from the shaft and relubing it....works like new now.

wrinx

I was going to try this attentive and loving repair Wrinx but I couldn't get the chuffing plastic trim to budge from the inside of the boot!

[wrinx]

Yeah, it's not very DIY friendly and involved skin removal in my experience...but I got there eventually

wrinx