Looking to buy Alfa 156 - Advices Please
Discussion
Never owned an Alfa before, but I want to get a 156 and have a budget of £1,500. I am looking for a mix of performance and economy, so want to know which model is the best all rounder to plump for. ???
Also, what do I need to look out for concerning reliability and problem related areas that should have been sorted?
Certainly seems like a lot of motor for reasonable money and the shape is so much prettier than a 3-Series or A4 alternatives.. not been that impressed with those cars in this budget. Thanks
Also, what do I need to look out for concerning reliability and problem related areas that should have been sorted?
Certainly seems like a lot of motor for reasonable money and the shape is so much prettier than a 3-Series or A4 alternatives.. not been that impressed with those cars in this budget. Thanks
Listen out for clonky suspension, worn bushes. If you want a mixture of performance or economy, go for either the 1.8 or 2.0 Twinspark. Engine wise, check the oil and make sure the current owner regularly checks; the TS does like a drink. A top end rattle at start up is the cam variator, which is quite common and not a major fault. It should be changed at cambelt time (36k/3yrs). If the cambelt hasn't been changed in this timescale, walk away IMO.
Dont worry too much about the stigma about Alfa reliability! Ive had a 156 for 18 months (51 plate 2.4JTD SportWagon) and love it. This is my first Alfa - and was bracing myself for being stranded etc. Touch wood has never happened and I've done a decent European trip in the car too. The suspension is a little crashy on UK roads and also bottoms out - but I believe this is all normal.
The only things Ive needed (other than regular servicing, tyres etc.) are rear shocks and rear wiper motor.
Others have had problems with wishbones needing replacement - not sure what symptoms to look out for though.
I love the 2.4 engine. For a diesel very characterful, plus can return over 44mpg on a run.
Mike
The only things Ive needed (other than regular servicing, tyres etc.) are rear shocks and rear wiper motor.
Others have had problems with wishbones needing replacement - not sure what symptoms to look out for though.
I love the 2.4 engine. For a diesel very characterful, plus can return over 44mpg on a run.
Mike
Been looking at 1.8TS and 2.4 Diesel JTM on AT, and seen two good contenders. Deffo want leather as an Alfa is not an Alfa without leather. I assume the cambelt has to be done every 3yrs? So would need to see x2 changes + variator you also mention? Lots of info here is most appreciated.
The 1.8 is not particularly economical, so you might as well go for the more common 2.0. You'll get about 30mpg in either car, as a combination of having to work the smaller engine more.
Main thing with 156s is the suspension wear - they seem to eat bushes and this causes some expensive wear and tear. If you look on alfaowner.com, you'll see loads of advice and support and I'm pretty sure they do a buyer's guide as well (they do for the GTV and spider).
Main thing with 156s is the suspension wear - they seem to eat bushes and this causes some expensive wear and tear. If you look on alfaowner.com, you'll see loads of advice and support and I'm pretty sure they do a buyer's guide as well (they do for the GTV and spider).
Off to view a 2.0TS LUSSO on Saturday at local gargage. In Silver, Full Black Leather and only 70K miles on a 2001-Y Plate. Comes with fresh MOT, 3 months Warranty, Service and Valet for £1,695. I figure this could be a good deal as also got FSH and all the bills to boot. Been looking on the links provided for info.
RicksAlfas said:
PJ3074 said:
Off to view a 2.0TS LUSSO only 70K miles on a 2001-Y ... got FSH and all the bills to boot.
Check for cambelt service. Check for cambelt service. Check for cambelt service. Check for cambelt service. Check for cambelt service.Repeat after me...
Make sure it was the full works too; balancer belt, all tensioners, idler pulley, cam variator etc.
PJ3074 said:
Anything else I need to note? Cheers!
Have we mentioned cambelts?
One thing - I found the Lusso quite softly setup. Others find the Veloce/SportPack cars too stiff. There is no happy medium unfortunately. I'm only mentioning this because if this is the first 156 you have tried, and you don't like it, don't dismiss all of them!
The softer setup will suit me fine, as I've recently had some major abdominal surgery, so whafting along is what I want.. hence looking for the 156. Got my MGF up for sale as I can no longer climb in/out of it and the sports suspension won't do my injury any good either
The 156 has some nice lines and plenty of poke on the 2.0L. Budget is limited to under £2K, and I don't fancy an E43 BMW as IMO they look totally crap and if I look for an A4 they have all done a million miles or look knackered.
I hope this one lives up to expectation, as its low miles, few owners, full history, silver in black leather with Alfa Logo front seats and I was told the major 70K service had everything done and extras with an £800 invoice. The dealer will give me a new MOT, 3 months warranty - I have suggessted he looks at 6 months as I have no PX and paying in readies.... If it checks out tomorrow, will let you all know what I ended up with and put some pics on too.
Thanks for all the contributions, its been very helpful and I have to say the Alfa Forum seems like a really friendly place.
Oh, remind me... was there a mention of this cambelt thing by chance.....
The 156 has some nice lines and plenty of poke on the 2.0L. Budget is limited to under £2K, and I don't fancy an E43 BMW as IMO they look totally crap and if I look for an A4 they have all done a million miles or look knackered.
I hope this one lives up to expectation, as its low miles, few owners, full history, silver in black leather with Alfa Logo front seats and I was told the major 70K service had everything done and extras with an £800 invoice. The dealer will give me a new MOT, 3 months warranty - I have suggessted he looks at 6 months as I have no PX and paying in readies.... If it checks out tomorrow, will let you all know what I ended up with and put some pics on too.
Thanks for all the contributions, its been very helpful and I have to say the Alfa Forum seems like a really friendly place.
Oh, remind me... was there a mention of this cambelt thing by chance.....
You'll enjoy it OP, I find my 156 quite softly sprung as well. The ride is supple enough but tautens up reasonably well when pushing on. That said, when really going for it, it does become a little bit wallowy. Steering feel is lovely, it should feel sharp and accurate. Don't forget to post pics when you inevitably buy
Today I purchased my first Alfa - 156 LUSSO. We went to the dealer this morning to view it and was amazed how good this car was. The test drive was very smooth, no knocks etc and the steering was very sharp in the bends.. foot down in 2nd and it's like a wolf in sheeps clothing. All the electricals and AC work, as this car is nicely loaded with toys and the interior/full leather is near mint for a 2001 car. Original tool kit, jack, car manuals and wallet all present. The only niggle was some spilage in the boot staining the carpet in the middle, but that was it. Alloys and bodywork are near enough perfect for its age. Time spring comes, will be able Autoglym it up.
With only 3 owners, the service history is very extensive. It's had £1,300 spent on it in 2008 to include major service, cambelt and its associated bits, x4 Goodrich Tyres and a full replacement exhaust system. The clutch and gearbox was very smooth throughout the box too.
I paid the screen price of £1,695 but the dealer has included a New MOT, 12K Oil Service and some Warranty. The car is very low miles at 71,300 with FSH, stamped Alfa book, all receipts and all previous MOT's to verify mileage. This is an amazing car for the low budget I had... could have ended up with a crappy Vectra/Mondeo for that money. What Car valuation was £1,640.. so I know I haven't paid over the odds. Most other 156's for this money on PH / AT were 90K miles ++ for £1,600 to £2,100. So with the 6 months new tax and the extra insurance cost I have got the 156 on the road £1,880 all in.
I pick it up next Saturday (4th) and will put some pictures up (assuming the car's not sitting under a heap of snow by then!!). Thanks for all the pointers... I checked the car to these areas and found an Alfa 156 buyers guide and she ticked all the boxes.
With only 3 owners, the service history is very extensive. It's had £1,300 spent on it in 2008 to include major service, cambelt and its associated bits, x4 Goodrich Tyres and a full replacement exhaust system. The clutch and gearbox was very smooth throughout the box too.
I paid the screen price of £1,695 but the dealer has included a New MOT, 12K Oil Service and some Warranty. The car is very low miles at 71,300 with FSH, stamped Alfa book, all receipts and all previous MOT's to verify mileage. This is an amazing car for the low budget I had... could have ended up with a crappy Vectra/Mondeo for that money. What Car valuation was £1,640.. so I know I haven't paid over the odds. Most other 156's for this money on PH / AT were 90K miles ++ for £1,600 to £2,100. So with the 6 months new tax and the extra insurance cost I have got the 156 on the road £1,880 all in.
I pick it up next Saturday (4th) and will put some pictures up (assuming the car's not sitting under a heap of snow by then!!). Thanks for all the pointers... I checked the car to these areas and found an Alfa 156 buyers guide and she ticked all the boxes.
robsco said:
Congratulations OP, sounds like a fine example you've got yourself there. The Twin Spark engine is terrific isn't it?
I've not driven anything quite like it. I've had x2 MK1 MR2's and x1 MGF, where these cars just encourage you to give it the full beans every time, but this Alfa is complete enjoyment for all moods: It whafts you along like you are on a reclining sofa, then if you get on the A/B roads it turns into the Millennium Falcon!! when you stove the right foot.... and this is in a Saloon Car. I am looking forward to picking it up next weekend and get some decent photo's to go on the post.Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff