Alfa 159 - Should I?!

[Danesgate]

Hi

I am sorely tempted by an Alfa 159

I guess I would be looking at (roughly) a 2008 car, probably diesel, though I thought 1.9 but they seem to get a bad reliability write-up? so maybe the 2.4?

Budget £7.5k ish.

I think the saloon is a real looker, but I might go for the wagon.

Moving from a couple of 2003 Passat 130 TDI Sport Estates (reliable, long life service, plenty of space and enough ooomph to keep me happy), which I would sell privately.

Where should I be looking for advice? and how much should I be looking to pay?

(I really like the TI spec and have looked at how much 19" tyres are....!)

Cheers

[Danesgate]

wrinx said:

As above, 2.4s are a bit thirsty in my experience (156 and Brera) so I'll be buying a 1.9 159 Sportwagon next

Both the 1.9 and 2.4 have problems with the EGR, DPFs and water pumps. It's recommended to have the timing belt and water pump replaced earlier than the Alfa schedule although the figures range from 36k to 60k.

wrinx

How much is the belt and pump change?

I just paid £340 for the same on the Passat.

Cheers

[Danesgate]

New POD said:

I was looking at alfa's Diesels in a slightly lower price bracket which meant I was looking at the "best" 156's or the highest mileage 159's. After viewing all sorts of dodgy crap I gave up an bought a Honda Accord 2.2 ictdi instead. Not one of the cars I viewed had a fuse box cover, probably to save time, and all had at least one electrical fault.

One day I'd like an alfa, but I just couldn't bring myself to risk hard earned cash.

I absolutely understand. Completely. But....

I walk upto my Diesel Passat every day and know with absolute certainty that it will start, go, stop and do everything it is meant to - as it has done for the last 164k miles.

I want to trade some of that for the tingle I'd get every day, the smile I would wear, walking upto one of these instead....

[Danesgate]

Just a couple of hurdles to go....

Please can anyone with a 159 measure the width of the rear seat between the doors, as close the the backrest as possible but door to door.

I have 2 child booster seats and a baby seat to get across there and I forgot to measure the last tim eI was in one...

Cheers!

[Danesgate]

jamieandthemagic said:

140cm

Fantastic. Thank you!

[Danesgate]

Well, I've gone and done it.

This isn't mine, but (other thsn missing the silver coloured mirrors mine has) it is the same.



And by god it is a good looking car!

[Danesgate]

Thank you for your kind comments.

1.9 TI in Red - already named Alfred by my kids.

In recent years I have run 5 Mercedes, a Range Rover (so I know what unreliable feels like), and two VWs - it was time for a change.

I can't wipe the smile off....

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If anyone is considering a 159 TI, one week into ownership I have to say...

It is bloomin gorgeous!

Looked out into the Office car park - 200+ silver and black German Uniforms, and one very attractive Italian in Red

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F1GTRUeno said:

Absolutely perfect. Immeasurably jealous so enjoy it.

I'm gonna save to get one for my next car. Probably be a few years off so I've got time to get insurance down. Cheapest I got for a 1.9 JTDM TI was 3k...

Aviva - £232, £32 cheaper than the 8 yr old Passat diesel it replaced?!

[rainman]I am a very safe driver[/rainman]

[Danesgate]

Alfahorn said:

I've started looking for a 159 TI 1.9 JTDM to replace my 2004 156 JTDM Sportwagon. I've given myself a maximum budget of £11,000, hoping to get the time to look at a couple at the weekend.

Do it!

I am happy with the 1.9 rather than the 2.4 - the saving in fuel, tax and insurance.

£11k should get you a decent choice - 2009/10 with miles would be my suggestion.

I have to say white is striking, black cool (but only for 5 mins after it is washed...) and red, well, that's "Alfa Red", isn't it?

[Danesgate]

90 B said:

Danesgate said:

Well, I've gone and done it.

This isn't mine, but (other thsn missing the silver coloured mirrors mine has) it is the same.



And by god it is a good looking car!

Is that portifino red or something. Deep red.

If so, that is the perfect 159.

It's Alfa Red.

90 B said:

...that is the perfect 159.

Yup!