Alfa 156

jamieh

Hey all,

I'm thinking about buying a 2nd hand Alfa 156. A lot of people are telling me not to go near a 156 because of a bad reputation.

There's one on Carzone I'm interested in (http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=288083).

What do ye think....should they be avoided or is it a safe buy?

Fabritzo

What spec do you wanna get? If I were buying one (and I would) I'd look for full alfa service history, and low mileage. Your link doesn't seem to work correctly.
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=288083 this it?
Very nioce!

jamieh

Sorry, here's a working link:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=288083

This particular one has full service history with 65k miles.

I'm just a bit worried because I have been warned by a few people to stay away from Alfa's because of poor reputation!

bazz26

That car looks nice in black with the leather.

Check the service history and find out when the timing belt was last changed. At 65k miles it might have already been changed, if not make sure it is done before buying as this can be an expensive job.

As with any car also get some sort of warranty as an extra peace of mind.

bmoferrall

Personally, I'd get roller skates

Fabritzo

Haven't you started those anger management classes yet?!
Bring us for a spin in your GTA ;P or have ya at least got a decent video!

bmoferrall

Fabritzo wrote:

Haven't you started those anger management classes yet?!

Who, me? I ain't got an angry bone in my body.

..or have ya at least got a decent video!

Calm down, calm down!

Andrew Looby

Well I have mine on sale on this board but I won't sell mine for that price..I would need to get a little more money as mine is a lot higher spec for a 2002.Mine is late 02 but its the 03 Model which gives you the crome and black dash with all the electrics.Its the 1.6 Sports Model.The 1.6 is a lot cheaper to Insure and has loads of PEP.Check out the Pics.
Also there is only 37 K on my clock. I'm selling mine because we have a baby on the way and my wife wants a people carrier.I will admit that I don't have a full Alfa service History because they screw you..My local mechanic serviced mine.I love this car and I think the Pictures show why.Click here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054846927 Theres Alfa's and Theres Alfa's...Mine gets a lot of looks..Its a stunner.Look at the difference in the Dash compared with what your looking at.

TJM

With any of the twinspark engines make sure that the timing belt has been done every 36,000 miles. The variator doesn't *need* to be done in the same way, but it should be as otherwise it's a major operation to replace it.

The 2.0ts is a lovely engine, and that's seems like a reasonable price for a (albeit high mileage) 02 car. I wouldn't be inclined to buy the 1.6 myself (though I haven't driven it) since I'd suspect it's a little underpowered for the size of the car. (Open to correction here.)

With any Alfa check all the electrics carefully when buying, right down to fiddly things like the intermittent mode on the windscreen wiper. Make sure also that you're getting all the keys, including the master key without which you can't have other keys programmed.

Eoin

jamieh wrote:

Hey all,

I'm thinking about buying a 2nd hand Alfa 156. A lot of people are telling me not to go near a 156 because of a bad reputation.

This really is a can of worms on this forum - prepare for the "FIATS ARE CRAP DONT BUY THEM THEY WILL FALL APART TOMOROW" replies that will soon be coming. Ask most people who have driven a modern Alfa, and they will tell you to go for one.

jamieh wrote:

There's one on Carzone I'm interested in (http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=288083).

What do ye think....should they be avoided or is it a safe buy?

Looks nice, the sportivo is a nice trim level. The 2 litre ones depreciate the hardest, so I wouldn't pay that much for that car. It is exactly the same spec as one you will get from an earlier year, so either look at the slightly newer spec, like the one Andrew Looby mentioned or go for one from an earlier year. The one in the link has high enough mileage, so it is not worth the money IMO.

Like Andrew Looby, I also have the 1.6 model, and have found it a lovely car to drive. I have had it since February of last year, and have had no problems. I was tempted to go for a bigger engine, but the 1.6 is nippy enough with 120 BHP.

A full service history is essential with an Alfa. Timing belt should be done at around 35-40K as far as I know. Alfa Dealer service history is not really a big deal, as some of the best alfa mechanics are independent (e.g. TI motors, Alasta Autos).

Other things to bear in mind:
1) Depreciation: This hit me hard. I spent 14,500 on my car in January of last year, and the value has dropped considerably since. I tried to sell it on numerous occasions, with not much luck. In the end I decided to keep onto it, rather than give some punter a bargain at my expense.

2) Light bulbs go a bit, be prepared for this. The headlights are quite hard to get at, so a trip to the mechanic may be needed. I probably have to change a bulb every 5-6 months or so. Having said this, same was for my mark 4 golf I owned prior to the Alfa.

3) As I said before, the 156 can be quite thirsty, especially if you put your foot down on occasion.

4) Just not as well put together as a toyota. There is the occasional creak from the interior, nothing serious at all and hardly noticable though. IMO, a very small price to pay for what you are getting.

Hope this helps,

Eoin

pbergin

jamieh wrote:

Sorry, here's a working link:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=288083

This particular one has full service history with 65k miles.

I'm just a bit worried because I have been warned by a few people to stay away from Alfa's because of poor reputation!

I love the 156, I had a 2.0 Twin Spark for a few years and it didnt give me any trouble, if they are well serviced and maintained they are normally fine.
That car with 65k is going to need its second timing belt change at 72k, make sure it was also changed at 36k, If it hasnt had any belt changed up to now it will need to be changed asap, if the dealer tries to convince you it doesnt need to be done make sure he gives you a full warrenty on the engine until you get it done because a new engine will cost a fortune. New belts will probably set you back between 500&700, depending on what you get changed, some people do the variator and water pump at the same time.
Also, check the oil level, they do burn oil, its perfectly normal for this car, but you do have to keep an eye on it.
The 2.0 is a great engine and definitely my fave (excluding the gta), but it is harder to insure for younger drivers and this does affect the price, if you drive a hard bargan you should get a good bit more off that price.

jamieh

Hey all,

Thanks for the advice! The general consensus seems to be good!! I'm gonna take a spin to the garage tomorrow and I'm gonna take her for a spin!!

Andrew Looby

Jamieh

Well best of luck with whatever you end up buying . Its true that the 156 is a lovely car and a lovely drive..As i said I'm sorry to be parting with mine.
If you have any interest in mine I might be able to do you a better deal.

I don't care what car you buy but when your in the Garage tomorrow ask them have they one with a higher spec..The Spec in mine is really nice.It took me a long time to find it myself when I was buying mine.

As Im on the subject can anyone recommend a People Carrier?
Andrew

andrew@clarefm.ie
0878343434

landser

i'd agree with everything that has gone before, both the pro's and cons. i have a 99 1.8ts. the suspension is a little wonky but after 82k on irish roads (including mayo!), what car wouldn't be. I think you're paying too much. i bought mine when it was 3 years old and had 58k on it and paid €9,700 at the time. similar spec to the one you're looking at. i wouldn't pay over €10,250 for yours with that mileage

Mailman

spark plugs on a TS need to be replaced in the next few thousand miles - big expense.
Two quotes for insurance listed on last page of MIJAG forum - compare premiums.

Mailman

Ask if you can bring the car to be checked out by an Alfa Specialist.
Get milage checked with NCT cert.
Look for service history.
Check that airbag works and that the light just hasn't been disabled.
Check for work on the bottom of the engine.
Check the temperature gauge on the dash when warm.
Check for noise from steering pump
check air con in cold position
check intermittent on wiper.
check for clunking suspension
Engine should not sound like a diesel.
Check that the engine revs and accelerates smothly otherwise you might need a MAF which is expensive.

Andrew Looby

landser wrote:

i'd agree with everything that has gone before, both the pro's and cons. i have a 99 1.8ts. the suspension is a little wonky but after 82k on irish roads (including mayo!), what car wouldn't be. I think you're paying too much. i bought mine when it was 3 years old and had 58k on it and paid €9,700 at the time. similar spec to the one you're looking at. i wouldn't pay over €10,250 for yours with that mileage

Your not talking about mine Landser are you? . Are you talking about the one Jasmieh is looking at today ? I would be happy to come down a little in price on mine.