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help with alfa romeo

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  • 23-09-2008 8:58pm
    #1
    bungler
    Closed Accounts Posts: 831 ✭✭✭


    Hey all,

    Im looking at buying an 04 romeo 156 does anyone know much about these cars 2 people have said to me when they go over 50k miles that they need some job done on the engine which costs a bomb? if anyone has any info i would be much appreciated


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    #2
    Anan1
    Registered Users Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    Do a search, there have been several detailed threads on the 156.:)


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    #3
    Nonoperational
    Registered Users Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭Nonoperational


    bungler wrote: »
    Hey all,

    Im looking at buying an 04 romeo 156 does anyone know much about these cars 2 people have said to me when they go over 50k miles that they need some job done on the engine which costs a bomb? if anyone has any info i would be much appreciated

    Some job on the engine? BULL. They need timing belts every 36K miles and that'll cost you around 400 euro. Try get one that has had it done. Nothing else in the engine needs replacing over 50K except maybe spark plugs at 60K (same in every car).

    Full service history is vital because if the TS petrol has been run low on oil it can go bang. By the time the oil light comes on its often too late. Get one with a warranty.

    The suspension can need some work over 60K alright. The front anti roll bar can knock and if this happens it can be another few hundred to replace. Let me know if you have any more questions. They're a great car...


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    #4
    bungler
    Closed Accounts Posts: 831 ✭✭✭bungler


    gpf thanks so much for your help i had a feeling the engine stuff was bull i just had to be sure here is the car im looking at i think its amazing and want it badly. i take it from your post there a nice car to drive?


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    #5
    DemoniK
    Registered Users Posts: 604 ✭✭✭DemoniK


    agree with gpf101 - nothing more than any other car - the cambelt...

    Variator may need changing at 70-80k, and usually best done when the cambelt is being done (same work). If you're getting a car which hasn't had the timing belt done then insist on it and the variator being changed at the same time.

    Note Variator is not a catastrophic problem, i.e. won't damage the car, but slowly deteriorates and makes the engine sound a little diesel-ish.

    Oh... Don't recommend the one I had. 04-D-65507 (I think) 1.8 facelift Lusso, Alfa Red, grey Alfatex interior with CD-Changer. Fleet service refused to get her serviced properly by alfa and issues started popping up, so I didn't buy it out in the end.


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    #6
    Hotwheels
    Registered Users Posts: 751 ✭✭✭Hotwheels


    Had one myself, lovely car to drive, Echo the T-Belt, has to be changed every 36K...so ask when it was done& find out where so you can double check..

    Top arms and front wishbones last about 30K miles and are not to expensive to have replaced...

    They burn oil full stop..and you must check levels ever two weeks/500 Miles (atleast)and keep topped up...

    Try to get one with a full service history, and have a proper Alfa Mech check it out...
    best of luck :) I'm off for a spin...


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    #7
    bungler
    Closed Accounts Posts: 831 ✭✭✭bungler


    forgot the link

    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/156/1.8-TI/1201592/


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    #8
    DemoniK
    Registered Users Posts: 604 ✭✭✭DemoniK


    sweet car - and even better price
    Make sure you find out how they got their hands on it ;)

    The TI is really nice to drive. Highly recommend you get your ass down to the dealer and check it out ;)


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    #9
    bungler
    Closed Accounts Posts: 831 ✭✭✭bungler


    just came across it 2nite dont know what it is maybe the color but it just jumped out at me but was a bit wary cause the price and the condtion it was in seemed a bit too cheap. maybe the recession is good for me lol


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    #10
    A-Trak
    Registered Users Posts: 2,315 ✭✭✭A-Trak


    Was in the exact same position as yourself a month ago bungler.

    Fell in love with an Alfa 156 but was unsure of buying as I'd heard the usual tales of woe (generally from folk who'd never even sat in one let alone owned one.)

    Asked here and got some brilliant advice, saw a few, settled on one (similar spec to yours.) has a mechanic check it out.

    I'm now the proud owner of a 04 156 and can honestly say am delighted. I love waking up knowing I get to drive it to work:D

    Rick, gpf101 and hotwheels are all spot on with their advice.
    Make sure the dealer services, the belts have been done and the bushings aren't squeaky when you go over bumps.

    Have a look at this thread, particularly Alias no 9's advice (thanks again alias!) and if you should be steered alright!


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    #11
    bungler
    Closed Accounts Posts: 831 ✭✭✭bungler


    cheers a trak think ill have to go have a look at it in the morning. alias knows his stuff. boards is great for advice thanks everyone who replied settled my mind a lot cause i was very nervous about the alfa 2 hours ago


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    #12
    Nonoperational
    Registered Users Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭Nonoperational


    That looks beautiful! Just be careful and don't jump right in if it doesnt feel right to you and is lacking a history. One thing about getting a 156 is that there is amazing support out there. Almost single thing that can possibly happen to the car both good and bad is discussed daily! Join alfaowner.com and alfaireland and you'll be sorted!

    Actually a small thing to look for is that thermostat is good. There's good detail in the thread linked above. Basically it should warm up to 90, go down to 75ish then go back up to 85-90 and stay there! Sorry if thats complicated but its only a few euro to get a new one so insist the garage do it if its not behaving.


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    #13
    Hotwheels
    Registered Users Posts: 751 ✭✭✭Hotwheels


    bungler wrote: »
    forgot the link

    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/156/1.8-TI/1201592/

    Nice car...don't rush in...check,check,check &check again before you buy..if its as good as they say, you'll get a cracker of a car for the money


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    #14
    turbocabrio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16 ✭turbocabrio


    im afraid that engine stuffis not bull. my sister has an 04 model 156, the cambelt failed at only 31.5k miles and less than three years old.engine cost 5k euro to fix.alfa paid up, also the gauges in the dash read all over the place.it ran out of fuel once and the fuel gauge was still indicating half full.Seems to me the only thing alfa has got right since the seventies is the rust issues.


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    #15
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    I bought a new Galaxy last year, and it went pop at 918kms. Does that mean all Ford's are ****e ? No, of course not. All brands have the odd lemon.

    OP, jeez I like the blue on that 156!! I'm selling my Saab, and I'm defo trying an Alfa next - should have done it instead of the Saab, but hey.......

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #16
    bazz26
    Registered Users Posts: 51,244 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Have Gerry Cambell of Ti Autos look after it for you. He is an Alfa Romeo specialist. Don't go near an Alfa Romeo dealer, they are generally poor when it comes to after sales and servicing.

    Also check out http://www.alfaowner.com


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    #17
    Nonoperational
    Registered Users Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭Nonoperational


    turbocabrio wrote: »
    im afraid that engine stuffis not bull. my sister has an 04 model 156, the cambelt failed at only 31.5k miles and less than three years old.engine cost 5k euro to fix.alfa paid up, also the gauges in the dash read all over the place.it ran out of fuel once and the fuel gauge was still indicating half full.Seems to me the only thing alfa has got right since the seventies is the rust issues.

    And my mate had a golf that blew its head gasket after a few years..... Alfa paid up for the cambelt so no porblem there as for electrics, they are honestly no worse than any european car (VW included). I know lots of people with new alfas and no electric problems.


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    #18
    Eoin
    Registered Users Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    bazz26 wrote: »
    Have Gerry Cambell of Ti Autos look after it for you. He is an Alfa Romeo specialist. Don't go near an Alfa Romeo dealer, they are generally poor when it comes to after sales and servicing.

    I found Alasta Autos in D4 pretty good to deal with.


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