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Alfa 156

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    #32
    bmoferrall
    Registered Users Posts: 498 ✭✭bmoferrall


    I've had two Alfa 156's. A '98 2.5 V6 and now the 3.2 V6.
    The only problem I had with the former was a leaking sunroof - only noticed after a heavy downpour. Dealer admitted it was a known issue with early 156's and fixed it under warranty.

    For my current car I had to replace the front left wishbones to solve a 'creaking' sound.
    Application of a little switch cleaning fluid to pin contacts was required to get rid of an airbag warning light.
    Battery replaced after 20K miles.
    Apart from that I've had no problems.
    My brother has owned a '98 2.5 V6 for 4 yrs. The only major problem he has experienced was with the air-conditioning system after 3 1/2 yrs of use.

    Oil consumption on both my cars has been comparitively low, no more than a top up every 5000 mls.
    Petrol consumption on my current 156 is ~25mpg and all my driving is in and around Dublin; admittedly, I don't have a very heavy right foot.
    Service costs on the 3.2L V6 are no worse than a regular 156: e180 and e400 so far.

    Spoke to an Alfa specialist about the two issues which seem to recur a lot: front suspension and timing belt.
    Suspension-wise he said the bushings were the weak point; apparently, Alfa only supply each wishbone as a unit, making it a relatively expensive issue to deal with (about e400 to buy and fit both arms).
    He showed me two timing belts, one with around 60K mileage, the other with around 35K mileage. The latter had worn to the point where it needed to be replaced, the former was still in good condition. The only explanation he could think of was different driving styles.

    Maybe Alfa's are not ideally suited to our 'roads' and need to be driven more sympathetically than more robust alternatives.
    Find a well-looked after example and, with a bit of TLC, you won't have any regrets.
    I'd be surprised if there's a better-handling, better-looking, better-sounding, FWD saloon.


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