It probably sounds like a great car......but...get it checked out by a Alfa specialist first. Also...like sheldon said...buy a toyota or a holden or something that will be perfectly reliable for 1-2 years, if you are really into Alfas that can give you more than enough time to find the one you really want...could even be a much better 159 by that time.

I have always said to my wife that if I ever consider a Toyota Corolla or heaven forbid a Camry or a Holden, that she is to smack me hard across the head with a shovel.

Though, I figure there will be a queue of people anyway!!!!!!!!!!!

Neil

Well there's a few hours of my life I'll never get back 

You never can tell, can you? Here's the ad.. go have a laugh http://tinyurl.com/6btrm8
Remembering that
'full service history' means no stamp at 20, 60, 100 or 120 (though did have receipts for 120);
'brilliant' and 'immaculate' means couldn't even be bothered washing it; had been keyed down one side
New tyres maybe, but different tyres front and back
'very smooth' means rough, not willing to rev
Recalcitrant gear changes; 1st and reverse tricky to get into
Brakes way too grippy, and squealing
Audible rattle over bumps, from outside the car, 'probably just a loose bolt' 
Had done minor services himself ('used' to be an apprentice mechanic)

Ding ding! warning bells everywhere

A/C worked though 
And he went from $11,999 (already reduced) to $9k flat

Pity, but at least now I've driven 2 

PS: I've not owned a commodore, falcon, magna or camry in my life (apologies to those who own and love theirs though!)