159 wanted - what to look for?

[86ALFA]

Hello all,

After selling my Alfetta GTV6 a couple of months ago (now driving an i30... long story) looking at purchasing a 159.

I love the look, styling etc.  So decided on the 159 but reading websites,  forums etc looks like I wont be getting that authentic alfa sound from this car??
I haven't decided but my preference leans towards a Ti spec. Any advice on engines,  maintenance and things to look for when buying used would be great.  Thanks

[Craig_m67]

Authentic Alfa sound?
There's nothing currently more authentic than the growl of a five pot alfa JTDm.


What's the car going to be used for; shopping/school run, lotsa long hwy or balls out fun?
My ten point plan**

1.   Confirm your max budget, max age/mileage and appetite to fix niggles yourself.
2.   How much do you really care about documented service history or any remaining warranty
3.   Chose a body style; Sedan or Sportwagon (or Brera, Spider .. same, same but different)
4.   Choose a g'box; Manual[all], Selespeed[2.2], Auto[1.9], same auto with paddles[3.2 & 2.4], 4WD man/auto 3.2 only
5.   Choose an engine; 1750TBI(rare), 2.2, 3.2v6petrol or 1.9, 2.4 JTDm dervs
      (Not all engine/g'box/body style combos are avail. eg no manual series two 2.4JTDm Sportwagons)
6.   Choose a series/revision; There were at least two revisions of the 159 (MY08, shorter rear seat is a giveaway).
7.   Brakes; Std (2.2, 1.9) & Bigger (3.2, 2.4, 1750TBI?), the Ti red calipers are just bigs painted.. Red.
8.   Choose a trim level; Ti, High (Lusso), Base. Trim spec changed with MY08 revision (less stuff)
9.   Choose any desired optional extras; roof bars, sunroof, heated memory seats, dual climate, wheels, tow bar (not always available together)
10. Pick a colour; white(rare), silver, grey, black, red, met burgundy, met dark blue(rare)

Do the math and realise a 3yr old Guilietta 1750TBI QV is possibly the same money as a 159Ti
Do head in, start again

**Some of this could be wrong, I've been researching them for too long as a replacement for my 156 1.9JTD SW... and just realised how cheap a QV can be had.

There's a Black 2.4JTDm Lusso Sportwagon with reasonable but high Kay's on carsales at the moment for $12k.. Could be a bargain if maintenance/service is up todate and you don't mind babys#it coloured seats

Just realised you're in WA... Limited options for you then, sorry.

[86ALFA]

Thanks Craig

Looking to use it as a daily driver. Sedan only.
Around 100km per day (city/highway).
Looking at 2010 + . Not fussed on engine type, but prefer trim on Ti. As for budget low 20,s max.
As you suggested I'm starting to think the 2.4 diesel in auto with no more than 40k. Really, my main concern is the maintenance costs or if there are any known problems I should look for when purchasing. 

[poohbah]

Hey 86.

If you like the look of the 159 why don't you also have a look at a 156? I am biased admittedly, but I reckon the look is a little less heavy, and just a bit more unique. And if you are lucky like me, you could get your hands on a proper Busso V6 model - there is no better sound.

Mine has served me beautifully as a daily driver over the last 2 years and I absolutely love it. Lowered suspension, 6sp manual, 145k on the clock, and no major issues to report (usual wear and tear). Magnifico!

Usual caveats apply whether buying 156 or 159 - make sure its got a good service history and has been worked on by an Alfa specialist, the timing belt/water pump have been changed as scheduled, and it hasn't seen the wrong side of a ditch!

If you go down the 156 route, the upfront cost should be less than half the price of 159, but you will need to also factor in the cost of expected maintenance/replacement parts that will be required.

[86ALFA]

Thanks poohbah
I have started looking into the 156 as well. I'm trying to get my head around all the various models.
From the posts looks like I'd be best avoiding the selespeed? Do yo know the intervals for the waterpump and belt replacements? Noticed you're in Perth, who do you use for servicing?

[colcol]

My 2 cents, the airconditioning in the 156 isn't as good as the 159, the 159 has bigger vents, the 156 struggles on a hot Melbourne day, would be hopeless in Perth, avoid the Selespeed at all costs, it will strand you somewhere, thats why they don't make it anymore, the General Motors Benzina 159's have chain drive camshafts, the 156 have cambelt drives, that have to be changed at 50,000 - 60,000 on a four and 80,000 on a six, the diesel engines have a long service interval on the cambelt change, and if the cambelt breaks, the rockers buy the farm and take a bullet to save the engine, Colin.

[poohbah]

I would definitely steer clear of the selespeed, there are manuals out there, if you look hard enough. There is also a conventional auto box available in some models.

Cambelt at maximum of every 60,000km (some prefer to do it earlier around 50k just to be on the cautious side), or maximum of three years even if it hasn't done many km. Water pump (one with a metal impeller) should be changed at least every second cambelt change, though probably makes sense to have it done with every cambelt as the additional cost is relatively minor.

As Col says aircon in the 156 isn't its strongest point. But mine worked well enough in the Perth heat til the compressor went! Haven't got around to fixing it yet, so rely on old fashioned aircon - wind down the windows!

I get my car serviced at Cileberti Motors in Osborne Park, they've been Alfa specialists for a long time and they know what they are doing. They've worked on my car from the time it was out of the original warranty, which makes things simpler. Autodelta in Malaga is also apparently a good alternative - I haven't used them, but hear good things.

Whether you are looking for a 159 or 156 I'd suggest you speak to the guys at Cileberti's - they might be able to find what you are after - they buy and sell cars as well and always have a few for sale in their showroom (you should check out their website) .

Happy hunting.

[poohbah]

86,

Spotted this 156 on gumtree, might be worth checking out. 2L manual, and serviced at cilebertis.


http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/middle-swan/cars-vans-utes/2003-alfa-romeo-156-sedan/1038426501

[86ALFA]

Cheers
Definitely looks good,  will call leo on Tuesday see if I can get some info.
Still not decided.  I saw two 159s online both 2.4 diesel auto, ti. Not sure of the history? At barbagello, with 56 & 66 kms.
Im leaning towards these although I have only budgeted 20k. Thinking auto as the morning crawl on the fwy  frustrating!

[poohbah]

Happy hunting

[dansalfa]

Hey 86 ALFA, I'm actually looking for a 2013 Giulietta myself. Not sure if you've made your decision yet but I found a 159 on one of the car dealer websites I was checking out. Not sure if it's still available or if you're based in Western Australia, but if you are, you should check out www.stock.dvg.com.au/cars/new/ALFA_ROMEO - might help you make up your mind!

[86ALFA]

Thanks for all the feedback. I have made the jump! Bought a late 2009 JTS TI manual in black. Only had 37km on the clock. So far so good, loving it! Now need to look at exhaust, remap etc any ideas ??

[poohbah]

Congrats, obviously took a while to get what you wanted. Look forward to seeing it around town.