Hi,
I have had an Alfa 159 JTDM for 2 years now (2007 model 70,000kms diesel).
I am sad to say its costing a fortune in parts and lots of time running to the service centre for little things that's cost lots. 80 percent of the issues are to do with the DPF , these things cost 3 k in oz but u can get from uk for 1k.
After 2 years I'm very sorry I chose an Alfa, the comfort and great drive from it is not worth the hassles it has.
As you do I've spoken to many Alfa owners and they all seem to have the same issues, I wish there had been this information avaliable 2!years ago when I was doing the research prior to purchase, I would not have purchased it.
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
It's true that customer service for Alfa Romeo in Australia has been very poor over the last decade or so. Hopefully this will change now that FIAT are running the show direct as opposed to ATECO.
That said, EGR and DPF issues are a well know issue for ALL recent cars using Diesel engines. They've been documented and discussed in public Alfa forums for at least 8years (since the '05 156 2.4JTD personal memory). Feel free to google the subject for any brand... It's an issue for them all and is exacerbated by a lack of local experience and understanding of the technology in diesels engines these days.
It sounds like you have been mucked around by a useless mechanic or dealer service. Unless you are proactive in understanding the issue, even at a high level, you will get ripped by VAG in the same way when you replace the car with something from their stable or Holden or indeed anybody with a Diesel engine in their line up. It's worth remembering that FIAT brought common rail diesel tech to the world first in the '03 Alfa 156, they then sold it to Bosch who now sell it to everybody else (VAG).
You don't say what has cost you $3k to fix.. What's the actual problem? Software deletes for the EGR and DPF are available (ex UK) if you're not bothered about the environment.
We'd love to help if we can. More than likely your issue has been resolved somewhere already by somebody else as passionate about the car us is. Let's pass on solutions not problems
Quote from: Overalfa on January 31, 2014, 04:50:57 PM
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
Yeah, sure mate. You're posting that in the right place, I'm sure all the Alfa Enthusiasts that read this will put their cars straight up on to carsales now. Lucky we had you to warn us. Thanks for that.
Quote from: Choderboy on January 31, 2014, 07:47:47 PM
Quote from: Overalfa on January 31, 2014, 04:50:57 PM
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
Yeah, sure mate. You're posting that in the right place, I'm sure all the Alfa Enthusiasts that read this will put their cars straight up on to carsales now. Lucky we had you to warn us. Thanks for that.
fair reply that. Plus this seems to be a rant about diesel issues? so let's poo poo on petrol engine alfas, because they are alfas, and guilty by association ???
Quote from: Overalfa on January 31, 2014, 04:50:57 PM
After 2 years I'm very sorry I chose an Alfa, the comfort and great drive from it is not worth the hassles it has.
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
ok... goodbye?
(or on some real shit, if you actually did some research you would know that modern diesels have DPFs, not just alfas, (it is in fact a global engine, esp the 1.9l, used in many makes!) and they're not made to labour around town on short trips as they can't regen)
Quote from: wankski on February 01, 2014, 12:14:22 AM
Quote from: Overalfa on January 31, 2014, 04:50:57 PM
After 2 years I'm very sorry I chose an Alfa, the comfort and great drive from it is not worth the hassles it has.
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
ok... goodbye?
(or on some real shit, if you actually did some research you would know that modern diesels have DPFs, not just alfas, (it is in fact a global engine, esp the 1.9l, used in many makes!) and they're not made to labour around town on short trips as they can't regen)
BWAH hah, your harsh wanski ::)
But it's true, any diesel car will have these issues with the poor quality diesel we have here. I've seen a filters black and blocked to buggery on other makes (4x4s) after only 5K kms. Sorry to hear your experiences mate.
I still scratch my head at why one would go diesel with Alfa? I test drove a few diesel 159s and was surprised at the performance, but couldn't get past at the the idle not it had, may as well have been a truck. If it's an Alfa, for me it must be petrol 8)
Have a friend that owns a nissan diesel, yes NISSAN and has spent an absolute fortune on fixing diesel related issues, his train of thought is that he will not go near that brand again, at least with alfa ,when it does work,it drives very well, am sure can not say the same about nishit. My dad owns a mazda, not much better and parts cost a bomb. Thought it was a classic,this guy winging about our brand, what's that saying, BARKING UP A WRONG TREE, something like that anyway. auguri.
Mate of mine is going through this with a Subaru diesel. It's just a factor of life with modern diesels. As mentioned, a dpf delete and a chip/flash to suit fixes the issue, and handily liberates a few hp...
Also thought its a bit rich coming to an Alfa enthusiasts forum and lambasting the car we all clearly already have. Not so much a public service/warning, although I'm sure(hoping) it was meant in good spirits, but this is rather a critique of all our collective choice in cars.
As to your diesel issues, yep, this happens to all diesels, like any car/motor, you need to know what you're doing with them to keep them running well.
Previous car was a mazda 6 diesel. Fantastic car (well, boring as dog $h!t but i digress)
Sold it to a chap from Adelaide who flew to sydney, i gave him every warning under the sun as to how to drive it, not to drone in 6th gear at 1200 rpm for long stretches, as you'll simply clog up the works....
Suffice it to say, 2000km drive to adelaide, phone call, mate, ever had any issues with the DPF? Dumb sob.
Quote from: Overalfa on January 31, 2014, 04:50:57 PM
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
Only one thing to say. I'm OverOverAlfa
Quote from: poohbah on February 02, 2014, 08:16:27 PM
Quote from: Overalfa on January 31, 2014, 04:50:57 PM
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
Only one thing to say. I'm OverOverAlfa
Looks like he's over us as well. No more posts.
Quote from: aggie57 on February 02, 2014, 09:51:10 PM
Quote from: poohbah on February 02, 2014, 08:16:27 PM
Quote from: Overalfa on January 31, 2014, 04:50:57 PM
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
Only one thing to say. I'm OverOverAlfa
Looks like he's over us as well. No more posts.
Do you think it was something we said?
We were being as accommodating as the situation deserved.
I feel we gave the situation all the sympathy it deserved.
Lastly, i'll just say the dumb son of a bitch never once posted that he had an issue and asked for advice, he would've been able to sort his diesel issues out just based on the few replies on this thread alone, and never had to spend a dime.
Oh well, he doesn't deserve an alfa.
Nah - reckon he had his spray and moved on. Oh well :)
hit and run troll?
Was a bit of an oblique parting shot wasn't it... Like when you hit your thumb with a hammer and throw it through the window in frustration. The window didn't do anything to deserve that ! ;P
I just hope he enjoys life with his Toyota Corolla. It will go beautifully with his beige underpants.
Well you gotta take the good with the bad in a public forum. But nate is on the mark with this numb nuts having all these issues and his very first post is a dummy spit of epic proportions. Quick some get the waam-bulance. Like wanski said, "goodbye"
You know, it wouldn't surprise me if its a fiat or rice burner club member trolling our forum for a rise out of us :o
Hmmm, I've owned a few Alfas in my time, though no diesels. All I get from this thread is that to an outsider we must look like we have very thin skins..... ;)
Hey Cool J what is with the jibe re a Fiat owner trolling, afterall Fiats too are Italian and therefore brothers in our enjoyment of such cars. On the other hand ricers is perhaps a different matter.
My simple take is the guy perhaps had never owned an Alfa before, was seduced by its looks but wasn't aware that Alfas need to be loved. Has a few issues with its diesel and then basically feels he was taken for a ride.
Tough it happens all the time and with all sorts of cars. I doubt he is likely even to respond, given the nature of his grievances. So perhaps there really isn't much point in continuing with this thread. We love Alfas and lucky for us, hey ;D
Lol - you guys realise that Alfas are just badge engineered Fiats these days right?
Bwah ha, Fiats, yeah I didn't really give that one any thought. Love the shape of the 124's too.
Farkin, why am I keeping this stupid thread alive. I'm out...
I Clio's, and Golfs, but bought the alfa :)
But like all people on the Forum, he has a right to express an opinion, even if it is different to ours, should have got on the forum earlier, so we could have helped him with his problems and sent him to a good Alfa Romeo service provider, and we could have told him about the importance of not chugging around the city too much, and taking it for a fang to heat the motor up and burn off all the soot in the particle filter, Colin.
Quote from: colcol on February 04, 2014, 10:14:15 PM
... taking it for a fang to heat the motor up and burn off all the soot in the particle filter, Colin.
That's recommended for all types of Alfa(Fiat) engines. We all gotta keep our grin's maintained. :)
Quote from: Cool Jesus on February 04, 2014, 03:10:45 PM
Bwah ha, Fiats, yeah I didn't really give that one any thought. Love the shape of the 124's too.
Farkin, why am I keeping this stupid thread alive. I'm out...
Cool Jesus is out!
Wise words Colin,
I've never known a car that was happy to sit idle or potter around.
Cars, bikes, boats, use it or lose it.
for a bloke that spent grand total of less than 25 minutes on the forum he has managed quite an avalanche.
he could not have done better if it was an intentional troll
he obviously liked the car but not the crap that came with it and is obviously disapointed. and what is wrong with just wanting to drive and not spend hours on internet investigating a problem that he is facing. It is quite obvious that for someone who is not prepared to suffer through a lot, this is not a right choice. Nothing wrong with stating his disappointment, and when one is dissapointed one is likely to hyperventilate, and he did so.
he did well in creating quite a popular thread.
did anyone notice that he is a queenslander ?
By now his rant is ancillary to the discussion,
It's since devolved into a ragging on modern diesels, coupled with a general how to as regards treating machinery.
You say he's a queenslander, didn't notice.
By now he's dead to me
He should have joined a good car club, like the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, and spoken to those in the know, and asked a few questions on this excellent forum, the 159 Diesel is an absolute ripper, so good General Motors purchased 15% of Fiat a few years ago, to get their hands on it, but all engines have their issues, Diesels and particle filters, Twin Sparks and cam belts, 156 JTS and oil contamination, etc, you get on this Forum and find things out, or get annoyed with things and spit the dummy, how many of us haven't got annoyed with our cars at some point and said, thats it i'm selling it, only to carm down and work through the problem...and next day wondered what all the fuss is about?, Colin.
car club could be fun, but with my 147 I wouldnt feel as cool as someone with a nice pre 90's alfa. Maybe when my alfa is 30 years old, maybe!
In Victoria, i take my 33 or 156 to club events, and i always feel welcome, you have to make the effort to meet owners and have a good yak to them, and we usually get a 147 along, i know we will get a 147 along at our next club run to the Mornington Peninsula on Sunday 23rd of February, because it is being organised by new member and all round good bloke Gary Creighton, as he owns a 147 twin spark.
Sad that the 159 Diesel owner pulled the pin on his car, but it will go to another owner who will hopefully join in with the Alfa community, Colin.
Good wrap up Col.
Extraball there are plenty of 147s (twinsparks, GTAs and diesels) in our club up here in Qld and none of that elitist bullshit that is rumoured to have been quite prevalent in days gone by. We welcome new members from all walks of life, at all stages of life, as long as they're Alfa owners (or prospective owners).
Cheers,
Brent Hampstead
Would i be made welcome in an ARNA?, or is that pushing it too far, Colin.
Col, i was going to make the Arna gag in my previous post but thought I'd leave it alone. There's no telling how we'd react to an Arna, but we'd at least be polite!
Hey Col, what's going on? Is the Arna project back on? 8)
pm sent
PM? The Arna sounds like a great project, tell us more!
So Brent how inclusive are we - would an Arna "replica" be allowed in QLD Alfacomp and Italian challenge (the former only talks about marque, so if the badge is right we are good - right?) while the latter says Italian marque engine (tick) and car (badges?)...
Darryl,
You're hurting my head with these complex questions... An Arna replica could run in Alfa Comp for sure. If someone is going to spend time making one they are obviously a super-dedicated Alfa fan.
Quote from: hammer on February 07, 2014, 08:42:13 AM
Darryl,
You're hurting my head with these complex questions... An Arna replica could run in Alfa Comp for sure. If someone is going to spend time making one they are obviously a super-dedicated Alfa fan.
How bout an Arna with a 156 twinspark stuffed in it?
Quote from: hammer on February 07, 2014, 08:42:13 AM
Darryl,
You're hurting my head with these complex questions... An Arna replica could run in Alfa Comp for sure. If someone is going to spend time making one they are obviously a super-dedicated Alfa fan.
I take that to mean you aren't about to grab a pulsar body from the wreckers and stick it on the sprint? ;D
I won't be grabbing a the Pulsar or Holden Astra version!
The Australian Holden Astra and Nissan Pulsar actually had a 1.6 litre Family 2 Camira motor in it, you could most likely from what i have seen, you could put a 2 litre Family 2 injected motor in it.
But if you wanted it to be an 'Alfa Romeo' motor, you could put in a 2.2 litre JTS motor and gearbox out of a 159, to keep it in the family.
The Pulsar / Astra had an east - west engine arrangement, where the ARNA had a 33 / Alfasud motor north - south, it would depend how wide the 159 2.2 General Motors based engine is, Colin.
OMG stop posting on this thread. You keep highlighting its ridiculous heading in my unread post, farkin.
Cool Jesus out again!
'Warning for Alfa buyers', there were only 53,000 ARNA models made between 1983 - 1986, and they are becoming very hard to come by.
Anyone [else] have one in Australia?, Colin.
Quote from: colcol on February 07, 2014, 09:58:05 PM
'Warning for Alfa buyers', there were only 53,000 ARNA models made between 1983 - 1986, and they are becoming very hard to come by.
Anyone [else] have one in Australia?, Colin.
How any came to Australia Col?
Was the rear suspension fettled in anyway by Alfa. Or was it simply the front end to accommodate the boxer engine?
The rear suspension was Datsun Pulsar, which didn't matter as it is front wheel drive, the front was designed by Alfa Romeo who changed all the pickup points, to make it more like a Sud and 33 with long arms to avoid large camber changes during cornering and to give it negative camber, i know of only one that came to Australia, Colin.
Col, we have to do a replica. This is an important part, if not a much maligned piece of Alfa Romeo history. Imagine the interest it would generate.
Was just curious about the Alfa scene in oz, I'm glad to see there actually is one. I've been living in the UK for the past 8 years but looking to come home this year and cannot imagine not being able to get an Alfa. Does anyone know if it would be worth shipping my beloved 159ti 2.4 'Diesel and love it' (never had an issue with the DPF either although I do a lot of motor way miles) Sports Wagon or should I just sell and buy again when I'm home?
Quote from: Cool Jesus on February 07, 2014, 09:01:58 PM
OMG stop posting on this thread. You keep highlighting its ridiculous heading in my unread post, farkin.
Cool Jesus out again!
Cool Jesus is out again!!!!
Hi Again,
I never ment to troll here and am surprised that you guys of all people have not come to the conclusion or the understanding the diesel Alfa is a lemon. You only have to search google to see there are numerouse issues with them. I was unaware that most diesels have the same issues and apologies for my lack or research on other cars when I was only interested in the Alfa I own.
For those that said I should have posted here about the issues, well I find that if you post on a subject that's already covered in a forum you get flamed anyway. So now I realise dammed if you dammed if you don't. The limp mode issues in Alfa forums are massive and could be many things, not really sure how I could be helped here when the car has been in the hands of a good Alfa repair place (they have good wraps of this forum that's for sure)
All the issues with the Alfa diesel have been highlighted in forums all over the world.
Our car has been to an Alfa specialist several times, don't tell me you know more than a company that works on these things every day. I dont want to name the business as I think they are genuine and helpfull and it would be poor form for me to disrespect them.
And again today good old limp mode is back and the engine light is on again.
So how can one simply love a car that has so many issues, I really love the drive and look of the Alfa but its a lemon, the results from a google search will reinforce that statement.
I call it how it is. I don't want to be here complaining about the car for no reason. I'm absolutely fed up with its problems, I'm to the point of just buying a second hilux as the one I've got has gone forever and has never had a single problem.
I'm really glad there was such a reaction to this as it clearly shows how blind people can be when they are fanboys of somthing. I could not care what brand this car is, it simply is a poor quality machine that the maker should be ashamed of as it doesn't work without pouring excessive amounts of money into.
I've had my say and will keep my comments from here on exclusively to car review websites, a least people who have not purchased yet will have the facts that diesel alas are no good.
Thanks for the very nice comments and constructive feedback.
Quote from: Overalfa on February 14, 2014, 12:46:00 PM
Hi Again,
For those that said I should have posted here about the issues, well I find that if you post on a subject that's already covered in a forum you get flamed anyway. So now I realise dammed if you dammed if you don't.
All the issues with the Alfa diesel have been highlighted in forums all over the world.
Our car has been to an Alfa specialist several times, don't tell me you know more than a company that works on these things every day. I dont want to name the business as I think they are genuine and helpfull and it would be poor form for me to disrespect them.
Who cares if you get flamed? What are you a child? Usually amongst the flames you'll find a link to an appropriate thread.
And not how people here roll, they're actually uber helpful.
As to how they'd possibly know better than a mechanic, well, they may or may not, there's a collective 4 centuries of experience concentrated amongst some very bright posters on here, so yeah, come ask, you'd be surprised what you learn.
Quote from: Overalfa on February 14, 2014, 12:46:00 PM
And again today good old limp mode is back and the engine light is on again.
So how can one simply love a car that has so many issues, I really love the drive and look of the Alfa but its a lemon, the results from a google search will reinforce that statement.
I call it how it is. I don't want to be here complaining about the car for no reason. I'm absolutely fed up with its problems, I'm to the point of just buying a second hilux as the one I've got has gone forever and has never had a single problem.
I'm really glad there was such a reaction to this as it clearly shows how blind people can be when they are fanboys of somthing. I could not care what brand this car is, it simply is a poor quality machine that the maker should be ashamed of as it doesn't work without pouring excessive amounts of money into.
I've had my say and will keep my comments from here on exclusively to car review websites, a least people who have not purchased yet will have the facts that diesel alas are no good.
Thanks for the very nice comments and constructive feedback.
Cool, happy we could help :P
It's crap your car isn't all you'd hoped for.
Go buy another hilux by all means, i did just that about 6 years ago after watching a top gear episode where they couldn't blow one up.
Got a lift to a mine past the blue mountains. Drove it home to sydney.
Well, tried to, fuel pump went on me on the trip back. Had to leave it on the side of the road, train to sydney, buy a pump, and train back to the car.
Look, sure, we weren't very nice to you, but you weren't exactly preaching to the choir, and most of the comments here directed at you were fairly apt. If you are done with your alfa then so long....
If you want a hand, ask around, they're a forgiving bunch around here.
Not me, i'm Darth Vader, the emperor is not as forgiving as i am.
Don't let the door hit your fanny on the way out.
Quote from: Nate Dog on February 14, 2014, 03:26:05 PM
Don't let the door hit your fanny on the way out.
It's Arse. What are you? some kind of seppo?
BWAH hah hah hah, OMG pick my self up BWAH hah, this thread is just gold.
Oh well, if the only car troubles you've ever had was with an Alfa, damn!
Cool Jesus is _____, yet once more ;D
Quote from: Overalfa on February 14, 2014, 12:46:00 PM
Hi Again,
I never ment to troll here and am surprised that you guys of all people have not come to the conclusion or the understanding the diesel Alfa is a lemon.
<snip>
I'm really glad there was such a reaction to this as it clearly shows how blind people can be when they are fanboys of somthing. I could not care what brand this car is, it simply is a poor quality machine that the maker should be ashamed of as it doesn't work without pouring excessive amounts of money into.
I've had my say and will keep my comments from here on exclusively to car review websites, a least people who have not purchased yet will have the facts that diesel alas are no good.
Thanks for the very nice comments and constructive feedback.
Having only bothered to post on this thread when it turned to a more interesting subject than modern diesels and DPFs (ie Arnas) I can count myself among the *majority* who *remained silent* despite the *asking for it* nature of both your user name and a first post that concludes with this well balanced and non-trolling sentence
Quote from: Overalfa on January 31, 2014, 04:50:57 PM
If you are considering buying an Alfa I would recommend against it unless you like spending money and lots of time on a car that limps more than it drives correctly.
Seriously, everyone who has posted here asking for advice, or help, or just commiseration has received some. What did you expect from what you asked for? If you declare yourself an enemy of the "fanboys", you will get a reaction. Happy to take you at face value in your declaration it wasn't an intentional troll - but what you actually did was trolling, and the reaction you got just proves it.
I'm also "out...."
The point of a discussion forum is that it gives people a forum to discuss. If you didn't want a discussion you should have stated that in your post
Respectfully, I disagree that there are any significantly experienced, qualified Alfa diesel mechanics in Australia. There may be a lot of brilliant mechanics, but the lack of satisfaction you are encountering would suggest that they're in no way specialists.
If you care to elaborate on the symptoms, issues, conditions and any error codes that have been uncovered during your years of diagnostics I am sure that the fanbois (&girls) on here can dig up a solution. I myself have a JTD with over 180Ks on it.. Some niggles, but nothing that couldn't be resolved with google and a positive attitude when asking others for help.
As you say, there are hoards of negative posts about diesel alfa issues... Most also point to the solution .. Your's could too if you wanted to help those that follow.
Hi Mr Overalfa. All Alfas are going to have some issues from time to time. That is the nature of them. If you had done your research properly prior to purchasing you would have been aware of any problems specifically related to your car. If you wanted quality, durability and reliability then you should have bought a Corolla or a Camry. They will rarely let you down. On the other hand if you want a car with great looks and performance and handling to match, albeit with some flaws, then there is nothing quite like an Alfa Romeo. The good days far outweigh the bad ones. :)
And if the particle filter keeps blocking up, thens its god's way of saying you need to take it for a fang now and then, and if the service provider you take it to doesn't provide a good fix, then change service providers, Colin.
Quote from: LaStregaNera on February 14, 2014, 05:21:52 PM
Quote from: Nate Dog on February 14, 2014, 03:26:05 PM
Don't let the door hit your fanny on the way out.
It's Arse. What are you? some kind of seppo?
Bwahahahahhahahahhaa
Nope, grew up in Sydney, Maroubra.
Don't let the door hit your arse on the way out just doesn't have the same ring to it. Only ever heard it as an americanism, hence, fanny!
"Don't let the door smack you on the arse on the way out" is the accepted Aussie version of it.
Quote from: LaStregaNera on February 17, 2014, 09:42:25 AM
"Don't let the door smack you on the arse on the way out" is the accepted Aussie version of it.
OK LaStregaNera, go it.
Duly noted.
OverAlfa, the consensus is:
Don't let the door smack you on the arse on the way out.
Please disregard my earlier dissertation of not letting the door hit your fanny on the way out.
maybe, it was a time of month fanny issue to begin with?
;D
OMG, just found our man, he seems to be a serial complainer
This thread has gone on long enough. Time for it to die.
cheers,
Your local benevolent dictator.