This is my first post, so hello to everyone!
I have just bought my first Alfa Romeo. I bought the 2004 156 TI manual which has 39000KM on it. Nice looking vechile in a silver.
I'm not sure why the seats in the TI extend out to the front as I don't see any major benefit. However love the nature of the vechile.
Traded in a Mazda sp23 after driving Wednesday from Canberra to Melbourne and back the next day.
I knew there maybe some issues with the vechile, based on the bad publicity the Alfa Romeo brand gets, but after reading posts on this forum I came to a decision that my need was to great for any minor issues the car may have.
Saying that however I could do with some good advice!
I have done 39000 KM, do I need a Cam Belt change at my 40000km service?
Secondly, the bonnet is temporamental when closing (eg have to close it from a specific height), is this normal?
Thirdly, on the roof I have noticed two small rustic spots in seperate locations. Does anyone else have this issue? They are very minor so far.
BGC
Hi there - welcome to the forum! Congratulations on your first Alfa Romeo - I highly recommend your next step be to join your local Alfa club and get to know some fellow Alfisti!
Regarding the cambelt (and tensioners and probably balance shaft belt) - I highly recommend you get it done at your next service. Even if you haven't exceeded the suggested mileage they are meant to be done every three years minimum. The consequence of a broken belt is quite expensive so changing belts is good insurance.
When you say 'rustic' spots on your roof, do you mean actual rust? or faded paint? My 156 has spent most of it's life outside and I don't have any issues with the body apart from a couple of dings and scratches.
Bonnet - I have to drop the bonnet from a reasonable height to close it. This might be normal.
welcome!
Evan.
Cheers evan,
have already talked to local member and will join soon. I have already learn't alot on this forum before I bought the car and buying the Alfa was a very personal thing for me, its not just a car but a way of life. Meeting other enthusiasts who have the same passion for the Alfa would be very rewarding and to tap into that knowledge priceless.
In relation to the rust, its about the size of a one cent coin, however it seems to be bubbling under the paint.
QuoteRegarding the cambelt (and tensioners and probably balance shaft belt) - I highly recommend you get it done at your next service. Even if you haven't exceeded the suggested mileage they are meant to be done every three years minimum. The consequence of a broken belt is quite expensive so changing belts is good insurance.
Will have it done straight away.
Cheers for the advice and the welcome Evan
Evan
QuoteWhen you say 'rustic' spots on your roof, do you mean actual rust? or faded paint? My 156 has spent most of it's life outside and I don't have any issues with the body apart from a couple of dings and scratches.
Having taken what you said about the rust into account, maybe it is fading, however the slight bubbling effect concerns me. I'll have the guys doing the service to take a look at it.
Brad
Hi Brad
Good on you for taking the plunge into Alfa ownership, as I sure most Alfisti will agree it is addicative and yes a way of life. Not sure I could ever feel that with a Mazda or let alone even a BMW !! (the missus has a '98 318Is Beemer). I too have a 156 JTS. For a modern Alfa, they are so relaxing to drive, a really nice to be in when on the road and yet have that something factor which so many other cars just dont have. I have a couple of 105 ('late 60s Alfas) and they too have all of this.
Re the both the timing belt changing, I can't agree more. The cost of not doing it is just not worth thinking about. Re the rust spots you mention, yes if it is rust most definitely get it checked out and get it repaired as soon as possible. The last thing you would want is rust to damage your investment.
Cheers
Dave
A lot of 156's are on the used car market and being onsold as you probably have seen.
Some came of lease several years ago so they cound be on their third owner. Some for sale on the net are one owner and still serviced by the purchasers' dealer.
However as a car gets older, some are not serviced by a professional who understands the car. Some of these are also run a bit hard.
As for recent & current models, many members have commented that a 156 is relatively cheaper to maintain than similar European cars.
Get your car fully checked out by an alfa specialist. Good advice and comments will be also forthcomming from club members.
Cheers.
Cheers John
John says:
QuoteAs for recent & current models, many members have commented that a 156 is relatively cheaper to maintain than similar European cars.
My first service back in late May was $1260, the wife wasn't impressed, however this incorporated a cam belt, so maybe not too bad for 40000KM. Didn't suprise me as I had done my research, mainly through this site. I should have had the temperature guage replaced, however I thought I should put this off as I was already in trouble for buying the car.
Brad
Quote from: Davidm1750 on June 20, 2008, 12:13:38 PM
Hi Brad
Good on you for taking the plunge into Alfa ownership, as I sure most Alfisti will agree it is addicative and yes a way of life. Not sure I could ever feel that with a Mazda or let alone even a BMW !! (the missus has a '98 318Is Beemer). I too have a 156 JTS. For a modern Alfa, they are so relaxing to drive, a really nice to be in when on the road and yet have that something factor which so many other cars just dont have. I have a couple of 105 ('late 60s Alfas) and they too have all of this.
Re the both the timing belt changing, I can't agree more. The cost of not doing it is just not worth thinking about. Re the rust spots you mention, yes if it is rust most definitely get it checked out and get it repaired as soon as possible. The last thing you would want is rust to damage your investment.
Cheers
Dave
Dave, thanks for your reply.
I've wanted this car for years now and finally have it. Modern cars today just don't have much appeal. When I'm leaving work and walking into the car park, I see my car, tell my self how lucky I am and just can't wait to get it out on the open road. Luckily I live in Canberra so we have a lot of open roads.
The timing belt is done, however the rust spot will have to be looked at.
Cheers Brad
Hey Brad,
I've also recently purchased a gorgeous little 156 Ti and just had the belts done at 45,000km. Strangely enough my car also has a couple of odd bubbly spots on the roof, which, living in Qld I attributed to bat crap being left on the paint for too long without being washed. The bats up here are massive and that fruity gear they drop as they fly over my neighbourhood is acidic. Anyway, I'm about to have it attended too (the paint that is, not the bats) but thought it a strange coincidence that another 156 ti owner had a similar situation.
I can also empathise with you on the $1200 service bill. My wife flashed me the raised eyebrow when I told her the cost...it's bad enough the bloody car doesn't have cup holders!
Cheers,
Brent
Quote from: hammer on June 21, 2008, 11:01:09 PM
Hey Brad,
I've also recently purchased a gorgeous little 156 Ti and just had the belts done at 45,000km. Strangely enough my car also has a couple of odd bubbly spots on the roof, which, living in Qld I attributed to bat crap being left on the paint for too long without being washed. The bats up here are massive and that fruity gear they drop as they fly over my neighbourhood is acidic. Anyway, I'm about to have it attended too (the paint that is, not the bats) but thought it a strange coincidence that another 156 ti owner had a similar situation.
I can also empathise with you on the $1200 service bill. My wife flashed me the raised eyebrow when I told her the cost...it's bad enough the bloody car doesn't have cup holders!
Cheers,
Brent
Brent,
that is funny! Wife's love cup holders and I new it would be an issue when I bought the car. These days cup holders are standard I suppose, so we do tend to expect them in our vechiles.
In relation to your bubbly rust spots, can you keep me up to date on the cost and the work undertaken. Any info will be valuable. My spot is on the roof up front near the windscreen but is located centrally which made it hard to see initially when I bought the car. I thought it may be some sort of acidic fruit that had dropped on the car from a tree. However bat poo could be a factor.
I bought the car in Melbourne, however it has spent most of its serviced life supposedly in Perth.
I can handle the service costs for now but rust is a different issue!
My wife doesn't know about the rust or the temperature gauge as yet, I thought I should tell her a little bit at a time?
Anyway hope the rust is sorted for you and you just enjoy the ride, the cars are awesome otherwise. The drive the gearshift, the looks of the vechile are awesome.
Driving up to Sydney this afternoon to see the in-laws, at least my wife's father will love the car.
Where in Queensland do you live Brent? As my mother and sister live up there and I spent many years there. Currently I'm in Canberra.
Brad
Hi Brad,
FYI: AROCA NSW has a Canberra Chapter. From their website (http://www.alfaclubnsw.org.au), the Canberra Convenor is:
Jon Pike
(h) (02) 6288 2778
(m) 0414 272 778
Email: canberra (at sign) alfaclubnsw.org.au
Re your rust issue: Check the factory rust warranty for the 156. Is it 5 years or 6 years (I can't remember) and whether this warranty is transferrable to new owners?
Cheers
Hi Brad yes I know what you mean when you walk over and spot your car. The 156 does that too you, I get a grin out of it knowing that I too have something that just looks damn good for a new car. There are not too many you can say that about. Even my brother who is a die in the wool old car person reckons the 156 is spot on. I do like the looks too of the 159 and the Brera, but apart from a few very expensive exotic cars (eg Aston DB9 etc) there is not much to get excited about, design wise. And then you get in, start her up and take off, the grin just gets bigger !! Just got back from a decent drive in the country, so enjoyable.
I too know what you mean about cup holders but hey that is what the cafe is for. Why would you want to drink coffee on the go when you are in an Alfa. Good to know the cost of service and changing the cam belt. Something to look forward to,.......but might not say too much about it to the missus. Good advice from Victor re both the club and also checking re any warrenty cover.
Cheers Dave
Interesting comments.
Two 'Alfa syle decisions' I was told by a very knowledgable motoring enthusist were:
1. You drive yoyur car to the cafe so why would you want a cup holder !
2. The 159 will never have a GTA model because they won't.
Regards.
Brad,
I am in Bulimba in Brisbane. Very hip neighbourhood, befitting an Alfa, where cafe culture is an integral part of one's life and the only thing more important than a well-lit make-up mirror is cup holders. However, I grew up in the housing commission badlands of Woodridge and Kingston - where we drove rusty old, mostly stolen, holdens. I'd definitely be in danger if I drove through the old neighbourhood in one of my Alfas. Aah, I'm a traitor to my roots. The shame of it.
Brent
Quote from: Victor Lee on June 22, 2008, 11:50:36 AM
Hi Brad,
FYI: AROCA NSW has a Canberra Chapter. From their website (http://www.alfaclubnsw.org.au), the Canberra Convenor is:
Jon Pike
(h) (02) 6288 2778
(m) 0414 272 778
Email: canberra (at sign) alfaclubnsw.org.au
Re your rust issue: Check the factory rust warranty for the 156. Is it 5 years or 6 years (I can't remember) and whether this warranty is transferrable to new owners?
Cheers
Victor,
have already contacted Jon and look forward to meeting other club members.
Quote from: Davidm1750 on June 22, 2008, 04:48:31 PM
Hi Brad yes I know what you mean when you walk over and spot your car. The 156 does that too you, I get a grin out of it knowing that I too have something that just looks damn good for a new car. There are not too many you can say that about. Even my brother who is a die in the wool old car person reckons the 156 is spot on. I do like the looks too of the 159 and the Brera, but apart from a few very expensive exotic cars (eg Aston DB9 etc) there is not much to get excited about, design wise. And then you get in, start her up and take off, the grin just gets bigger !! Just got back from a decent drive in the country, so enjoyable.
I too know what you mean about cup holders but hey that is what the cafe is for. Why would you want to drink coffee on the go when you are in an Alfa. Good to know the cost of service and changing the cam belt. Something to look forward to,.......but might not say too much about it to the missus. Good advice from Victor re both the club and also checking re any warrenty cover.
Cheers Dave
Yes, I like the Brera, 159 and GT, great looking cars.
I can do without the cup holders and the wife is starting to be charmed by the alfa.
Took it for a spin up to Sydney from Canberra on the weekend, the drive is very engaging. I love the way when you put the foot down you get that pur out of the engine. It is so responsive.
Brad
Brad
Quote from: John Hanslow on June 23, 2008, 07:21:36 AM
Interesting comments.
Two 'Alfa syle decisions' I was told by a very knowledgable motoring enthusist were:
1. You drive yoyur car to the cafe so why would you want a cup holder !
2. The 159 will never have a GTA model because they won't.
Regards.
John,
In response to no.1: Unless you were driving to the snow and you were in a hurry, but you still needed that coffee factor in the morning. Yes I know I shouldn't drive with coffee in my alfa, maybe I will change my ways or put it between my legs.
Brad
Quote from: hammer on June 23, 2008, 04:26:26 PM
Brad,
I am in Bulimba in Brisbane. Very hip neighbourhood, befitting an Alfa, where cafe culture is an integral part of one's life and the only thing more important than a well-lit make-up mirror is cup holders. However, I grew up in the housing commission badlands of Woodridge and Kingston - where we drove rusty old, mostly stolen, holdens. I'd definitely be in danger if I drove through the old neighbourhood in one of my Alfas. Aah, I'm a traitor to my roots. The shame of it.
Brent
Bulimba, I know it well. Have friends in Bulimba, actually there not really friends as they drive a camry.
At least you escaped impoverishment and have moved on to the dizzy heights of inner Brisbane. I lived in the valley, New farm, teneriffe and carina heights once.
What color is your 156 TI? I would have liked a black or dark Grey, however wanted a TI and this seemed a good price at the time. Actually still does.
Cheers Brad
Guys dont worry about the lack of cup holders in the 156Ti, I drive a souless characterless japenese company car to work that sounds like a bamix. It has a plethora of cupholders so I should be drinking coffee while driving so I dont fall asleep! Told the guys at work id rather arrive in style in an Alfetta or a 1750 Berlina (they think Im retarded, at least I wont lose the car in the carpark unlike now!)..............and have the 105 for those special ocasions
P.S For some reason the 147 had two cupholders yet the 156 cupholder tally was jacko weird
Quote from: pep105 on June 23, 2008, 10:06:52 PM
Guys dont worry about the lack of cup holders in the 156Ti, I drive a souless characterless japenese company car to work that sounds like a bamix. It has a plethora of cupholders so I should be drinking coffee while driving so I dont fall asleep! Told the guys at work id rather arrive in style in an Alfetta or a 1750 Berlina (they think Im retarded, at least I wont lose the car in the carpark unlike now!)..............and have the 105 for those special ocasions
P.S For some reason the 147 had two cupholders yet the 156 cupholder tally was jacko weird
Possibly, after the 156 came out, some coffee drinking (while driving) alfa driver complained about lack of cup holder's. Obviously not a true Alfisti! So Alfa included several in the 147?
Brad
Hey guys and especially Brad, I can vouch for what happens when there is a lack of a cup holder and the vehicle is in motion, irrespective of whether or not the cup was between your legs. Think of the impact from burns on that part of the anatomy that the wife owns !! Believe me, from experience it is highly uncomfortable. The worst part was it was in a diesel landcruiser and I wasnt even driving !!!
From now on coffee is to be had while sitting down at the cafe, especially if the Alfa is parked out front where you can admire its form, and hopefully feel a little smug in knowing that at least you dont drive whitegoods on wheels.
Maybe also that explains why I am not so keen on the 147.
Pep105 I like your style, as I have a real soft spot for the 1750 Berlina and also early Alfettas, pity your workmates let alone the bosses don't understand such concepts. Still good to know that there is that 105 ready for that perfect weekend escape. So sad about having a baymix to get to work in. I think I would rather take the bus !! or walk.......which thankfully I can.
Cheers
Dave
Quote from: Davidm1750 on June 24, 2008, 05:25:39 PM
Hey guys and especially Brad, I can vouch for what happens when there is a lack of a cup holder and the vehicle is in motion, irrespective of whether or not the cup was between your legs. Think of the impact from burns on that part of the anatomy that the wife owns !! Believe me, from experience it is highly uncomfortable. The worst part was it was in a diesel landcruiser and I wasnt even driving !!!
From now on coffee is to be had while sitting down at the cafe, especially if the Alfa is parked out front where you can admire its form, and hopefully feel a little smug in knowing that at least you dont drive whitegoods on wheels.
Maybe also that explains why I am not so keen on the 147.
Pep105 I like your style, as I have a real soft spot for the 1750 Berlina and also early Alfettas, pity your workmates let alone the bosses don't understand such concepts. Still good to know that there is that 105 ready for that perfect weekend escape. So sad about having a baymix to get to work in. I think I would rather take the bus !! or walk.......which thankfully I can.
Cheers
Dave
Dave,
I hope you weren't scarred for life with your little accident?
On my way back from Sydney to Canberra, we stopped at Suttons Forrest upmarket 'Mc Cafe' and parked the beast out the front for all those fellow travellers to digest thier big Mac's while drooling over the cavaceous curves of the 156 TI. Reminds me a bit of that 'colorbond' roofing add.
By the way dave and everyone else, I did drink my coffee inside, until I got itchy feet and then finished it off on the road. Yes I was bad but I didn't burn my bits.
In relation too whether people should understand the concepts behind owning an Alfa, I believe that maybe its better if they don't. Maybe that's part of the reason why I own an Alfa, its original and most people are critical of the make although in secret they know they want it. Then again there are those who are interested at work. Those bored with driving a Toyota corrolla or camry.
Brad
No thankfully I managed to survive that escapade with all the bits intact but it was scary !! Sounds like you had a great drive back from Canberra. My first drive in my 156 was from Sydney to Hobart (a road trip) via the coast over 10 days. I know what you mean for I too had the chance to sit back and allow all those Corolla and Camry owners to admire a masterpiece in metal while tasting a little vino at a couple of vineyards we came across on the way down from Sydney.
Yes I think you are correct, it is good to know that those of us who appreciate Italian style etc are the real enthusiasts. None of my old mates have ever understood this fascination. Thankfully I have over the years made friends with like minded people who also appreciate actually driving and the pleasure that comes from having a drivers car. The majority of people I work with have no idea what an Alfa is like and some even expressing a complete hatred of such cars. Mind you this comes from a Jap scrap owner with a taste for oldens and frauds.
Dave
yeah Brad couple of detail differences between the 147 and 156 pros and cons with both. The 147 was jam packed with kit on its release in 2001 so the 156 facelifts followed suit (ASC,VSC,upgraded stereo, multi function wheel etc) sans cupholders !!!!! maybe the whining 156 driving non Alfisti folk was the reason for the 147 cupholders.
Dave - There are a handful of enthusiats at work who appreciate fine machinery but not many, one of them who I dont see very often has a beautiful series 2 1750 GTV, although we are the only Alfa owners I beleive.
Think Ill take the company provided blando box to work than catch the bus (I have my limits) although riding the Vespa or the 105 to work breaks the manotomy
Dave,
Sounds like it was a great trip. I could see the 156 parked at a winery. Its like it was built for such an occasion.
A guy at work just bought the new XR-5 Mondeo and the interior is well finished, its got all the modern gadgets, like voice activated stereo etc, but its an ugly car. And it has that northern European sterile feel to the interior.
Pep,
thanks for the feedback, do you know if the 159 has cupholders? You would think it would seeing as the world has gone cup holder crazy. Maybe its a bit like yo yo's and they will go out of fashion and be recognised for the eyesore that they are. Handy but eyesore.
Brad,
Sorry to take an eternity to reply. My 156 is a dark metallic blue. i can't remember the exact colour. I bought it from a dealer, although it had been sold to the dealer by a fellow club member (which I found out just after the purchase). He had lowered it a little on firm Eibach springs, so it looks hot but rides a bit harsh around town. On a good bit of road though the springs really improve the handling.
I'll appreciate the 156 even more when I get in it in an hour or so, as I just finished wrestling my race car onto the trailer, behind the old landcruiser ute. I have a steep driveway, off a busy street, a low trailer and a ute that is slipping a little in reverse. It was quite the operation.
Anyway enjoy chilly Canberra.
Brent
Brent,
What sort of race car have you got?
QuoteAnyway enjoy chilly Canberra.
Canberra isn't cold, its 24C in my house. And anyway, the ski compartment in the 156 comes in very handy.
Cheers Brad
Brad et al
It is bloody freezing here in Hobart. Winter with avengance. Snow on the mountain, rain, wind etc and dark skies in the city. Yeeha, bring it on, thankgod for the ski compartment in the sportwagon. Shall be heading to the mountains as soon as possible, read sufficient snow for some ski action (Ben Lomand). Yep we do actually have a couple of ski areas in Tas.
I know what you mean re the Mondeo etc, they seem to be trying hard to be like a euro car but dont actually make it.
Brent, apart from the Eibach springs and lowered height did they make any other changes to the suspension ? I guess the soft ride of my 156 came at a bit of a surprise to me. I wouldnt mind it being a little more firm (like my wifes BMW 318is) but not as firm as my old 1750GTV.
Dave
Dave,
Had a look at Ben Lomand on the web, maybe they should update their website. Yeah, heard Tassie was getting some fierce winds and snow.
Me and the immediate family go at least twice a year. Drive down and back to Perisher all in one day (Its about 2.5 hours to the ski tube from here). Haven't tested the 156 out around the snow fields yet but looking forward too it as the drive down and back is very nice. Especially on the way back with the sun setting in the west behind the snowy mountains and namadgi range.
Cheers
Brad
Brad
Sounds like a nice trip indeed. Will be interested to see how your car goes up in the Alps. I havn't been to Perisher yet, one day I will. I will be certainly taking mine up to Ben once there is sufficient snow. Need to get some chains for it though.
Yes, I know what you mean re the Ben Lomand web site. Absolutely hopeless. Not sure when they will get it up and going. I can only presume there is not enough snow to make it worth while. I go past the ski shop in the city on the way to work and check out their reports, so far nothing. Am looking forward to a week in Wanaka (NZ) at the end of August, as I need to try out my new Skis, that I bought at the end of last season.
Dave
Dave,
I'm actually not sure if there are any other suspension changes. I'll be seeing the original owner on the weekend, so i'll try to remember to ask him about it.
Cheers,
Brent
Brad
Sorry for the slow reply
From memory the 159 has cupholders, dont remember where they are as the last time I sat in one was at the 159/Brera launch at Lance Dixon in mid 06, however the 147 had them hidden, one in the dash in a pop out thingo and one under the centre armrest - must admit the interior was very classy in the 147 ditto the 156.
Davo last time I went skiing here in Vic to falls creek was in a 156 Twinspark, we took the windy backroads instead of the boring Hume hwy. It was lots of fun if a little cramped (full car load + gear) and this car had Eibachs as well so the handling was improved but the ride deteriated on crap roads.
The standard suspension on 156/147 is too soft manly due to the factory shockers which are rubbish.They have poor rebound. Replace with Bilsteins or Konis and the ride/handling improves greatly and works well when used in conjuction with the Eibachs or H&R lowered springs.
Brent - has your car got the std shocks, if not then try Bilsteins/Konis should improve the ride greatly, sampled a 156 with Bilsteins once and there was a noticeable difference
sorry for the long waffley post !
Cheers
Pep
Thanks Pep for the advice re fitting better shocks. Given my experience to date with Konis in my 1750 GTV and 124 sport, that sounds like the way to go. Bilsteins would be nice but are even more costly. I know what you mean re the poor rebound on the standard 156 setup, hence my query about what to do. I certainly don't want the ride to be too stiff. I can always look at replacing the springs thereafter.
I am certainly looking forward to taking the sportwagon upto the snow but as it will be just myself and the wifey it shouldn't be cramped. We just now need another snow fall of about 20cm and ski season can start.
Dave