No FSH - To buy or not to buy - Advice please

[Apha25]

Hi team

First off, thanks everyone for the hours of reading. I've loaded my brain with knowledge and hopefully put it go good use in search of the perfect 156.

I have found one (Black, Selespeed, 2000, Twin Spark, 120k's) although there's one major issue: it doesn't come full log books.

Would you buy a car without a full service history?

I've rung the specialist mechanics in Perth (Cileberti) and they've mentioned their service history goes only back to 2007. Brakes + fuel valve + timing belt has been done subsequently.

Should I be wary?

Thanks in advance

[dehne]

hi i also have a black 156 selespeed  and all i can say is dont do it stay the hell away unless you want to throw thousands upon thousands of dollars away. buy a manual i wish i did.

[Apha25]

Cheers for the reply.

He's asking 10, but willing to accept less.

a) When did you buys yours Dehne and for how much?
b) What issues have you had with yours?

Cheers

[dehne]

in 2006 for $20000
issues well
airflow meter
selespeed fluid leak
flyby wire
throttle body
selespeed acuator
knocking in front left wheel area think itsa bearing
oil leaks
aircon
pretensioner on the acessory belt busted whilst driving
black car so there are about 1 billion scratches on it thinking of acut and polish but these pricks in other infearior cars keep banging doors into it

  I hope i have helped you 
  tell him of all the probs that can go wrong and they will happen offer him $7000 grand for it not apenny more

[Apha25]

How much have you spent on it since purchasing? Could one argue alternative European marques would have their own set of issues over a 3 year period?

You've definitely helped/scared me off.

It's a pain when your balls say yes  , and your brain says no  .

Back to the drawing boards.

[Ray Pignataro]

Dehene does this mean your car is also only worth 7k also.

[dehne]

i would say yes im at spend $3000 - 4000 to fix selepeed u can buy a 2000 mdl selespeed anyday of the week for 7000

[Scarlan]

I have been sending emails backwards and forwards with another member of the forum.
I have a 1999 156 manual twin spark that I bought from new.
It has only travelled 70,000km and has been reliable in every respect; starts every time, never stops, no mysterious noises or leaks.
It is perfect in every respect.
As many owners have probably suggested; be wary of the early selespeeds.
The manuals though are brilliant.
I am constantly tempted by a newer model, but given how good this one is why bother?
Particularly if they are now worth only $10k or thereabouts.
I paid more than twice this amount in 1999 for the options alone!

[John Hanslow]

Interesting response Scarlan.  Similar story.  I recently paid $13k for my 156 2002 Sport (as it has monza dash, eibach red springs, spoiler, skirts &  17' wheels) and its worth every cent for that package. Looked at some over priced cars with no service history but took my time and got a few opinions.

The car had been fully serviced, checked out and vouched for by an Alfa specialist.  Its not perfect but pretty good;  drove it down from Qld and got a RWC here.  Then got a post purchase service check up just to make sure.  No problems.

Because the car is factory lowered, the engine tray needs replacing but besides that and the odd rough start, no issues at all.

I think that it's better to pay a bit more for a car that has the work done.

Cheers.

[Apha25]

Scarlan, John, Dehne and others, thanks for the feedback.

Decided to heed the advice and let the badass black 156 go.

Will keep you lot posted on the 156 capers.

[lombardi]

stay clear away,selespeed models prior to 2002 are a disaster,if the selespeed breaks youre up for big bucks,they vastly improved the selespeed after 2002,you have been warned.ciao