Uh oh! Just got my new Alfa 159 and...

smcgiff

I took delivery of my 2.4l JTDM 159 this afternoon. It's top of the range and I pretty much loaded it with everything. It is gorgeous, but it looks like I've been screwed.

I've never driven a car with cruise control before and didn't really know what to look for, but I had this niggely feeling in the back of my head not long after setting out on the journey home.

I got home (about an hour ago). Sure enough, the Cruise Control stalk is missing! This was supposed to be a standard feature FFS! And it's not here.

It still says on the website that this is a standard feature of the TI - I've taken a screen shot. I'm also 99.99% sure I've a paper spec sheet from the garage showing the Cruise Control as standard.

Cruise Control was a must have for the car I replaced my SAAB with. So, now that it doesn't have it I feel deflated. Not good on day one of a new €54k motor. Aint buyers remorse a bitch!

So, any advice? How do ye see this panning out. What do you think the dealer will say when I call them on Monday? Will I be appearing on some solicitor's christmas card list?

oleras

smcgiff wrote: »

I took delivery of my 2.4l JTDM 159 this afternoon. It's top of the range and I pretty much loaded it with everything. It is gorgeous, but it looks like I've been screwed.

I've never driven a car with cruise control before and didn't really know what to look for, but I had this niggely feeling in the back of my head not long after setting out on the journey home.

I got home (about an hour ago). Sure enough, the Cruise Control stalk is missing! This was supposed to be a standard feature FFS! And it's not here.

It still says on the website that this is a standard feature of the TI - I've taken a screen shot. I'm also 99.99% sure I've a paper spec sheet from the garage showing the Cruise Control as standard.

Cruise Control was a must have for the car I replaced my SAAB with. So, now that it doesn't have it I feel deflated. Not good on day one of a new €54k motor. Aint buyers remorse a bitch!

So, any advice? How do ye see this panning out. What do you think the dealer will say when I call them on Monday? Will I be appearing on some solicitor's christmas card list?

Talk of solicitors so soon ?

When you CALL INTO THEM monday, ask them wtf is my cruise control ?

Are you sure its not on the wheel controls ?

smcgiff

Howdy,

I've never gone to a solicitor in my life apart from arranging my mortgage. Although the only time I should ever have gone to a solicitor was due to experience with a car dealer. If it does go to a solicitor I will not be happy, but I'm trying to draw out what people think.

Nope, it's an entirely separate (according to the manual) stalk, and unless my 159 has snail like abilities she aint there.

I'm based Clare side of Limerick city. Garage is approx 60 miles away, so it will be a phone call on Monday. I had hopped not to see the garage until my first service call.

I'm practically speechless it's not there!

unkel

€54k :eek:

That model lists at €45k so can be had for about €40k. What extras did you specify, a life long supply of coke and hookers?

Henry Ford III

Sorry but hahahahahaha

smcgiff

unkel wrote: »

€54k :eek:

That model lists at €45k so can be had for about €40k. What extras did you specify, a life long supply of coke and hookers?

Thanks Unkel, feeling bad enough already. Model lists at €47.5k before Delivery charges. Put approx six k onto it.

There was also a trade in.

smcgiff

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Sorry but hahahahahaha

Should have bought a Fiesta, eh?

ciarsd

According to this brochure currently posted on the Alfa IE website, it's standard kit on the 2.4JTDm

smcgiff

ciarsd wrote: »

According to this brochure currently posted on the Alfa IE website, it's standard kit on the 2.4JTDm

To play Devil's advocate that mentions the Sportivo not the TI. Although the TI is a higher spec. It says it on the website and the paper addendum I have listing the TI standard spec. So, I'm happy it should have it, but what now?

Thanks

Hal1

I remember seeing the review for that on topgear, they basically said all they done was turn the 6 into a 9. Have you upgraded from a 156?

smcgiff

Hal1 wrote: »

I remember seeing the review for that on topgear, they basically said all they done was turn the 6 into a 9. Have you upgraded from a 156?

Have driven a 1.6 litre 156 (friend's car) ages ago, but they are chalk and cheese. I remember the top gear review, but don't remember the above quote. I do remember they said they liked it though - May kept having to put money in a pot each time he said some key (positive) words as he drove it. And he was only driving a 1.9 if memory serves.

The 156 and the 159 share certain looks, but very little made it (parts wise) from the 156 to the 159.

ronnie3585

I would also agree that it is a tad early to engage solicitors. Go back to the dealer first thing on Monday morning together with the spec sheet given to you when you purchased the car showing cruise control as included in the extras. Make it clear to the garage from the get go that this is totally unacceptable and you want what you paid for (or were let to believe you were paying for). No need to be a prick about it, yet, I always find you catch more flys with honey than vinegar. However be stern and stick to your guns.

It might be worth putting this complaint on the record at this the earliest possible stage, maybe by way of an email. It cant hurt and is always prudent put things on the record and will be very helpful if this matter ever goes as far as litigation (thinking very far down the line here).

smcgiff

ronnie3585 wrote: »

I would also agree that it is a tad early to engage solicitors. Go back to the dealer first thing on Monday morning together with the spec sheet given to you when you purchased the car showing cruise control as included in the extras. Make it clear to the garage from the get go that this is totally unacceptable and you want what you paid for (or were let to believe you were paying for). No need to be a prick about it, yet, I always find you catch more flys with honey than vinegar. However be stern and stick to your guns.

It might be worth putting this complaint on the record at this the earliest possible stage, maybe by way of an email. It cant hurt and is always prudent put things on the record and will be very helpful if this matter ever goes as far as litigation (thinking very far down the line here).

Sounds like a plan, Ronnie. Thanks.

E92

smcgiff wrote: »

And he was only driving a 1.9 if memory serves.

It was a 2.2 JTS;)!(and if I remember correctly they raced some man going across the Severn river on his feet, while Captain Slow had to get from one side to the other in the Alfa, but couldn't use the suspension Severn bridge to do it).

As for the OP, perhaps he was given an 07 model year version or something, I mean it's not every day you see a 159 let alone a 2.4 JTDm version.

smcgiff

E92 wrote: »

It was a 2.2 JTS;)!(and if I remember correctly they raced some man going across the Severn river on his feet, while Captain Slow had to get from one side to the other in the Alfa, but couldn't use the suspension Severn bridge to do it).

I test drove the 2.2 JTS, and wasn't overly impressed.

Talk to ye tomorrow.

smcgiff

E92 wrote: »

As for the OP, perhaps he was given an 07 model year version or something, I mean it's not every day you see a 159 let alone a 2.4 JTDm version.

Hope not, had to wait approx 10 weeks or so to get it.

Tails142

to be fair cruise control isnt even that useful in ireland. Even at say 4am when there's no traffic its crap either because of people doing 50 in left lane or people driving in the right lane refusing to pull over.

JHMEG

smcgiff wrote: »

Thanks Unkel, feeling bad enough already. Model lists at €47.5k before Delivery charges. Put approx six k onto it.

There was also a trade in.

6k for delivery charges? Between €600 and €1000 is typical for delivery charges.

leeroybrown

JHMEG wrote: »

6k for delivery charges? Between €600 and €1000 is typical for delivery charges.

One would presume he means 6k for extras not just delivery.

Elessar

I have cruise control in my car and never use it. You're more easily able to control speed without it as everyone else is driving at different speeds. Besides I always have my foot over the brake with it on so it gets tired.

Anyway, I'd do a double check to make sure you don't have it (could have been put somewhere else this year?), check the manual etc. and only then go to the dealer with your spec sheet asking where it is.

Also €54k for an Alfa :eek:

Churchy

OP - cars do get built to the wrong spec by the factory ,its rare but does occur.
Generally these misbuilds are picked up very quickly and the manufacturer sells its cheaply to a dealer as a demo or to a friendly fleet customer.
Just make sure A - the car is supposed to have it.
B- that it really isnt fitted - perhaps controls have changed from 07 brochure.

I'd imagine there'd be backup from the manufacturer on this one - wouldnt get too stressed by it just yet.

su_dios

OP go to the garage. Cruise control can be retrofitted fairly easily, even by yourself but of course on a new car you'll want it to be right. Just go talk to the dealer. The dealer didn't screw you over.. it was obviously just a factory mistake. Oh and yeah.. What were you thinking with 54k on a 159? You should have got a brera for that money or a fully loaded GT!

smcgiff

su_dios wrote: »

OP go to the garage. Cruise control can be retrofitted fairly easily, even by yourself but of course on a new car you'll want it to be right. Just go talk to the dealer. The dealer didn't screw you over.. it was obviously just a factory mistake. Oh and yeah.. What were you thinking with 54k on a 159? You should have got a brera for that money or a fully loaded GT!

Hi Su_dios,

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the dealer doesn't even know about it. My solicitor remark in the first post was a bad joke.

Unfortunately due to my prodigious talent at reproducing I needed a five seater. Otherwise we'd now be talking about an Audi TT!

I was hoping CC could be retro fitted, this would be great. Although now I've been told I shouldn't bother with it.

As suggested above I'll ring up the dealer and say that I can't work the CC and let it flow from there. But I will be checking the entire spec sheet when it comes in the post to make sure there's nothing else. Just hope it's not a Monday job.

Guy:Incognito

smcgiff wrote: »

I was hoping CC could be retro fitted, this would be great. Although now I've been told I shouldn't bother with it..

While it may be supposed to be standard equipment I'd work on the principal that anything on the car , you'vepaid for, so should get something back if you dont take the retrofit option.

The process is more than likely just connecting the stalk so may as well get them to do it.

eamon234

54K! That dealer's nearly as happy as the dealer the company I work for bought a brand new car off last week only to have the rep crash it ten minutes after he sat into it. Probably the fastest repeat sale in history!

agent_smith

Good call on the 159. I think it looks much nicer than the gt (which i was never really a fan of). The brera is a little prettier , but there is not much in it ... both are sexiest cars on the road south of 100,000.
Im sorry to hear you got shafted. I have a friend who bought a BMW years ago and got shunted.
What colour did you go for ? Personally if it was me i would be going for that grey they do for the TI model. The extra side skirting and red calipers look savage against it.

smcgiff

eamon234 wrote: »

54K! That dealer's nearly as happy ...

Then that's two of us happy. See, the world is a better place.
And if you think the dealer is happy, I heard Brian Cowen has decided not put up the ESB for privatisation because of the extra revenue.

chump

agent_smith wrote: »

Good call on the 159. I think it looks much nicer than the gt (which i was never really a fan of). The brera is a little prettier , but there is not much in it ... both are sexiest cars on the road south of 100,000.
Im sorry to hear you got shafted. I have a friend who bought a BMW years ago and got shunted.
What colour did you go for ? Personally if it was me i would be going for that grey they do for the TI model. The extra side skirting and red calipers look savage against it.

nice car OP

must be a real pain to post a genuine tale of woe on here and to have the thread filled with people spluttering about how you spent so much on that car

enjoy it

smcgiff

agent_smith wrote: »

Good call on the 159. I think it looks much nicer than the gt (which i was never really a fan of). The brera is a little prettier , but there is not much in it ... both are sexiest cars on the road south of 100,000.
Im sorry to hear you got shafted. I have a friend who bought a BMW years ago and got shunted.
What colour did you go for ? Personally if it was me i would be going for that grey they do for the TI model. The extra side skirting and red calipers look savage against it.

Thanks agent, Smith. I went for the bling bling option (I've the sterotype of a chartered accountant to live down) - Alfa Red. I was a bit worried about the chrome mirrors, but I think it works now that I see it in the flesh. Will post a picture in the non - BMW thread when the weather is more conducive.

I think the black does look best, with the chrome and red calipers, but they are by far the most common (albeit of a pretty rare car).

And while this thread is a concentrating on a negative (and I may have over reacted somewhat on first discovery), I have to say the car drives like a dream.

BTW, I'm sure the garage will see me right.

smcgiff

chump wrote: »

nice car OP

must be a real pain to post a genuine tale of woe on here and to have the thread filled with people spluttering about how you spent so much on that car

enjoy it

Thanks Chump. Water of a ducks arse!

But, with that said, I'm grateful for the good advice I've received above and have calmed down from potential melt down to 'everything's alright with the world' again.

Zonda999

Tails142 wrote: »

to be fair cruise control isnt even that useful in ireland. Even at say 4am when there's no traffic its crap either because of people doing 50 in left lane or people driving in the right lane refusing to pull over.

In fairness, cruise control comes down to personal preference and if someone wants it they should be able to have it.If you have a lond daily commute for example, or if you frequently travel to the uk or europe, CC is very handy.Hope you get to the bottom of the problem, OP and good look with the car.It sounds gorgeous altogether.

Tragedy

Gorgeous car, congratulations and I hope you enjoy every minute driving it

NewApproach

Elessar wrote: »

I have cruise control in my car and never use it.

Thats irrelevant. Fact is the car is specced with it and it wasn't on it

legs11

post pics OP and let us know how this cruise control sagea pans out...............:D

congrats on the purchase and safe driving.

Lex Luthor

Tails142 wrote: »

to be fair cruise control isnt even that useful in ireland. Even at say 4am when there's no traffic its crap either because of people doing 50 in left lane or people driving in the right lane refusing to pull over.

I disagree. My wifes car has cruise control and I find myself using it all the time when I'm driving it. It can really depend on how easy it is to use and where the stalk is located.

As to the OP, congrats on the new car....great choice. I wouldn't get too down yet about the stalk missing. Its very possible that the dealer can fit this.

I was looking at a Saab 9-3 estate last year and when I was speaking to the dealer, he said that the cruise control stalk is fitted after they take delivery. The loom is already installed and its an hour job to fit.

Lets hope the 159 is the same.

skyhighflyer

Probably the most beautiful saloon car on the road right now - congrats OP. Best of luck with it and hope you get the cruise issue sorted. I have to say I fall into the camp of people who believe it's not all that necessary but it's a new car and you want - and deserve - it to be just right.

Also, try not to listen to the Passat TDI brigade re: spending 54k on an Alfa - the 159 with the TI pack is worth every penny on the looks alone.

Edit: Am I right in thinking that the TI pack comes with 19" wheels? How is the ride on typical roads?

su_dios

Yep OP the car should be already wired for it and its a case of getting the cruise control stalk and fitting it. Not sure if theres any reprogramming to be done or not though. Either way the dealer should do it straight away for you. Make sure you do it as soon as possible as the longer you leave it the harder it will be to convince them.

You will love the alfa. Hard to get a better sounding engine and plenty of room too!! My fav bit about the car is the front lighting set up.

smcgiff

Lex Luthor wrote: »

As to the OP, congrats on the new car....great choice. I wouldn't get too down yet about the stalk missing. Its very possible that the dealer can fit this.

Oh, that would be great! Fingers crossed. I'll even use this to break the ice with the dealer. i.e. Has the stalk yet to be fitted type of lead in...

Thanks

smcgiff

skyhighflyer wrote: »

Edit: Am I right in thinking that the TI pack comes with 19" wheels? How is the ride on typical roads?

Yip - I was kind of dreading the 19" 40s, as my previous car was a SAAB 93 that had 17" with 45s. Now, that car was able to distinguish between Carroll and Major fag packets as it drove over them.

As it turned out (maybe due to low expectations) the 19" seem fierce smooth. Maybe the suspension compensates, but it's a dream to drive, and I've even driven the back roads. Also, the Fifth Gear review slated the gear change and again, I think its short shift is excellent.

One thing I will mention though is the car manual. It's unforgivably poor in patches. There's one paragraph which leaves out a "not" and you'd get the impression that you should do something instead of not doing it. I've some experience of translation services, and Alfa really should have put more resources into it. But, this is such a small thing, I'll put it down to a quirk of the Marque.

GERMAN ROCKS

i think this car was way overpriced. at the end of the day its only an alfa. you could of got a much nicer bmw, audi or merc for that money. also they depreciate very quickly compared to the other 3

GERMAN ROCKS

i think this car was way overprices. at the end of the day its only an alfa. you could of got a much nicer bmw, audi or merc for that money. also they depreciate very quickly compared to the other 3

smcgiff

su_dios wrote: »

Either way the dealer should do it straight away for you. Make sure you do it as soon as possible as the longer you leave it the harder it will be to convince them.

This is sounding less of a big deal all the time.

su_dios wrote: »

My fav bit about the car is the front lighting set up.

They're cool, and they readjust every time you turn on the lights. It's the simple things that I appreciate.

smcgiff

GERMAN ROCKS wrote: »

i think this car was way overprices. at the end of the day its only an alfa. you could of got a much nicer bmw, audi or merc for that money. also they depreciate very quickly compared to the other 3

You might want to sit down, German Rocks, because I'll let you into a secret. Just between you and me, loike. I test drove the BMW 3 series, and have owned an A6 and A4 relatively recently (would never buy a Merc, so no need to test drive). So, what this boils down to is individual preference.

And in some ways you must be right. By far the more common cars are BMWs/Audis/Mercs, but on this occasion I chose the 159.

The 159 will depreciate quicker than the BMW, Audi and the Merc, but not as quick as the 156. However, I refuse to let what the value of my car is in 5 years time compared to a BMW/Audi/Merc/space shuttle worry me. That's in five years time. By then I'll be forty and possibly not interested in cars any more and may even settle for a Merc. But until that day comes I'll be the one driving with a grin on my face.

port

smcgiff wrote: »

'..........But until that day comes I'll be the one driving with a grin on my face.

Brilliant reply ha ha.
Best of luck with the car.Have you checked the car manual,perhaps the cc is set up differently i.e not on a stalk but elsewhere.

alfarocks

GERMAN ROCKS wrote: »

i think this car was way overprices. at the end of the day its only an alfa. you could of got a much nicer bmw, audi or merc for that money. also they depreciate very quickly compared to the other 3

Yawn... was going to craft a proper response but yawn.....

Fair play for the OP for going with his car of choice and not be beaten down by usual naysayers. People really need to get over this depreciation bullsh1te, if you want a car then buy it - sometimes it costs not to be a sheep.

smcgiff

port wrote: »

Brilliant reply ha ha.
Best of luck with the car.Have you checked the car manual,perhaps the cc is set up differently i.e not on a stalk but elsewhere.

Thanks, port. It's the manual that convinced me it's missing. Would happily eat humble pie if I'm told Monday morning that the CC button(s) is next to the thingymebob, just under the watchamacallit.

smcgiff

alfarocks wrote: »

Fair play for the OP for going with his car of choice

Thanks alfarocks, I may now need to change my Boards.ie name. Do you think ALFA MALE to be a tad presumptuous?

colm_mcm

maybe cruise control can be retro fitted using original parts?

cancan

GERMAN ROCKS wrote: »

i think this car was way overpriced. at the end of the day its only an alfa. you could of got a much nicer bmw, audi or merc for that money. also they depreciate very quickly compared to the other 3

Stereotypical irish car buyer.... I suppose zee germans are paraogons of reliability too!

Did you know a citroen c6 depreciates less than a 530D?
I would guess not...

A, but it's only a citroen, loike...

Guy:Incognito

cancan wrote: »

Did you know a citroen c6 depreciates less than a 530D?
I would guess not...

It's also a much nicer car.

I really want to own one at some stage.

colm_mcm

What are the C6 depreciation figures based on? Has anyone in Ireland actually bought one and traded it back in yet? The only C6's I've seen have been registered as demo models.