Alfa 159

Stevie Dakota

I found myself looking at one of these today, a 2006 JTDm, smashing looking car of course but any issues around that engine? The car will be under warranty until March 2009 but after that it's a step into the unknown....

Any thoughts?

smash

don't listen to people here that will tell you alfa's are crap ect... I have one and it's great. get onto an alfa owners forum and assk the question - they'll have the answers.

Hotwheels

Had 1.9 JTDmfrom new excellent machine, they love the twisty stuff.
I put up almost 60K before swapping for another one, wonderful car to drive and a very good mile muncher...They do about 43-47MPG, and even if you drive them hard you still get 41MPG
A set of tyres will last you about 15-18K depending on they type of tyre ya fit...
I bought mine in Lismard Autoworld Portlaois, and found them very good, if its any good to you.
best of luck, they are a fab looking car..be prepared to be stared at in traffic a lot

siralfalot

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

smashing looking car of course but any issues around that engine?

fantastic car, and the one thing you will not have to worry about is the engine, Fiat are one of the best engine makers there is nowadays

that 1.9 JTD is in everything diesel from Saab and Opel too

Nonoperational

Echo what's being said. The Alfa JTDm engines are GM units. Very similar to Saab and Opel units. Rock solid. The 159 is supposed to be much more solid than anything before. Get the belt done around the 60K mark would be my recommendation as there have been a few reports of them failing before 72K (safe to wait until the end of your warranty if it has been serviced as required).

www.alfaowner.com will answer any potential questions you might have!

kyote00

the 159 petrol units have timing chains only diesel units have belts...

pburns

I have always had a soft-spot for Alfas and test drove the 159JTDm recently. I have to say I was disappointed, it felt sluggish and ponderous (the infamous weight issue of current Alfas?). Also, even though I let down the seat the driving position seemed too high for me.

It's great to hear that it's holding together reliability-wise though. If Alfa could improve dynamics just a little and live down their troublesome reputation they would be an awesome proposition.

Nonoperational

kyote00 wrote: »

the 159 petrol units have timing chains only diesel units have belts...

Its a diesel he was looking at...

unkel

gpf101 wrote: »

The Alfa JTDm engines are GM units. Very similar to Saab and Opel units.

It's the other way around. The FIAT/Alfa diesel engines are used in GM cars like Saabs and Opels

Stevie Dakota

Cheers people, a great car by all accounts.

bazz26

The 159 seems to be holding second hand values pretty steady especially the diesels.

Good if your selling one, bad if your looking for a bargin.

jimogr

bazz26 wrote: »

The 159 seems to be holding second hand values pretty steady especially the diesels.

Good if your selling one, bad if your looking for a bargin.

Probably because there's not many of them around.

voxpop

pburns wrote: »

I have always had a soft-spot for Alfas and test drove the 159JTDm recently. I have to say I was disappointed, it felt sluggish and ponderous (the infamous weight issue of current Alfas?).

Was it the 120 or 150 bhp car your were test driving?



Anyone got anything to say about the petrol variant of the 159 or is diesel the only way to go with the 159?

pburns

voxpop wrote: »

Was it the 120 or 150 bhp car your were test driving?

It was the 150bhp model. In fairness it was on the outskirts of town and I didn't get a chance to 'open her up'.

The main problem with the 159 though is WEIGHT! This drags the CO2 into Band D which is ridiculous when compared with cars in that very broad sector like the 3-series, Mazda 6, Legacy. More to the point, it also effects performance and handling.

They were supposed to have tackled this at the facelift but AFAIK it was a token gesture - reducing unspring weight of suspension, brakes or somefing'.

The 159 is shagged at the moment I think because the 3-series/A4 are only a little more expensive (what with massive CO2 strides) and less expensive cars like the Legacy Diesel, even the Mazda 6 or Mondeo blow it out of the water dynamically.

Like I said, I like Alfas, I'm not a basher. But the 159, Brera etc. are just not competitive in current guise, even though they look divine:(...

voxpop

Blast - I was really considering a 159 as my next car. I was a bit worried,to be honest, after seeing the figures with torque and bhp similar to my golf and the alfa about 200 kg heavier. Sounds like the car is pretty mediocre bar the looks of course- pity really

Hotwheels

voxpop wrote: »

Blast - I was really considering a 159 as my next car. I was a bit worried,to be honest, after seeing the figures with torque and bhp similar to my golf and the alfa about 200 kg heavier. Sounds like the car is pretty mediocre bar the looks of course- pity really

couldn't be more wrong..
Having lived (I’m on my second)with the 150 BHP JTDm for the last 2+ years, they are far from mediocre.
Few other cars drive like the 159, it’s in the twisty stuff this car really shines, I had the chance to drive on the track with my Bella and it was a hoot.
Gone is the lift-off over-steer from the 156, the grip is amazing you have to push very hard (or do something silly)to get her to step out..
Overtaking is a question of setting the car up to maximize the boost, its all a question of “keeping her lit”
Will I buy another? Absolutely
Try taking one on an extended test drive, like 100 miles or so You'll see what I mean..

Sam Kade

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I found myself looking at one of these today, a 2006 JTDm, smashing looking car of course but any issues around that engine? The car will be under warranty until March 2009 but after that it's a step into the unknown....

Any thoughts?

Stay away from those cars, nice looking but loads of problems. I know a lot of alfa owners that are hounded from costly breakdowns.

miju

ever notice it's always people who "know others" that usually berate Alfas

OP the 159 is a lovely car , reliable and a beaut to drive IMO

su_dios

Sam Kade wrote: »

I know a lot of alfa owners that are hounded from costly breakdowns.

How long is the warranty now - 3/4 years? How old is the 159 model - 2 years maybe?

Wouldn't break downs be covered mostly by warranty then?

Saw a Ti recently and it looked gorgeous! Not mad on the dash though, prefer the 147/GT dash

Bluefoam

Alfa all the way for me, we have had 5 in the family so far & they are no more problematic than any other brand.

gary the great

My dad has a 159 and its a lovely car, and i have a 147. both brilliant cars and are much better drivers than most other cars out there.

I also had people tell me about their unrealiability, but we've both had no other yet (touch wood) and ive owned the 147 the last 6months and the 159 is a year old. Albeit they are both very well taken care of, but its hard not to look after a car that good looking!!

pburns

su_dios wrote: »

How long is the warranty now - 3/4 years? How old is the 159 model - 2 years maybe?

Wouldn't break downs be covered mostly by warranty then?

That's kinda the point - it's only been out a few years and it's not the type of cars fleets use and put up intergalactic mileage (that would be a test).

Friend of mine had a 'trouble-free' Discovery for 3 years but when it started going wrong it was a total liability. He's just recently got shut of it & is well relieved...

smash

go and get it... you know you want to!

Ferris

voxpop wrote: »

Blast - I was really considering a 159 as my next car. I was a bit worried,to be honest, after seeing the figures with torque and bhp similar to my golf and the alfa about 200 kg heavier. Sounds like the car is pretty mediocre bar the looks of course- pity really

Theres a lot to be said for walking out of your gaff on a cold winters morning to be greeted by a work of art tho. Makes the extra tax and VRT seem cheap really!

furtzy

Beautiful car and that diesel engine is fantastic I have it in my Vectra. Don't mind all the usual car bashing that goes on in here....buy it and be happy

bottletops

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I found myself looking at one of these today, a 2006 JTDm, smashing looking car of course but any issues around that engine? The car will be under warranty until March 2009 but after that it's a step into the unknown....

Any thoughts?

I have 129,000 MILES on my 05 1.9 JTD M-Jet 140bhp and Its never had ANY problems... except for oil and a filter every 6000 miles and a FULL service history. Alfa's shouldn't be bought without one.
other than that mine has been a dream to own and drive

RobAMerc

Friend of mine is in the market for a sport estate.

imo the natural choice is the 159 ti sportwagon in Stromboli grey or black with natural colour leather.

I would really love the 3.2 - but lets be serious
The 2.4 jtdm - but lets face it - no one will want that once he's finished with it - so 1.9jtdm

now he is insisting that most of his time is spent in dublin traffic so it needs to be an auto

My question is - 1.9jtdm ti spec sportwagon auto -

Would he have to throw it away when he's finished ?

Rob

cjt156

RobAMerc wrote: »

My question is - 1.9jtdm ti spec sportwagon auto -

Would he have to throw it away when he's finished ?

Rob

Nah, I'll take it off him!

pburns

bottletops wrote: »

I have 129,000 MILES on my 05 1.9 JTD M-Jet 140bhp and Its never had ANY problems... except for oil and a filter every 6000 miles and a FULL service history. Alfa's shouldn't be bought without one.
other than that mine has been a dream to own and drive

Wow, that's impressive enough. I'm glad to hear it.

I'd still be prevented from buying one for the reasons posted above. Excessive weight
(i) blunts it's performance and handling
(ii) fooks up it's CO2 figure, badly effecting the VRT added and road tax

I was genuinely interested in buying one. However I just don't think Alfas should get away with being dynamically medioce just because they look great. I don't care how many people here claim what a great drive it is, my own experiences, plus those of respected publications like CAR and Autocar suggest the 159 is just not near the sharp end of the grid as a driving tool.

And I'm sorry, an Alfa, a REAL Alfa is all about the driving, not just posing or being noticed in traffic.

Having said that, they do seem to be bolted together better these days and if it's the only car for you then go for it. There are certainly far worse choices.

I'm just giving my tupenny worth...

Bluefoam

I believe the 159 has been sent on a diet, so the newer models have reduced weight. I am also lead to believe that the 159 is no heavier than its BMW/Audi equivalents.

& regarding it not being at the sharp end as a driving tool :rolleyes: neither is the equivalent in any other marque...

If you want a really sharp Audi you go for a top end Model. You have to realise that many of these tests are done on the race track, which is a million miles away from the conditions that most 159 drivers will be.

I drive an Alfa 147 & when you put it past 3000rpm it's character changes and just begs to be driven. Below 3000rpm & it is sophisticated and relaxing to drive. Alfas are set up in a way particular to that brand and you can only find out the joy of owning one... ... by actually owning one...

mcwhirter

Bluefoam wrote: »

I believe the 159 has been sent on a diet, so the newer models have reduced weight. I am also lead to believe that the 159 is no heavier than its BMW/Audi equivalents.

& regarding it not being at the sharp end as a driving tool :rolleyes: neither is the equivalent in any other marque...

If you want a really sharp Audi you go for a top end Model. You have to realise that many of these tests are done on the race track, which is a million miles away from the conditions that most 159 drivers will be.

I drive an Alfa 147 & when you put it past 3000rpm it's character changes and just begs to be driven. Below 3000rpm & it is sophisticated and relaxing to drive. Alfas are set up in a way particular to that brand and you can only find out the joy of owning one... ... by actually owning one...

Yes, totally agree, had a few sud's and 33's. All great, reliable, but rusty,engine great at high revs, very hard to drive slowly.
Tempted to buy a 2005 147 1.9 diesel. Are they recommended?

Bluefoam

mcwhirter wrote: »

Yes, totally agree, had a few sud's and 33's. All great, reliable, but rusty,engine great at high revs, very hard to drive slowly.
Tempted to buy a 2005 147 1.9 diesel. Are they recommended?

Mines a 05 147 1.6 Petrol & I highly recommend it. Apparently the 1.9D is the best engine of the lot.

The sound out of my engine nearly makes me soil myself - its a fantastic car...

mcwhirter

:eek:.

The sound out of my engine nearly makes me soil myself - its a fantastic car...[/quote]

You should hear the flat fours in the suds and 33s, nearly touched cloth a few times me self.:eek:

Stevie Dakota

OK guys, a funny thing happened on the way to the Alfa showroom...

I bought a Ford Focus 2.0TDci Titanium! I was initially looking for one for the mother, but drove it and came away really impressed. The Alfa was looked at in a heart V head decision and I went with the cheaper car that suited my needs best.

The choice came down to a 2006 159JTDm Lussso (silver with black leather) for €23.5K or the Ford 2008 Titanium (low annual tax) for €20.5K. 1 year warranty V 2.5 years. There was just no getting around the fact that despite being more desirable that it was going to cost more in the long run.

So now I have the Ford I can look forward to low running costs, fantastic performance and a fun driving experience, while getting around 45mpg, all bundled in a practical package. I hope that proves to be enough!

Bluefoam

Well wear...

gary the great

Bought a Focus over a 159, thats a real head over heart decison!!

Ye i agree below 3k rpm my 147 is normal, sophisticated, put it over that its like a different engine. the noise it makes to is amazing, i love the car so much

superjosh9

voxpop wrote: »

Blast - I was really considering a 159 as my next car. I was a bit worried,to be honest, after seeing the figures with torque and bhp similar to my golf and the alfa about 200 kg heavier. Sounds like the car is pretty mediocre bar the looks of course- pity really

I don't know. Almost every car is heavier than the one that it replaces - and that added weight seems to be used in safety. Take a look at euro-ncap and look at the performance difference between the 147 (156 platform) and 159. The 159 is just about the safest car you can buy - unheard of from an Alfa.

In addition, how much performance are you really going to exploit? I'm sure for our Irish roads that it performs admirably. And it does look quite well. Yes, I agree it's a shame that it didn't make it into the lower VRT bands but sure what can you do.

With that German guy in charge, I'd say this is the best Alfa in years and 10 times the car the 156 was. I'll have an estate model please!

Have not seen one in real life, but the dash doesn't look so good though..

superjosh9

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I bought a Ford Focus 2.0TDci Titanium! I was initially looking for one for the mother, but drove it and came away really impressed...

haha, nice one. I'm waiting to have a go of the powershift one when it get's here. Those cars are very good value for money alright, look pretty smart too.

enjoy it!

positron

I would love to own a 159 1.9 JTDm Sportswagon, but cheapest is around 12k sterling and VRT (after putting in the CO2 figure as 157) is around €6k. Overall slightly over €20k..! (and about €10k over my budget! )

pburns

superjosh9 wrote: »

I don't know. Almost every car is heavier than the one that it replaces - and that added weight seems to be used in safety. Take a look at euro-ncap and look at the performance difference between the 147 (156 platform) and 159. The 159 is just about the safest car you can buy - unheard of from an Alfa.

Not from now on...
Mark my words weight reduction will be a big target for manufacturers going forward. The new Mazda 2 and 6 have focused on this for example. Despite being bigger the new 6 has a lower weight than the old model and much improved CO2 (despite largely carried-over engines). It has benefits for handling and performance too. The new Fiesta is another that will be lighter.

superjosh9 wrote: »

In addition, how much performance are you really going to exploit? I'm sure for our Irish roads that it performs admirably.

Man, that's just sacrilage - and not a very 'Alfa' attitude! I'm not interested in just a show-pony. Really, you need to consider whether you're more intersted in posing or driving. For me it's the latter.

superjosh9 wrote: »

With that German guy in charge, I'd say this is the best Alfa in years and 10 times the car the 156 was. I'll have an estate model please!

I don't think he was around when the 159 was being developed. He's probably had an input into improved production quality alright. I have a feeling - if finance allows - that the next range of Alfas could really be something special. Looking forward to the 147 replacement. I read a report that it wouldn't be based on the Bravo platform but would get new underpinings...

Bluefoam

Latest I heard was that they were abandoning the Bravo platform for the 149 and developing a specific platform.

superjosh9

pburns wrote: »

Man, that's just sacrilage - and not a very 'Alfa' attitude! I'm not interested in just a show-pony. Really, you need to consider whether you're more intersted in posing or driving. For me it's the latter.
...

lol, I spend most of my time driving an old rwd Volvo 940 estate. More fun than any fwd car (I also have an S40) - and can't say I've ever been accused of posing in it!

as for alfa, I hope one day to get an old gtv-6 from 1983 or so.

I agree with you other comments re weight and all that. Green times ahead.