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First Car - Alfa Romeo 156?

  • 28-10-2009 2:05pm
    #1
    Babette08
    Closed Accounts Posts: 157 ✭✭


    I'm looking at cars at the moment in the 3k to 4k price range. As a first time driver I know everyone recommends the sensible small motors such as Micra's and Yaris's.

    I have my eye on a lovely Alfa Romeo 156 1.6 engine. I'm wondering would this be a terrible decision for a first car... they are relatively cheap so a bit of wear and tear over the first year of learning wouldn't be a huge loss.

    I'm aware also that they have a reputation of being unreliable. It will only be a weekend car so I won't be doing a lot of mileage so i'm allowing for this in the low cost to buy.

    My real concern is are they difficult to drive? Are they more geared towards the skilled / experienced driver? Safety is another concern

    Would appreciate any advice, thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    fjon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,088 ✭✭✭fjon


    Nice cars, not too difficult to drive. Main difference over a more typical first car would probably be the size of it (parking), and the fact it's not a hatch.
    As for reliability, they aren't that bad. You could get unlucky though and get one that needs a bit of work.


  • #3
    Babette08
    Closed Accounts Posts: 157 ✭✭Babette08


    fjon wrote: »
    Nice cars, not too difficult to drive. Main difference over a more typical first car would probably be the size of it (parking), and the fact it's not a hatch.
    As for reliability, they aren't that bad. You could get unlucky though and get one that needs a bit of work.


    thanks fjon. I have experience of driving rear wheel drive..it can be a little dangerous as a learner. So handling and all the rest similar to the usual starter cars?

    Yeah size is the only obvious difference, wasn't sure though. This one has just passed it NCT and is under warranty


  • #4
    ardmacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,476 ✭✭✭ardmacha


    Insurance cost may be another important difference.


  • #5
    jhegarty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,441 ✭✭✭jhegarty


    They are not the most reliable cars around (that's the polite way of saying it).

    Make sure the timing belt has been done on time (walk away if not) and get the electrics checked out.


  • #6
    dudara
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    Insurance will be your biggest problem, I think. 1.6 litre is a big-enough engine for someone on a leaner's permit.


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  • #7
    GeeNorm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 162 ✭✭GeeNorm


    Do it. The fact that so many of them were unreliable makes the good ones very cheap for what you get. Its a compact car with relatively small engine so parking, insurance, tax etc should be managable but check with insurer first.


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