Alfa 159 estate

166man

How's it going lads, basically this time last year to the day, my father bought an Alfa Romeo 159 estate diesel and luckily I have had the pleasure of driving it for the last year and thought I would post my thoughts on this fine motor for any of you thinking about getting one. Here goes:


Bought it this time last year almost to the day actually with 52km on the clock it had never been driven and looked mint. It's black with a red leather interior. One year later and 35k km later and safely I(we) can both agree that it's a fine motor. We also had the front and rear brake callipers painted Alfa red just to make it look that bit better!

Performance It's got the 120bhp engine in it so really was never going to be a rocketship but at first it was perfectly acceptable and cruised really well on the motorway. Then decided to get it chipped to 145bhp and boy did it make a difference. Torque comes in lower down the range and the car seems to rev much better than before. Well worth it for the €400 it cost.

Interior This is a strong point of the car. Nothing has broken or come off in 35k km of driving. Not one rattle and no broken interior pieces. Leather is really nice and has lasted well. Sound system and air-con work great too. There is a surprising amount of room in the back of the car too and seats fold easily although not completely flat. High boot lid can be annoying sometimes but that's about it.

Reliabilty Something important here for any Alfa! Well surprisingly it's been fantastic. No complaints as yet. Has first service next Tuesday and I insisted on an oil change at 17k km. Had front tyres replaced but got 30k km out of them. Engine runs great and get's better the more it's driven. It doesn't like cold starts though and can be stalled very easily but that's probably my own fault!

Refinement Engine is noisy enough around town but quietens down at motorway speeds. Six speed gear box is great to use and 6th comes in handy on the motorway. Am currently looking into aftermarket cruise control for it though. Car is very comfortable and takes the worst of the bumps extremely well, much better than the 166 did anyway! As for handling well it's not as light as my 156 but it's still good and enjoys going around the twisties around the mountains.

Costs Car was very good value to buy originally and should hold it's value reasonably well. Road tax is €445 for the year and fuel economy is a little disappointing, it stays around the 38-45mpg on average. I was hoping for around 50. No word yet on dealer costs yet as it's yet to have a first service but it does have a three year warranty with it.

So to sum up the car after 12 months

Good Drives well,looks great and good interior.Reliability is good so far too.

Bad Boot is a bit small and fuel economy not that great.

That's about it folks, hope it helps any of you in buying one of these!Oh and thanks for reading it was a long post!:D

rocky

pics?

166man

Waiting for some decent weather to clean properly and should then have some good pics. Not sure what the forecast is like but will clean it this week.

pred racer

I seen a red one of these yesterday, it was lovely, i was straight on done deal when i got home. Too expensive for me.....:(

EPM

Good write up.

Is it chipped or remapped?

Redsoxfan

EPM wrote: »

Good write up.

Is it chipped or remapped?

+1 - and who did the work?

On the fuel economy and the engine itself, the 2.0JTDm is the 'best' diesel for the 159, but wasn't released until 2010 and not sure it was ever put on the market here in Ireland.

166man

@EPM, yeah got it chipped/remapped and got 25 more horses out of it.Torque increased up to about 230lb/ft too. Would recommend it to anyone really. Got it done by GTI Direct out on the Kylemore road. Excellent job and well worth it.

As for the 2.0JTDM probably could have waited for that engine as it's now available in Ireland but the 1.9 is perfectly adequate.

EPM

166man wrote: »

@EPM, yeah got it chipped/remapped and got 25 more horses out of it.Torque increased up to about 230lb/ft too. Would recommend it to anyone really. Got it done by GTI Direct out on the Kylemore road. Excellent job and well worth it.

As for the 2.0JTDM probably could have waited for that engine as it's now available in Ireland but the 1.9 is perfectly adequate.

Its just that there's a big difference between it being chipped and remapped. Hope its remapped is all.

Came close to buying one at the start of the year but most of the decent spec ones (in my budget) seem to have been replaced by the "executive" spec which is very hit and miss and some of them have spec that others don't. No cruise was a silly admission given the class it was in. Nice car though.

166man

EPM wrote: »

Its just that there's a big difference between it being chipped and remapped. Hope its remapped is all.

Came close to buying one at the start of the year but most of the decent spec ones (in my budget) seem to have been replaced by the "executive" spec which is very hit and miss and some of them have spec that others don't. No cruise was a silly admission given the class it was in. Nice car though.

Checked with the old man, she's remapped alright. The executive spec is odd too, no alloys on them is really poor by Alfa. I also think leather is a must but many don't have them. As for the cruise, it's something a diesel saloon should have but looking to get it retrofitted soon, and change the alloys too.

166man

166man wrote: »

.....

Costs Car was very good value to buy originally and should hold it's value reasonably well. Road tax is €445 for the year and fuel economy is a little disappointing, it stays around the 38-45mpg on average. I was hoping for around 50. No word yet on dealer costs yet as it's yet to have a first service but it does have a three year warranty with it.

......

That's about it folks, hope it helps any of you in buying one of these!Oh and thanks for reading it was a long post!:D

grand write up, you put the motoring journalists to shame :cool: any guesstimate on depreciation over the year ?

166man

RoverJames wrote: »

grand write up, you put the motoring journalists to shame :cool: any guesstimate on depreciation over the year ?

Cheers for that RJ, as for depreciation wouldn't be too sure. Hopefully won't be too bad but the relatively high tax counts against it. That said I don't think there are too many of them around the same as out one!

smcgiff

Let us know how you get on with the cruise retro fit - would be interested in that. I was supposed to get it but it arrived without it. Mine is a 2008 2.4 jtdm 210 chipped to 250.

Had a recent problem with the gear box at 80k km. Maybe because it was chipped ?!?

tuborg_man

Was thinking about running one of these as an interesting taxi, have done big miles in a 156 before and loved driving it, thanks for the write up, very helpfull

166man

smcgiff wrote: »

Let us know how you get on with the cruise retro fit - would be interested in that. I was supposed to get it but it arrived without it. Mine is a 2008 2.4 jtdm 210 chipped to 250.

Had a recent problem with the gear box at 80k km. Maybe because it was chipped ?!?

Will do have gotten a few numbers together so don't think it's too expensive to fit. 250 bhp?!Wow say she's quick alright! What kind of problem with the gearbox have you been having?

@Tuborg man, wouldn't make a bad taxi to be honest. Pick one up very reasonably these days although I can see why most taxi's are Skoda's and not Alfas!

smcgiff

Garage said a ball bearing went in the gear box. Do a lot of motorway driving so will be following this thread

166man

smcgiff wrote: »

Garage said a ball bearing went in the gear box. Do a lot of motorway driving so will be following this thread

Right thanks for letting me know. Is yours a sportwagon/Ti model?:D

smcgiff

166man wrote: »

Right thanks for letting me know. Is yours a sportwagon/Ti model?:D

Ti

166man

smcgiff wrote: »

Ti

Nice I like this! Gonna put some pics up soon once I get it cleaned.:)

What engine is your one op? Theres a lot of 1.9JTS's for sale in ireland but ive heard they're slow and heavy on juice.

Whats the soundsystem like in these? Ill never forget the soundsystem in my old Alfa, bog standard, not even the BOSE system, but nothing compared to it.

166man

Deleted User wrote: »

What engine is your one op? Theres a lot of 1.9JTS's for sale in ireland but ive heard they're slow and heavy on juice.

Whats the soundsystem like in these? Ill never forget the soundsystem in my old Alfa, bog standard, not even the BOSE system, but nothing compared to it.

I'm going to assume that should be JTD and not JTS! Our's is the 1.9 8v with 120hp standard but we got it remapped so happy days!As for mpg well stays consistently around 40mpg sometimes 44 and can drop to 38 but other than that it's ok really.

Soundsystem is good, but not as good as the 166 before that. It does the job really. Bose system would be nice!

Piri

Just small info
Be very careful and do not put big alloys on it.
Max 17 inch as front suspension is very weak and heavy diesel engine causing inside tyre worn out very quickly. (10k miles) Factory tracking data is not useful!
Need to fine tune tracking with different settings.
Some cars coming out from factory with 19 inch wheels Not suitable here in Ireland maybe Swiss or German roads compatible only.

166man

Piri wrote: »

Just small info
Be very careful and do not put big alloys on it.
Max 17 inch as front suspension is very weak and heavy diesel engine causing inside tyre worn out very quickly. (10k miles) Factory tracking data is not useful!
Need to fine tune tracking with different settings.
Some cars coming out from factory with 19 inch wheels Not suitable here in Ireland maybe Swiss or German roads compatible only.

Thanks for that info Piri, looking into getting a set of 17's for it as it's on 16's at the moment and they don't do it justice. Wouldn't go bigger than 17 though.

166man

166man wrote: »

I'm going to assume that should be JTD and not JTS! Our's is the 1.9 8v with 120hp standard but we got it remapped so happy days!As for mpg well stays consistently around 40mpg sometimes 44 and can drop to 38 but other than that it's ok really.

Soundsystem is good, but not as good as the 166 before that. It does the job really. Bose system would be nice!

The JTD is the diseal the 1.9JTS is a petrol engine on the earlier versions afaik.

ZV Yoda

I've had a 166 for 3 years now & love it to bits. It's been a pleasure to own & drive. Fully loaded with leather etc

Anyway, I'll prob change to a diesel next year. I'll be getting another Alfa for sure. A decent spec 159 estate is the front runner (although the Giulietta is really growing on me too). Unfortunately a GT or Brera are out for me since I need 4 doors (we've 3 kids).

I've read some other reports of 166 drivers being dissapointed with the 159. Since you've driven both, any other thoughts on how the 159 compares to the 166? Also, how do they compare to drive? Mine is a 2.0 TS (155BHP)

Piri

159 is smaller and feels like driving a german car AUDI etc...

166man

ZV Yoda wrote: »

I've had a 166 for 3 years now & love it to bits. It's been a pleasure to own & drive. Fully loaded with leather etc

Anyway, I'll prob change to a diesel next year. I'll be getting another Alfa for sure. A decent spec 159 estate is the front runner (although the Giulietta is really growing on me too). Unfortunately a GT or Brera are out for me since I need 4 doors (we've 3 kids).

I've read some other reports of 166 drivers being dissapointed with the 159. Since you've driven both, any other thoughts on how the 159 compares to the 166? Also, how do they compare to drive? Mine is a 2.0 TS (155BHP)

Mind me asking is your 166 the facelift model?There's so few on the roads these days! 166 was a truly great car in so many ways. I'd go for the Alfa estate all the way except the high boot lid might be a bit awkward with kids buggies etc. Seats fold very easily too except not completely flat. I'm over 6ft as is my father and I can sit in the back behind the drivers seat or vice-versa. Surprising amount of room but the rear seat base is quite short.

I'v only driven the 166 once due to licence constraints but it's a very different car to the 159. It is a more comfortable car than the 159 but the estate can take weight better. Any time there was even two people in the back of the 166 suspension sunk right down! 159 steers better though. Interior as I said earlier is excellent and very well put together, you must go for leather if you do get a 159!

Also do bear in mind that production of the 159 has supposedly stopped from what I heard, so might be difficult getting a new one next year. As well as that buying from the UK could be the right option as many cars there have far better spec than most of the Irish models.

Hope it helps any other questions just ask!

ZV Yoda

Thanks for the feedback. I'll be taking the 159 & Giulietta out for a spin before I buy. Either way, I won't be buying brand new. I read the 159 has ceased production alright. The replacement (Giulia?) looks like a real head turner.

Mine's an 02, so pre facelift. It's only done 56k fully documented miles. I'm the 2nd owner, the previous guy always took it to an Alfa main dealer. I leave it with Gerry in TI Autos. He reckons it's one of the best he's seen. I reckon it'll be a hard to replace. I've also considered facelift 166 from the UK.

166man

ZV Yoda wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback. I'll be taking the 159 & Giulietta out for a spin before I buy. Either way, I won't be buying brand new. I read the 159 has ceased production alright. The replacement (Giulia?) looks like a real head turner.

Mine's an 02, so pre facelift. It's only done 56k fully documented miles. I'm the 2nd owner, the previous guy always took it to an Alfa main dealer. I leave it with Gerry in TI Autos. He reckons it's one of the best he's seen. I reckon it'll be a hard to replace. I've also considered facelift 166 from the UK.

As another poster said the 159 is smaller but I'm not sure by how much,fine car regardless. Giulia looks lovely but not out until late 2012 probably 2013. Only 56k miles?That's low. Your 166 probably isn't worth a whole heap these days though any way you could keep it and store it! Very few facelift 166's for sale in UK now, supply seems to have dried up.

166man

Right lads quick update, car was serviced last Thursday and no problems with it, all is well except rear tyres will need to be done in the next few thousand kilometers. That being said 40k km from rears and 32k km from the front isn't too bad. Had a valet too and looks like the day she was bought. Happy days

Lex Luthor

166man wrote: »

As another poster said the 159 is smaller but I'm not sure by how much,fine car regardless. Giulia looks lovely but not out until late 2012 probably 2013..

didn't think the final design of the Giulia has been decided yet..??

There are a few pics on the net shoing different ideas but dont think they are the official ones.

Took a 159 estate out on a few days test about 2yrs ago. It was the 2.4JTD. Highly impressed with a lot of the car...

Few things put me off buying it though
Boot had a high lip and effectively was a hatchback instead of an estate. I was needing an estate with a flat loading boot
Dont recall there being a cup holder
Interior needed to be Ti spec as I wasnt gone on the other trim level interiors, so that pushed the price up
Ti specs were rare and a new one was in the mid 40's
Lots of torque steer with the 2.4JTD which was car I was after. Had just had the 1.9JTD on a GT so wasnt wanting another 1.9JTD

ZV Yoda

166man wrote: »

As another poster said the 159 is smaller but I'm not sure by how much,fine car regardless. Giulia looks lovely but not out until late 2012 probably 2013. Only 56k miles?That's low. Your 166 probably isn't worth a whole heap these days though any way you could keep it and store it! Very few facelift 166's for sale in UK now, supply seems to have dried up.

Yip, only 56k miles on it (had less than 40k when I bought it). I know it's not worth a lot these days. I might keep it if I had a garage, but I reckon a private sale to an Alfa nut is the most likely outcome.

166man

Lex Luthor wrote: »

didn't think the final design of the Giulia has been decided yet..??

There are a few pics on the net shoing different ideas but dont think they are the official ones.

Took a 159 estate out on a few days test about 2yrs ago. It was the 2.4JTD. Highly impressed with a lot of the car...

Few things put me off buying it though
Boot had a high lip and effectively was a hatchback instead of an estate. I was needing an estate with a flat loading boot
Dont recall there being a cup holder
Interior needed to be Ti spec as I wasnt gone on the other trim level interiors, so that pushed the price up
Ti specs were rare and a new one was in the mid 40's
Lots of torque steer with the 2.4JTD which was car I was after. Had just had the 1.9JTD on a GT so wasnt wanting another 1.9JTD

As for the Giulia I heard the date was end of 2012 but most likely 2013. Not sure though.

I completely understand why the high bootlid put's people off but practicality isn't our main priority and as such it doesn't bother anyone in house too much. There is a cupholder in the centre console beside the handbrake in that cubby place, it's very handy. I think the standard trim is grand really, has everything you need and more but it needs leather.

The 1.9jtdm can easily be remapped so from the 150bhp engine I'm sure you could see 180bhp without the extra weight of the 2.4jtdm. Also 1.9 is quite a bit cheaper in tax too. A great car and quite underrated imo.

166man

Quick update to include a few pics of the car, not the best pics but still, this was midway through the winter wash...





Sorry bout the low quality pics, was on the iPhone which has a terrible camera!

Alanstrainor

Looks sweet man.

Alfie1

Lex Luthor wrote: »

didn't think the final design of the Giulia has been decided yet..??

It hasn't & it's now scheduled for release in 2014 according to most recent Alfa production plan released at the Frankfurt Auto Show Investor Conference in September.

2010 2014 Frankfurt Investor Conference Sept 2011.JPG




.

166man

@EPM, it doesn't quite have the boot space of an octavia though, I'm devastated..