Alfa Romeo 2.4JTD

CRM Ireland

Hi, Im thinking of buying a car to use for racking up the miles travelling to work. Im only wanting to spend between 1-2k on it.

Ive contacted a seller of an 2001 Alfa Romeo 2.4JTD. Ive still to go and see the car, but I asked him if there was anything wrong with it, or that needed done. He tells me that there is a "slight squeak of the front right balljoint" but that its nothing to worry about.

Can anyone with some knowledge on this matter tell me if this could indicate a serious problem, if its something I could repair without huge expense. Obviously a car of this age is going to have problems, especially being an Alfa, but I love the look of it and I would really like to have it.

Kevvv

Alfa 156's are known to have their suspension problems. If you don't know what your looking at I'd recommend bringing a mechanic with you to have a look over the suspension and the rest of the car. €1-2k seems a bit cheap for a JTD.

Their known the be a good engine. Had a 156 before myself was a 1.8 though but was the best car I have ever drove.

dgt

CRM Ireland wrote: »

Hi, Im thinking of buying a car to use for racking up the miles travelling to work. Im only wanting to spend between 1-2k on it.

Ive contacted a seller of an 2001 Alfa Romeo 2.4JTD. Ive still to go and see the car, but I asked him if there was anything wrong with it, or that needed done. He tells me that there is a "slight squeak of the front right balljoint" but that its nothing to worry about.

Can anyone with some knowledge on this matter tell me if this could indicate a serious problem, if its something I could repair without huge expense. Obviously a car of this age is going to have problems, especially being an Alfa, but I love the look of it and I would really like to have it.

This can't end well....

As for the squeaking, ball joints, bushes and links are weak points on these cars, especially the bigger engined ones. 2 ball joints per side too, double wishbones

H3llR4iser

The engine is quite solid, I would just avoid remapped ones: it was a popular thing with Alfa JTDs, their stock settings are a bit conservative and there is some power to extract; However, bad remap hack jobs have been reported to affect the reliability of key components such as the compressor.

Suspension wise, the front especially tends to be somewhat delicate - drive it around a bit and be on the lookout for "clunk" noises coming from the front, especially during acceleration/deceleration. Had this problem often on both the 155 and the 156 (funny enough that the suspension are a weak spot, considering the disastrous state of roads in Italy).

There shouldn't be major problems with the electrical - don't believe the myth. The 156 has come a long way - I usually had to drive around with just about any warning light on on the 75, the 155 only had a twitchy "check engine " light (of course the one light that failed had to be the most worrying one!), never a problem with the 156; And it's a 1998 one that my dad still drives around in southern Italy!

The price range is ok - Alfas unfortunately devalue a lot. As for bringing a mechanic with you, it would be better if he's either very good or an Alfa Romeo one; Over the years I had a number of dealings with "average Joe the mechanic" that proved they had next to no idea about the peculiarity of an Alfa - especially when it comes to suspensions and gearbox. Most of them assume they're the same as a Fiat, and they're not.

That said, if the car is all right and you get it, remember to keep reasonable maintenance on it; If you do so, you'll certainly enjoy it - and not only its looks; Back when it came out, the 156 was the best car in its market segment by quite a margin, and one of the most enjoyable all around.

H3llR4iser

Assuming it's a 156; It could be a 166? OP?

CRM Ireland

H3llR4iser wrote: »

Assuming it's a 156; It could be a 166? OP?

Ah sorry, yes it is a 156. Its not been modified. It's had 6 owners including the current one. I wonder if this is an indicator of people selling on their problem, or something else altogether. Its tough when trying to buy a car of this age.

Im looking forward to going to see it. Thanks for the advice.

H3llR4iser

CRM Ireland wrote: »

Ah sorry, yes it is a 156. Its not been modified. It's had 6 owners including the current one. I wonder if this is an indicator of people selling on their problem, or something else altogether. Its tough when trying to buy a car of this age.

Im looking forward to going to see it. Thanks for the advice.

Ah, six owners isn't a good sign; Although, the car is 11 years old and was originally sold at a time (2001) when just about everybody had more money than sense and changing cars every 1 or 2 years wasn't so uncommon.

I would keep my eyes very, very open; In the best case scenario, some of these owners weren't very mindful of maintenance and care of the care.

Still worth having a look, especially if you don't have to travel for it - but if anything even just "feels" wrong when you see the car, just leave it where it is.

cjt156

Its unlikely its the balljoint that's squeaking, more likely the bushes on the wishbones. They do that. Eventually they'll need replacing, but its not a big job. Plenty of cars that age with a big heavy engine will need suspension bushes. Parts easily come by, labour couple of hundred at a local indy, or do it yourself if you're handy.

Matt Simis

I had a 2.4JTD, remapped to 200bhp and it was a rocket (for an old diesel) and great on fuel (45mpg, again note the BHP, age and fact it was only 5speed).

Engine is great (and known to be a great remapped unit, wouldnt think of having one stock..) but as noted suspension parts need frequent changing, which isnt the end of the world and may be done on many examples out there.

Stheno

cjt156 wrote: »

Its unlikely its the balljoint that's squeaking, more likely the bushes on the wishbones. They do that. Eventually they'll need replacing, but its not a big job. Plenty of cars that age with a big heavy engine will need suspension bushes. Parts easily come by, labour couple of hundred at a local indy, or do it yourself if you're handy.

It could be the steering rack though, I'd have a mechanic check it out, my 156 squeaked when turning and it was the steering rack, which is a big part to replace, and a big job as well on a 156

CRM Ireland

Stheno wrote: »

It could be the steering rack though, I'd have a mechanic check it out, my 156 squeaked when turning and it was the steering rack, which is a big part to replace, and a big job as well on a 156

Anyone got any idea how much it costs to take a car to a garage for a check to see if its worth buying? Just a typical price. Obviously this is on a budget, I dont even mind having to spend a bit of money on the car, Im quite into cars, but I just dont want to buy something that is wrecked and needs loads spending on it straight away just to be able to drive it.

SimonLynch

Talk to Gerry -

http://www.tiautos.ie/


Total gent.

Stheno

SimonLynch wrote: »

Talk to Gerry -

http://www.tiautos.ie/


Total gent.

100% he has a fantastic reputation

A-Trak

Stheno wrote: »

100% he has a fantastic reputation

Another huge +1
Turned down work on my Alfa as he reckoned wasn't needed yet. Was just me being paranoid!

Stheno

OP if you post over on Alfa owners they might have an idea of the car, they are a really sound bunch

The 2.4JTD is rare enough so they might well know it's history

Pottler

What are 166 3.0 l V6s like? look gorgeous and I'm going to see one tomorrow. Any tips?

166man

Pottler wrote: »

What are 166 3.0 l V6s like? look gorgeous and I'm going to see one tomorrow. Any tips?

Is that the 3.0 Super one for sale at circa €2k? Looks a lovely motor regardless, you'll probably end up buying it once you hear the engine at full belt. Speaking of belts, check it has the timing belt done a few times throughout it's ownership and a FSH would be really important. Check suspension and wear on the tyres too. I'd bring a mechanic who knows his stuff with me though.:)

dgt

Pottler wrote: »

What are 166 3.0 l V6s like? look gorgeous and I'm going to see one tomorrow. Any tips?

A trully wonderful place to sit into

Thirsty to begin with

Make sure the ICS has its code

No leaks into the cabin (especially if it has sportronic!)

Then its just normal Alfa stuff, worn suspension components leading to uneven tyre wear and make sure the cambelt was done on time

dgt

Oh and spark plugs are a pig make sure they're done too

Pottler

Pottler wrote: »

What are 166 3.0 l V6s like? look gorgeous and I'm going to see one tomorrow. Any tips?

down to €1700 now, what was it like in the flesh?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3688430