Going to look at an Alfa 156 tomorrow, What should I look out for?

Ded_Zebra

OK so as the title suggests my friend and I are going to look at one tomorrow. It's a 1.6 tspark (2000). What specific 156 things should I look for and how do I check them?

Thanks everyone.

Aint Eazy Being Cheezy

If it has one of these, steer clear.

http://www.adsavvy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/alfa_romeo_logo.jpg

Ded_Zebra

Johnny Electricity wrote: »

If it has one of these, steer clear.

One of what?

166man

Everything..:pac:

Check if the timing belt was done recently, any squeaks from the suspension front and rear, make sure it goes into all gear comfortably, especially reverse. Service History is key and check if the oil has been changed recently.

Anything else I think of I'll post it up..:)

You're gonna love it man!

alias no.9

Evidence of recent cambelt (and tensioners and water pump), preferably a verifiable receipt. Find a road with speed bumps for the test drive and listen for any creaking/squeaking of the suspension. Watch the temperature gauge should be a solid 90 once warm, anything less means the thermostat is shot, they usually fail open thankfully.

Ded_Zebra

166man wrote: »

Everything..:pac:

Check if the timing belt was done recently, any squeaks from the suspension front and rear, make sure it goes into all gear comfortably, especially reverse. Service History is key and check if the oil has been changed recently.

Anything else I think of I'll post it up..:)

You're gonna love it man!

Ok good stuff. I was hoping to hear from you on this. :D

Unfortunately it's for my friend not me but i'm happy with the Levin for now:pac:

He claims to have receipts for the belt and relatively recent wishbones and a good service history.

cabb8ge

Always danger with one of these that some silly owner ran it without keeping oil level nice above low mark, happen friend of me, buy nice 147, tap tap tap months later and he look after well, big end bearings. Unless very low price don't bother. recent oil change mean nothing, you want them regular over all life of car, every 6/8k miles is best for twin spark.

You drive 156 and drive Levin and 156 not appeal I think

Ded_Zebra

Ok so I found this

http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_156_buyers.shtml

Can anyone think of anything else to add.

Thanks for your help once again.

ZENER

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

OK so as the title suggests my friend and I are going to look at one tomorrow. It's a 1.6 tspark (2000). What specific 156 things should I look for . . .

All of what was said above but I've owned the 1.6 and the 2.0 Sportivo T-Spark. The 2.0 will put a big smile on your face that'll be hard to shift, the 1.6 won't.

Ken

cabb8ge

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Ok so I found this

http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_156_buyers.shtml

Can anyone think of anything else to add.

Thanks for your help once again.

good info there, mention of what I warning of "The engines in Alfa Romeos use oil and if when you check the oil there is little or none in the sump this is an indication that the car has been neglected and it is probably best to walk away", neglect by silly owner. (166_man get upset over my point I think )

166man

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Ok so I found this

http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_156_buyers.shtml

Can anyone think of anything else to add.

Thanks for your help once again.

I'd say that covers most of it, you'll probably get the usual crowd up here though with the usual reliability bit about an Alfa they had 15 years ago not working properly...:pac:

You're friend is lucky to be looking at one, they're a steal at the moment but a very good service history is absolutely key. Stunning cars to drive though..:)

Ded_Zebra

Yeah 166man I don't believe in that "Alfas aren't reliable" lark either.

@Zener, unfortunately my friend is 20 so can't justify the extra insurance cost of the 2l. :mad:

166man

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Yeah 166man I don't believe in that "Alfas aren't reliable" lark either.

@Zener, unfortunately my friend is 20 so can't justify the extra insurance cost of the 2l. :mad:

I'm nearly 20 and find the 1.6 plenty fast... I can only imagine what the 2.0 is like tbh. It's such a lovely light nimble car if you get me, the steering, pedals and gearshift are all lovely and direct.

Post your experiences here tomorrow anyway!

Ded_Zebra

166man wrote: »

I'm nearly 20 and find the 1.6 plenty fast... I can only imagine what the 2.0 is like tbh. It's such a lovely light nimble car if you get me, the steering, pedals and gearshift are all lovely and direct.

Post your experiences here tomorrow anyway!

Good or bad news I'll post here tomorrow to let ya know.

king_of_inismac

Run the engine for a while and check for "mayonnaise-like" build up under the oil cap. Also check that the coolant isn't discoloured.

Check the suspension VERY carefully. It's SUCH a pain (comparatively) to change any of the suspension that it's best avoided if at all possible.

Check all the electrics.

Check the sunroof to ensure there's no leaks (common problem apparently).

Check to see the TB was changed on time every-time (belt went on my 156 a month after buying it!)

Thermostats go on these regularly so run the car for 20 minutes and ensure the gauge reaches 90 degrees and stay there. If it doesn't, avoid!

Francie Barrett

Check the exhaust as well, if it has never been replaced, it's probably rotten at this stage.

dgt

Worn suspension I'd be keeping my eye on the tyres for wear on the inside

discombobulate

Johnny Electricity wrote: »

If it has one of these, steer clear.

http://www.adsavvy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/alfa_romeo_logo.jpg

Clown. Good luck with the car OP

delthedriver

Check everything. Kerbed alloys , uneven tyre wear .It is important to find a full service history, main dealer. At least that way you have a record of what has been done. Unfortunately there are examples out there with poor service records. Without a fully documented history , walk away. Numerous owners may also indicate the the car has been problematic and has been moved on.

Ded_Zebra

Just back from seeing the car. No purchase was made unfortunately.

On the body work the car was quite clean for a 13 year old car. There were some carpark dents on the drivers side, the lacquer was peeling off the back bumper and there was some rust inside the spare wheel well (not serious). Also the plastic covers over the sills/bodykit was coming away from the body in places. One head light had been replaced and the front wing fitted badly around one of them.
The interior was again in fairly good order except for the drivers seat bolster was damaged/split and metal could be seen through the split (an Nct fail I think?). The knob for the rear window winder on the passengers side was missing. So overall like the body the condition was livable with.
The suspension was also perfect as far as I could tell. There were no squeaks or clunks and was very tight to drive. (the car passed the NCT last month)
The problems with the car were that the engine sounded like a daysel which I assumed was the variator and tbh I know very little about. It might have been fine but I just didn't know so I wasn't comfortable with it.
The fuel injection warning light/check engine light didn't come on when the key was on and the engine off. The car also drove like it had MAF issues, there was no power above 4000 rpm.
The engine did not come up to temperature during the entire test drive (a good long run) so I think it needed a thermostat.
The engine mounts also weren't fantastic (a bit of chucking when going back on the power).
The service history was very comprehensive up until 2007 but very sketchy after that, he did have receipts for a recent service inc. timing belt, brake pads,and new handbrake cables.
The final nail in the coffin was that he was selling the car for his friend who had emigrated and he had nothing to say that he had the right/permission to sell the car for his friend.

EDIT: It also had Chinese tyres all round and it was wet for the test drive!!!!

delthedriver

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Just back from seeing the car. No purchase was made unfortunately.

On the body work the car was quite clean for a 13 year old car. There were some carpark dents on the drivers side, the lacquer was peeling off the back bumper and there was some rust inside the spare wheel well (not serious). Also the plastic covers over the sills/bodykit was coming away from the body in places. One head light had been replaced and the front wing fitted badly around one of them.
The interior was again in fairly good order except for the drivers seat bolster was damaged/split and metal could be seen through the split (an Nct fail I think?). The knob for the rear window winder on the passengers side was missing. So overall like the body the condition was livable with.
The suspension was also perfect as far as I could tell. There were no squeaks or clunks and was very tight to drive. (the car passed the NCT last month)
The problems with the car were that the engine sounded like a daysel which I assumed was the variator and tbh I know very little about. It might have been fine but I just didn't know so I wasn't comfortable with it.
The fuel injection warning light/check engine light didn't come on when the key was on and the engine off. The car also drove like it had MAF issues, there was no power above 4000 rpm.
The engine did not come up to temperature during the entire test drive (a good long run) so I think it needed a thermostat.
The engine mounts also weren't fantastic (a bit of chucking when going back on the power).
The service history was very comprehensive up until 2007 but very sketchy after that, he did have receipts for a recent service inc. timing belt, brake pads,and new handbrake cables.
The final nail in the coffin was that he was selling the car for his friend who had emigrated and he had nothing to say that he had the right/permission to sell the car for his friend.

EDIT: It also had Chinese tyres all round and it was wet for the test drive!!!!

Well done!
There are plenty of cars out there. Search around , it may take a bit of time and patience. There is bound to be a good A156 somewhere. It may be worth liaising with the Alfa enthusiasts on Boards.
Best Wishes

166man

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Just back from seeing the car. No purchase was made unfortunately.

On the body work the car was quite clean for a 13 year old car. There were some carpark dents on the drivers side, the lacquer was peeling off the back bumper and there was some rust inside the spare wheel well (not serious). Also the plastic covers over the sills/bodykit was coming away from the body in places. One head light had been replaced and the front wing fitted badly around one of them.
The interior was again in fairly good order except for the drivers seat bolster was damaged/split and metal could be seen through the split (an Nct fail I think?). The knob for the rear window winder on the passengers side was missing. So overall like the body the condition was livable with.
The suspension was also perfect as far as I could tell. There were no squeaks or clunks and was very tight to drive. (the car passed the NCT last month)
The problems with the car were that the engine sounded like a daysel which I assumed was the variator and tbh I know very little about. It might have been fine but I just didn't know so I wasn't comfortable with it.
The fuel injection warning light/check engine light didn't come on when the key was on and the engine off. The car also drove like it had MAF issues, there was no power above 4000 rpm.
The engine did not come up to temperature during the entire test drive (a good long run) so I think it needed a thermostat.
The engine mounts also weren't fantastic (a bit of chucking when going back on the power).
The service history was very comprehensive up until 2007 but very sketchy after that, he did have receipts for a recent service inc. timing belt, brake pads,and new handbrake cables.
The final nail in the coffin was that he was selling the car for his friend who had emigrated and he had nothing to say that he had the right/permission to sell the car for his friend.

EDIT: It also had Chinese tyres all round and it was wet for the test drive!!!!

Most of the issue's you mentioned are liveable with but no power above 4k RPM, not a great FSH and a dodgy seller would put me off.

However if the seller had recent receipts for the timing belt, the chances are the variator may have been done along side it. I got it done on mine when the belt was due yet mine still sounds like a daysul on startup but I know it's fine if you get me.

All in all it sounds like it could have been a nice car, also must take into consideration that you're looking at a circa sub €1k car here so it's never going to be perfect either.

Still, keep looking, you'll find one eventually!

Ded_Zebra

166man wrote: »

Most of the issue's you mentioned are liveable with but no power above 4k RPM, not a great FSH and a dodgy seller would put me off.

However if the seller had recent receipts for the timing belt, the chances are the variator may have been done along side it. I got it done on mine when the belt was due yet mine still sounds like a daysul on startup but I know it's fine if you get me.

All in all it sounds like it could have been a nice car, also must take into consideration that you're looking at a circa sub €1k car here so it's never going to be perfect either.

Still, keep looking, you'll find one eventually!

I hear ya but the main reason for walking was the selling for a friend craic. The last thing you want is to have the car taken off you for being stolen!!!

The problem is that I'm not too familiar of the sound of them and it was making me nervous.
It was also priced at the bottom end of the budget so we'll see what else we can find.

RobertM

Johnny Electricity wrote: »

If it has one of these, steer clear.

http://www.adsavvy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/alfa_romeo_logo.jpg

I'd rather buy one of "these" than your average, common, useless boxes you see on the roads everyday.


@OP


http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/republic-of-ireland/

You could always check the for sale thread that is there, some members also selling their cars. Or even just drop by and say hello. Helpful bunch over there.

Ded_Zebra

That's actually a very good idea Robert cheers for that

gerarda

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

Just back from seeing the car. No purchase was made unfortunately.

On the body work the car was quite clean for a 13 year old car. There were some carpark dents on the drivers side, the lacquer was peeling off the back bumper and there was some rust inside the spare wheel well (not serious). Also the plastic covers over the sills/bodykit was coming away from the body in places. One head light had been replaced and the front wing fitted badly around one of them.
The interior was again in fairly good order except for the drivers seat bolster was damaged/split and metal could be seen through the split (an Nct fail I think?). The knob for the rear window winder on the passengers side was missing. So overall like the body the condition was livable with.
The suspension was also perfect as far as I could tell. There were no squeaks or clunks and was very tight to drive. (the car passed the NCT last month)
The problems with the car were that the engine sounded like a daysel which I assumed was the variator and tbh I know very little about. It might have been fine but I just didn't know so I wasn't comfortable with it.
The fuel injection warning light/check engine light didn't come on when the key was on and the engine off. The car also drove like it had MAF issues, there was no power above 4000 rpm.
The engine did not come up to temperature during the entire test drive (a good long run) so I think it needed a thermostat.
The engine mounts also weren't fantastic (a bit of chucking when going back on the power).
The service history was very comprehensive up until 2007 but very sketchy after that, he did have receipts for a recent service inc. timing belt, brake pads,and new handbrake cables.
The final nail in the coffin was that he was selling the car for his friend who had emigrated and he had nothing to say that he had the right/permission to sell the car for his friend.

EDIT: It also had Chinese tyres all round and it was wet for the test drive!!!!

You were right to walk away! Be patient - you will find the car for you.

cabb8ge

That car seems to be not a good buy for any much greater than €400 euros, bad example, engine sounding like diesel might or might not be variator, engine warning bulb likely removed, no power over 4k rpm bad too and needing thermostat installed and engine mountings. You have to look at many 156 to find one that appear good and even than you wonder was owners keeping oil level at above low level.