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Alfa Romeo Would you buy one ??

24

Comments

  • #32
    excaliburhc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 128 ✭✭excaliburhc


    have a 156 2001 and it has ruined every other car for me ,
    nothing quite like hitting a straight dropping backto 3rd and hitting 5000 revs just to hear how she sounds - i giggle like a school girl :D and i can wait for my next one

    so much so i have already looked into how i will afford my new 159 :D.

    from investigations online
    http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/alfa-romeo/159-2006/ (not sure how reliable a website it is)

    it is no more unreliable then any other car out there - know there were issues with the 156 / 147 but i have to say i have done 60 k so far in mine and other then bushels not much has gone wrong with her.

    get a test drive and trust me you will want one even more.
    good luck and hope you find one :D


  • #33
    paulysoprano
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38 ✭paulysoprano


    Cheers :)


  • #34
    Stheno
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 51,690 Mod ✭✭✭✭Stheno


    black francis wrote: »
    I had a 156 which I loved but it kept breaking down on me - left me stranded around 4 times on the side of the roads in 3 years and there were numerous trips to the Alfa garage in Finglas in between, where I was actually on first name terms with most of the mechanics by the end.

    I likened it to dating a supermodel who kept cheating on you, you'd swear the next time she did it, it would be the end of the relationship, but you kept taking her back, telling yourself 'this time would be different'.

    I eventually had to end my affair with my Italian supermodel when I had kids and have settled down with a more reliable German partner, but I still dream of those times we spent together.

    Great post!

    Never had my 156 break down on me I have to admit, it died following my murdering the back door on one side and the steering rack failing (known issue on both the 156 and 159)
    Anan1 wrote: »
    You brought your Alfa Romeo to a main dealer for servicing? No wonder she got the hump with you.

    I did it once, when I was new to alfa ownership, and didn't know better.

    I learned :D My current mechanic asks me "how's your baby?" these days, and talks about how well it runs, and how all the work has paid off, he's as much interest in the car as I have :)
    Anan1 wrote: »
    I'd be the opposite!

    Jaypers so would I, a Brera petrol is my next target :)
    Confab wrote: »
    Nah not a huge fan, bought on a whim really. I'm not put off Alfas, just the 156. I'd gladly buy a 159 in the future.

    Buy the right one with the suspension issues fixed :) You'll still have the timing belt issues to deal with
    Matt Simis wrote: »
    We have had an Alfa 156 2.4JTD Sportwagon for about 2years now. Only issue that really stands out is its hard on suspension bushings, certainly original ones. The engine itself is quite unlike the petrol models by reputation at least, doesnt consume oil (and its a diesel!) and rock solid. So much so that family members joke that its been the most reliable car Ive had.. which is mostly true.

    As it happens, its for sale (see here). The original plan was to buy a 159 Sportwagon, but I have a wacky plan for a (very cheap) old BMW e34 Touring that caught my eye instead. But I would absolutely buy another Alfa at some point.

    Rare car over here the 2.4 JTDs apart from yours I've only ever seen one.

    Fantastic reputation they have too!

    OP if you go for an alfa, maintain it, check the fluids every week (or two at the most) get to know the car and how it feels/sounds, and don't ignore any weirdness, unless it does weird things, mine had a few days of turning on the interior light when I hit the indicator then it stopped, alfas can be slightly possessed.


  • #35
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,590 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    It would be difficult not to buy something like this imo.

    media?xwm=y&id=13438001&width=400&height=300media?xwm=y&id=13438024&width=400&height=300

    media?xwm=y&id=13438035&width=400&height=300media?xwm=y&id=13438034&width=400&height=300


  • #36
    Timmaay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,396 ✭✭✭✭Timmaay


    I think this post that I put up about 6months ago on the motors forum here sums up the opinion of many would be alfa owners:
    In terms of Alfa, I have been soo tempted to pickup one, and some day I will have the likes of a GT in the driveway, but the whole reliably thing just scares me off. I try not to be an alfa basher, I love the styling, and how they are different to all the boring run of the mill golfs/corollas etc, but only just a few weeks ago I was looking at a GT, it had about 63kmiles on the clock, and the list of things that the owner had changed on it scared the bejezzus out of me, he was trying to make the point that all the parts changed was a good thing, I was like how can so many things go wrong with a car in such low mileage. Thats certainly not a once off, time and time again I look at a GT, think wow, ****it I'll get one, then when I go read up reviews etc, I come across horror story after horror story. Some day when I'm rich enough not to care about the depreciation and garage costs of an Alfa I'll happily own one, but for now I'll stick to the Hondas, which in my opinion are almost as good (well not styling wise, but in terms of sportiness) to alfas, but there is no comparison in terms of reliability, the likes on the Honda will be cheaper long run simple as is.

    I've had an Alfa GT in the driveway for the past month, and don't have one regret!!!


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  • #37
    166man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,575 ✭✭✭166man


    Complete Alfa fan here so excuse the bias in the next few lines of this post!:D

    I'm a real fan of the 159 however it has to be diesel all the way, that includes the Brera. The only exception being the 1750tbi engine. The 1.8, 2.2, and 3.2 petrols are all a disappointment after the likes of the twin spark engines and the proper Alfa V6 and not that crap GM lump. There's just nothing to the 1.8 and 3.2 with the 2.2 being the best of the worst in my opinion.

    The diesels are a class act. The 1.9 has been going a while but is still a very strong contender and responds well to a remap while also being economical and reliable. There is a new 2.0jtdm out which I have yet to be in but I'm sure it is just an improvement on it's predecessor. The 2.4 is a peach if a little loud and fuel economy and tax are all higher, but then this is a 200bhp+ powerplant.

    Never been in a 1.9jts 159 so can't comment, but it's more powerful than the 1.8 so expect it to be a bit nippier. Fuel economy and tax are similar and there a few around going for decent money. Fabulous car but as said earlier just
    make sure it has been and will continued to be maintained appropriately.

    I would encourage you to invest some time in the Alfa owner sites as these will give you more info regarding the 1.9jts engine and other advice along the way. :)


  • #38
    Mar4ix
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,360 ✭✭✭Mar4ix


    goshhh.. everyone exited about alfas, and me now thinking go for one to try... never had any chance to drive one, just as part time mechanic heard horror stories about them, reason why kept away. are them so grate to drive ? i am consider go for 2004 one... what i can see in carzone, that year engine range is 1.6 ti petrol,( no have a clue what that" ti " about), and 1.9 diesel. actually looking for nippy car, to drive for pleasure. would be diesel powerful and economical ? actually car goin to be used for short journeys, so might petrol shall be go for.... also i am thinking about saab 9-3 2.0 t ... hmmmm .

    i know, Im always getting unpopular car, then biting elbows... might it is more fun, than boring and reliable german or japnese counterparts .


  • #39
    pah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,752 ✭✭✭pah


    Mar4ix wrote: »
    goshhh.. everyone exited about alfas, and me now thinking go for one to try... never had any chance to drive one, just as part time mechanic heard horror stories about them, reason why kept away. are them so grate to drive ? i am consider go for 2004 one... what i can see in carzone, that year engine range is 1.6 ti petrol,( no have a clue what that" ti " about), and 1.9 diesel. actually looking for nippy car, to drive for pleasure. would be diesel powerful and economical ? actually car goin to be used for short journeys, so might petrol shall be go for.... also i am thinking about saab 9-3 2.0 t ... hmmmm .

    i know, Im always getting unpopular car, then biting elbows... might it is more fun, than boring and reliable german or japnese counterparts .

    Do or do not, there is no try


    So, thought i'd weigh in here, looking for a new (used) car and thinking of getting an Alfa
    My story is that we are expecting our 4th child this July and the next 18 months is the last chance i'll have to drive something nice for myself for about 15 years :P

    At the moment we have a 06 S-Max for the kids and a beautiful 02 megane saloon for myself to go to and from work and transport the odd kid, squeezing the three of them in from time to time

    When herself goes back to work, probably end of summer next year, I reckon we'll need another 7 seater for when I'm picking up the 4 of them, so that gives me a window and a budget of about 7k max.


    I nearly bought a beautiful 156 ti 1.6 when we got the megane 2 years ago but the seller backed out and we were forced into buying something quickly, I've been yearning for one since but having spent the last few days looking i'm leaning towards a 159 JTD

    Is this a viable option? Would need to have a car seat and or booster seat in the back the odd time but not very often, reckon i could get about €500 for the megane, needs a little work but only 70k on it.


  • #40
    af_thefragile
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,171 ✭✭✭af_thefragile


    I'ld love to own a Brera!


  • #41
    Veloce
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭Veloce


    Mar4ix wrote: »
    ( no have a clue what that" ti " about)

    Ti is a specification type- being the best spec that is available for the 156 (apart from the GTA). Car comes with unique alloys, updated brakes, leather seats etc


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  • #42
    Duckjob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,861 ✭✭✭Duckjob


    Bought one. Drove it. Love it. Still love it 2 over years later.

    When I'm not driving her, i'm thinking about the next time I will be.

    She's the Monica Bellucci of cars.


  • #43
    Veloce
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭Veloce


    pah wrote: »
    I nearly bought a beautiful 156 ti 1.6 when we got the megane 2 years ago but the seller backed out and we were forced into buying something quickly, I've been yearning for one since but having spent the last few days looking i'm leaning towards a 159 JTD

    Is this a viable option? Would need to have a car seat and or booster seat in the back the odd time but not very often, reckon i could get about €500 for the megane, needs a little work but only 70k on it.

    Purely from a safety point of view- if you intend on having your kids in the back then I would go for the Alfa 159. The 156 has a poor safety rating from what I have read. The 159 is a more robust car. Just my 2 cents anyways.


  • #44
    Vim Fuego
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 748 ✭✭✭Vim Fuego


    I bought a 2007 GT in '09. I've just had the timing belt replaced and a few other bits and pieces so I should be good for another 30/40k miles. it's the 1.9 jtdm. No hassle with it at all apart from standard servicing.

    I am still insanely fond of it. I can't see another car out there that would tempt me away from it. I can see me driving it for the next 3/4 years at least before even considering moving on.


  • #45
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    Veloce wrote: »
    Purely from a safety point of view- if you intend on having your kids in the back then I would go for the Alfa 159. The 156 has a poor safety rating from what I have read. The 159 is a more robust car. Just my 2 cents anyways.
    You're right, the 195 scored 5 stars in the Euro NCAP, whereas the 156 only got 3. The 156 is just so much more elegant, though!


  • #46
    Mr Benevolent
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,456 ✭✭✭✭Mr Benevolent


    Anan1 wrote: »
    You're right, the 195 scored 5 stars in the Euro NCAP, whereas the 156 only got 3. The 156 is just so much more elegant, though!

    The 156 never did an official Euro NCAP. If it did, it'd do worse than 3 stars.


  • #47
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    Confab wrote: »
    The 156 never did an official Euro NCAP. If it did, it'd do worse than 3 stars.
    I just checked, and you're actually right. The 147 was tested and got three stars, though. I would have expected the 156 to get three too, given its age and the standards prevalent at the time.


  • #48
    Tea 1000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    Anan1 wrote: »
    I just checked, and you're actually right. The 147 was tested and got three stars, though. I would have expected the 156 to get three too, given its age and the standards prevalent at the time.
    You have to look at the detailed report though to make a better judgement. Often cars perform quite well on frontal and side impact but lose out on 4 stars because of lack of things like safety belt lights for belts in the rear etc.
    Toyota once complained because the Laguna scored higher than the Avensis due to it having a warning sound for seatbelts for driver and passenger. The Toyota also had the same warning, but it wasn't tested for the time the Avensis was tested, they only introduced it as a new thing to award points for when the Laguna came along.


  • #49
    ZV Yoda
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,457 ✭✭✭ZV Yoda


    I have a '02 Alfa 166. Its a 2.0 Twinspark. I love it. I drop our 3 kids to school/creche in it everyday on my way to work.

    Good points:
    1. Extremely reliable. No probs after 4 years of ownership. It flew through it's most recent NCT.
    2. Amazing interior. Seats are big & solid. Kinda like armchairs (except they have "Alfa Romeo" embossed on the leather!!) :D
    3. It's built like a tank - but unlike it's German rivals, it doesn't look like a tank!
    4. It is a pleasure to drive. For such a big car, it handles like a go-kart. I'm not joking. It's just as happy skipping over back roads as it is cruising on the motorway.
    5. It's a fine looking machine & is aging very well. It always reminds me of a shark for some reason.
    6. The sound of the Twinspark. ;)
    7. Other Alfa drivers always flash/wave at me.
    8. My 9 year old son loves it and as a result thinks his Dad is very cool (I expect this to change in 2-3 years)
    9. Superb sound system
    10. Very rare, but very easy to live with

    Bad points:
    1. 26mpg (I only do about 5k miles/yr)
    2. Almost €700 road tax
    3. Use a bit more oil than most cars (maybe €30 over a year)

    Dont mind the naysayers. If you want an Alfa, go out & buy one.


  • #50
    pah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,752 ✭✭✭pah


    What's the difference between 8v and 16v variants?


    Like this


  • #51
    Veloce
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭Veloce


    pah wrote: »
    What's the difference between 8v and 16v variants?


    Like this

    Difference is about 30bhp. The 8v has 120 bhp and the 16v has 150 bhp. Both pull very well though.

    That's my father's old car in that link :D


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  • #52
    pah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,752 ✭✭✭pah


    Veloce wrote: »
    Difference is about 30bhp. The 8v has 120 bhp and the 16v has 150 bhp. Both pull very well though.

    That's my father's old car in that link :D

    Thanks i think i recall it now when i was looking at saabs a few years ago.

    Is it worth €9k cash? :D
    Could be worth a haggle, a bit outside my budget :p


  • #53
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    pah wrote: »
    Thanks i think i recall it now when i was looking at saabs a few years ago.

    Is it worth €9k cash? :D
    Could be worth a haggle, a bit outside my budget :p
    A bit OT, but i've had one or two bad experiences with that garage. I'd buy elsewhere. For that matter, i'd avoid Alfa Romeo dealers altogether.


  • #54
    Veloce
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭Veloce


    pah wrote: »
    Thanks i think i recall it now when i was looking at saabs a few years ago.

    Is it worth €9k cash? :D
    Could be worth a haggle, a bit outside my budget :p

    Haggle away! It's been for sale for a while. But the car has been looked after with all essentials done including the steering rack issue.
    Anan1 wrote: »
    A bit OT, but i've had one or two bad experiences with that garage. I'd buy elsewhere. For that matter, i'd avoid Alfa Romeo dealers altogether.

    I have also read about some negative feedback too on the alfa owner website. But in fairness my father has had a fairly positive experience with them with that car [thats for sale] above with servicing etc and also his current 159 Ti which he bought from them.


  • #55
    padjo5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 539 ✭✭✭padjo5


    Hey, looking for a bit of help, if anyone can guide me!?

    Wife bought a 03 Alfa Romeo 147 recently, FSH and timing belt etc up to date. In the past month, the 'Engine Management Light' has come on, for a few seconds, and then disappeared. It has happened twice in the past month.

    What would anyone who knows these cars suggest we do?

    Other than that it has been perfect. Thanks.


  • #56
    Stheno
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 51,690 Mod ✭✭✭✭Stheno


    padjo5 wrote: »
    Hey, looking for a bit of help, if anyone can guide me!?

    Wife bought a 03 Alfa Romeo 147 recently, FSH and timing belt etc up to date. In the past month, the 'Engine Management Light' has come on, for a few seconds, and then disappeared. It has happened twice in the past month.

    What would anyone who knows these cars suggest we do?

    Other than that it has been perfect. Thanks.

    Bring it to a mechanic with proper diagnostic software and see if any fault shows up.


  • #57
    Mitch Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48,248 ✭✭✭✭Mitch Connor


    I'd buy an Alfa in an instant, but the one I want doesn't appear to ever have been sold in Ireland, or noone wants to sell it.

    Alfa Romeo Spider, 08-10, diesel, manual.


  • #58
    BuzzFish
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 736 ✭✭✭BuzzFish


    padjo5 wrote: »
    Hey, looking for a bit of help, if anyone can guide me!?

    Wife bought a 03 Alfa Romeo 147 recently, FSH and timing belt etc up to date. In the past month, the 'Engine Management Light' has come on, for a few seconds, and then disappeared. It has happened twice in the past month.

    What would anyone who knows these cars suggest we do?

    Other than that it has been perfect. Thanks.

    Sometimes the errors stay in memory and can be read even if the light has gone back off. Is it losing power or going to "limp" mode once the light comes on?


  • #59
    livingthedream
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 202 ✭✭livingthedream


    My first 3 cars were alfas ('88 33 1.5ti, '91 33 Cloverleaf and a '94 155 2.0l)

    I have to say thinking back on them always puts a smile on my face, especially the cloverleaf. On their day they are a joy and sound fantastic.

    As others have said they can suffer from niggles particularly in the electrical department but I think every car enthusiast should own one at some point.

    Since my alfa baptism I have moved on to BMW's and they are like chalk and cheese, both good but in very different ways....


  • #60
    Veloce
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭Veloce


    padjo5 wrote: »
    Hey, looking for a bit of help, if anyone can guide me!?

    Wife bought a 03 Alfa Romeo 147 recently, FSH and timing belt etc up to date. In the past month, the 'Engine Management Light' has come on, for a few seconds, and then disappeared. It has happened twice in the past month.

    What would anyone who knows these cars suggest we do?

    Other than that it has been perfect. Thanks.

    Are you getting the 'motor system control failure' warning that comes up in the central display between the speedo and tachometer? Or is it the yellow ems light on the tacho?


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  • #61
    delthedriver
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,958 ✭✭✭delthedriver


    There has not been a true Alfa Romeo built in years, probably not since the 75 model. The Alfa Romeos we see on our roads today are essentially Fiats with Alfa Romeo badging. In recent years the Alfa 166 was based on the Fiat Tempra whilst the 156 was based on the Fiat Brava. It is a bit like buying a Rover with MG badging. Without Doubt Alfa Romeo built wonderful cars through ought history and had a wonderful racing pedigree. Would I buy an Alfa Romeo ? No , once bitten !


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