Buying a Second Hand Alfa 159

[aarongrinter]

Hey Guys!


New member here, not yet an owner but hoping to be! Currently shopping for the 159, such a great look/feel/drive.

We found one in melbourne, victoria. Its in great aesthetic condition, 2009 make, 4 cylinder turbo, regular service history at Zagame's Alfa Romeo dealership.

The only down side is that it has 177,000kms on the clock.

Is that amount a really big concern to a buyer? And how do the 159s hold up over a large amount of kilometres?

Would vastly appreciate some advice from experienced Alfa drivers such as yourselves,
Thanks, Aaron

[Cool Jesus]

With regular service history and at an Alfa mech you can't go too wrong. If it's a regular see if they'll give an indication of what would be due on the 159. I'm a little apprehensive at suggesting this as mech aren't in the business of give that sort of recommendation. May be better to see if they'd do a prepurchase inspection and you'd be under no misapprehension of what major service items are due etc.
so long as servicing is regular and the previous owner hasn't skimped on items kms aren't an issue. Apart from timing belt/chains, water pump and their associated ancillaries, I'd expect suspension components to be worn with that amount of travel.
Do you know which engine it is?

[aarongrinter]

That's good to know, thanks Cool Jesus! What would kind of costs would be involved in getting the suspensions components replaced?

Its the 1910cc Turbo Diesel, which has already had all the injector valves, fuel pump and according system replaced.

I had a look over the service history, all of which were frequent and with the alfa dealer. Though does the 159 have a timing belt or chain?

Do the members have good experiences with using RACV to conduct a pre-purchase check on an Alfa Romeo?

[Craig_m67]

The 1.9 and 2.4JTD diesel engines use a cam belt.
Check that it has been replaced recently along with tensioners and idlers and the Aux belt, water pump too usually.

Mine has just hit 200,000ks and hasn't missed a beat, ever. Flat out everywhere (this is key!)
Who replaced all the injectors and pump, Alfa?

<Edit> the 2.2 and 3.2 petrol engines in the 159 use a cam chain. Chain stretching is an issue in the 2.2. Unsure about the 1750TBI, I think they went back to belts as it's a FIAT power train (FPT) engine same as the diesels.  The petrol engines in the 159 are based on GM power trains, although the manual gearboxes are FPT. Auto gearboxes are Asin (Japanese) and found pretty much everywhere - bulletproof.


The 159 pick in my opinion is the 2.4, it gets all the go fast and stop bits. The auto has paddles as standard (retro only for a 1.9). And, importantly can be mapped for significant warp speed and torques and will eat and embarrass a 159 3.2.  Both dervs are bullet proof if looked after (maintained).  I'm not even close to thinking about issues or wear with mine although I have replaced suspension bushes and shocks as they age with mileage. Go for condition, the derv engines will eat half a million miles without complaint.

[Cool Jesus]

Not too switched on with the diesels, as far as the suspension how was the test drive? Components, what needs replacement if at all? It's too generic buddy to give an answer, but pricing is comparable with any other euro/Asian/American import. Alfas don't have a special surcharge on parts, although dealerships seem to think so!!!
Service history sounds really good, sounds like it mut have been a company vehicle? I believe 159s came with a chain, but again I digress with diesels.
RACV, well unless the inspector is an Alfa nut, all they will do is search for any recall bullitens and go through a check box list. For similar money, I'd have an Alfa mech look it over, if you think its needed. Again, the service history sounds good.

I was selling my 159 at a loss to some bonehead who after putting down a small deposit gets a inspection mob who came back with over $4000 worth of issues? The Alfa wasn't even 3 yrs old and I showed the buyer the door minus his deposit, moron. Ended up selling later with a tiny profit to an Alfa nut I still have contact with, 2 yrs on and it's still motoring strong. Moral here is how proficient is the inspector? Maybe others can add further, but Alfa is a niche vehicle that needs someone experienced with the marque.

[aarongrinter]

Thanks so much guys!

Will let you know how I go!

[As the day goes]

Inspection by an Alfa specialist should cost $300 or so.  Well worth it IMHO.