Hi Looking at a 159 for a First Alfa

[robchap]

Hi All,

My name is Rob, and since I've started a longer highway commute to work, we've bought a family SUV to haul the kids in and I've been left with the old Hyundai hatchback for my needs. I've been looking for a while for an exciting and suitable replacement now that I don't need anything particularly practical as it is just my car, and my old car is now slowly getting into the final stages of its life and its time for me to get serious about that replacement.

The two types of car I've been looking at are Saab 9-3 convertibles and Alfa Romeo 159 Sedans and I thought I'd put a shout out on the forum for what everyone thinks of these two 159s I'm looking at with regards to price and possible issues:-

2007 159 3.2V6 Q4
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3364528

2009 159 2.4JTDm
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/_/AGC-AD-17363464

The V6 is more convenient for me given that its close to my Father in Law, but I have no problem making a road trip back from Victoria with the Diesel if it came to it (and I would enjoy it). The V6 does have a suspension issue which apparently will cost $2.5k to fix. My gut feel is the Diesel, but regardless of which one I get could anyone recommend an Alfa mechanic that I could get to look at these (one for Brisbane, one for Melbourne) prior to deciding if I want them.


Thanks

[Barry Edmunds]

RobChap, There are a number of very experienced Alfa people in Melbourne. Depends on what particular area in Melbourne you are looking in as to who would be recommended. Barry

[Potsie]

Gday Rob. (my name happens to be Rob also). From looking at that diesel version on carsales it appears that the dealer is at Mornington  --googling the dealer no. returned: MCT-9954  Australian Car Buying Group Pty Ltd - 3/4 Torca Terrace, MORNINGTON VIC 3931 

-- so therefore you want to find a good Alfa Mechanic down that way.

I have had a 2010 car with identical spec to that one for the last 18 months or so and it has been fantastic. Note it has the 'Aisan' (not sure of spelling) gearbox and not a selespeed. The Aisian gearbox is bulletproof as far as I am aware. The price seems good for the K's, but make sure you check out the service history; especially if the timing belt has been done - if it hasn't been done I'd do it due to the age of the car (irrespective of k's) ... Lots of previous posts in this forum with good advice about buying an Alfa.
(Disclaimer - Whilst I'm enthusiastic about my car, I don't profess be very knowledgeable; get it checked out by a specialist)   

Potsie

[Craig_m67]

What sort of driving and distances will you be doing ?
The diesel (any diesel really) doesn't like short stop/start commutes as it clogs up the DPF.

That said its my preferred engine as the torque (and fuel economy) is addictive. And you want the wagon, it's sexy as hell and far more practical.

[As the day goes]

I love the exterior colour of the diesel !!!!!! As I have said elsewhere: tasty. Everything else including the interior colour is like my own 159.  Note I very much doubt the compliance and build date are the same.

Having said that you definitely need to get it inspected. Highly recommend one of the club sponsors. PM if you like.  For a little money you will get a report on what is right or wrong with the car.  And may help with negotiations on a price.

For the diesel I suspect like me you will need around $2,500 to 3,000 of essential maintenance: cam belts, water pump, transmission fluid change, lower wish bones maybe etc.  Agree it is a cruiser for the longer hikes, but it is very capable on the twisty bits as Potsie would attest.

The V6 likes to drink.  This particular model does not have flappy paddles whereas the diesel has.  It might be a little better in slippery conditions, but I reckon the diesel with some exhaust modifications will beat it.

happy hunting.

[Potsie]

Vince - I've never delivered the post in my life - I'm a Potsie, not a postie

[As the day goes]

Spell check

[poohbah]

Rob, why don't you try looking around for a V6 manual 156. If you can find a well maintained one, you won't regret it (and they are unbelievably cheap these days). If you like the look of the 159, you can go for the later facelifted 156, or if you are like me, you might prefer the more butch face of the series 1.

Key difference with the 159 is that the 156 V6 has the last of the Arese-built Busso motors - true Alfa DNA (159 V6 block is GM sourced). Best sound you will ever hear from anything with less than 8 cylinders - I promise.

And if you can get it in 6sp manual form, I reckon it is the most robust motor/transmission combo. Then again, I'm biased because that's what I have!

[Neil Choi]

An Alfa 159 1750Tb is better, if you can find one.