159 which model is most reliable and less problematic

[lombardi]

Have heard some nightmare stories about 159 ownership ,especially mechanical,as i think it's a very attractive model going for cheap, what model is the one to own as far as economy,reliability etc

[colcol]

I would go for the 2.2 JTS with a manual gearbox, you would get ok fuel consumption, the V-6 is quite heavy on fuel and tyres.
The 2.2 4 cylinder and V-6 had timing chain issues, so make sure these have been fixed, as its an expensive job.
Take it to an Alfa Romeo Service Provider and get it checked over and have a scanner connected up to it, to see if there are any ongoing problems.
Another stupid thing to check, [don't laugh], is drive it home and see it fits your garage allright, as the 159 is quite a large car, and i know that some have not purchased one as they have a 1940's garage made for older car which were a lot smaller than a 159, Colin.

[lombardi]

Thanks Col, just concerns about the jts motor being thirsty on oil consumption, being belt driven are the intervals around the 60k mark and is it a big job ie $$$ no probs with garage space, updated my garage a while ago.regards

[lombardi]

had a jts gt and it was belt driven,is the 159 jts chain driven ?

[Craig_m67]

Both the 3.2 and 2.2 petrol engines in the 159 series (Spider/Brera/159) have chains and suffer the same chain stretch issue.  They are based on GM units, and can use replacement (better) GM chains. Google will bring up lots of stories of woe from both GM and Alfa owners.  It is a known GM issue with factory issued tech notes (apparently).

Both the Alfa(Fiat) 1.9 and 2.4 JTD diesels are bullet proof. They run cambelts that need maintaining and can have EGR and DPF (soot clogging) issues if only driven on short journeys or maintained with the wrong type of oil. The current 2.0JTD never made it into an Australian 159. These diesel engines were also shared and fitted to SAAB & Holden amongst others (Suzuki?)... Google away for typical faults.

There were a very few 1750TBI petrol versions towards the end of the model run. There is at least one report of a turbo failure on this in the UK.

The automatic in all is a Japanese Asin brand found in pretty much every other car in the market. There are a few stories of this having issues but not enough to to scare me off (in my opinion)

Never heard of any issues with the manual box other than people complaining about the cost of the clutch and DMF flywheel, although again this is a typical part (and cost) for a recently built car.

The V6 is available in 4WD. Upside 4WD, downside acceleration, economy more things to break.
The V6 and 2.4JTD get bigger 330mm brembo brakes on the front.
The V6 and 2.4JTD auto has flappy paddles on the steering wheel (can be retro fitted to the others).

I personally wouldn't touch the 2:2 given the known chain stretch fault and that anecdotally at least it seems underpowered for cars size ruining any attempts at economy

The 1.9JTD is the most economic and I would suggest reliable (noting potential EGR/DPF issues above) day to day. I have an earlier 1.9 JTD in a 156 that has done nearly 200Ks now without issue (one clutch, DMF was okay).  That said, if it were me, I'd be looking for a rare 1750TBI as it has both economy, power and future tuning potential.

Somebody will be along to correct me shortly.
Buy on condition and price always.

[Paul Gulliver]

All 159's are still drop dead gorgeous. I think the chain issue might be a bit overstated. I had the chain in my old 159 2.2 JTS  changed at about 100,000 k's or about after 7 years of ownership . Changed at the dealer for a cost of about $1,200. If it had been a belt in a 156 you would have already changed  the belt twice at that stage. My son still has the car @ 150,000 ks.
Apart from the chain not a cent to spend other that scheduled maintenance.  Pretty cheap motoring over 9 years 

[Craig_m67]

^that^ is a very good point
(and I tend to agree, even though I'm guilty of overstating the point )

Diesel cambelt changes are much less frequent than the earlier JTS petrol engines, book says 140km or 5yrs max. 

It pays to buy the best serviced example that you can afford, that may be a derv or petrol with high miles that's just recently had all the belts/pumps/idlers as opposed to a low m I leave version where they're due (or overdue).

[As the day goes]

Make sure it has been serviced by the book *or better* by an Alfa specialist and not by your regular Hypertune store or mobile mechanic.

Make sure the driving belts are changed on diesels at least by now or ask for an even lower price if the seller plays dumb.

If getting an early diesel, well there are ways to mmm "tune" the DPF and EGR to get better performance and avoid troubles.  PM me if you want to know more.

[lombardi]

Awesome info fellow Alfisti, will definitely get the manual model but unsure about engine size apart from will not be getting the v6, power is really not that important to me,fuss free motoring is what i am looking for, am passionate about the 80s or earlier Alfa's but for something a bit more luxurious the 159 is nice and looks good.

[VeeSix]

You mentioned sizes Col, re garage fitment to older, smaller garages, is the 159 wider than a 164? 

[Potsie]

I've had the 2.4 diesel for two years now and it has been faultless. I really enjoy the ~400 torques when the turbo spins up. It has the Asin 6 speed auto box with flappy paddles as mentioned by Craig - bulletproof . Agree with earlier comments about servicing .. I get mine done at my local Alfa specialist twice a year (say about every 10000k's) - cost is reasonable - average service about $400; cambelt change about $1200 - and have not had a problem (mechanically) with the exception of a small leak in a break line (sorted under 2nd hand warranty). Fuel consumption is good - I get about 700k's City and 1100k's highway for the 70l tank. Potsie.

[Gerardf]

Our 159 2.4 has been very reliable as well. I had a glow plug die, bought a set from the UK that were wrong (even though I supplied the VIN) then I just went to Bursons and bought a set for a lot less than the UK mob. NEC brand glow plugs.

Only other issue was the EGR. I actually replaced it with an EGR of newer design rather than blank it out. Reason is that the engine runs a little cooler with the EGR correctly fitted.

I know quite a few people who, never having owned an Alfa, bag me a lot for buying it (You know the type). But there are some things that cannot be explained!

[colcol]

For all those that want to know about the 159 series Alfa Romeo's, we will be having a workshop visit.
It will be at Alfa Donnini Repairs at 949 Dandenong Rd, East Malvern.
The host will be Alex Donnini with a passion for Alfa Romeo's and over 35 years experience in Alfa Romeo's, he is known to many club members.
Following on from the visit last year, the focus will be on all 159 models, Brera and Spider models, covering JTS, and petrol and diesel engined cars, a must for any owner or would be owner of these cars, also the 1750 Turbo will be discussed.
The visit will also provide an opportunity to talk about issues relating to these engines.
Date, October 10, time 9am - 11 30am,
Coffee and morning tea to be provided,
The visit is open to all current, old members and new members,
More information www.alfadonninirepairs.com.au,
Address -  849 Dandenong road, East Malvern 3145,
Bookings - Colin Thomas mobile 0407 090 826,
email - drtool@bigpond.com.au

[Brad M]

Only other issue was the EGR. I actually replaced it with an EGR of newer design rather than blank it out. Reason is that the engine runs a little cooler with the EGR correctly fitted.

I'm interested in more details about where you sourced the newer design EGR.

[Gerardf]

Only other issue was the EGR. I actually replaced it with an EGR of newer design rather than blank it out. Reason is that the engine runs a little cooler with the EGR correctly fitted.

I'm interested in more details about where you sourced the newer design EGR.

Hi, apologies for the late reply!

I understand that it's the same part number but Alfa Romeo redesigned it. At least that's what my Alfa trained mechanic told me. I have to see him about my Punto this week so I'll ask him about it.