Should I buy a 159?

[HL-240]

I assume the opinions here will be "yes you should buy one", but I'm wanting some info on what a 159 is like to own, having never owned an Alfa before.

Whatever I buy will definitely be manual, and I'm led to believe that the 1750 TBi spec is the best version to have in terms of power vs reliability vs fuel use etc, is this a safe assumption to work with?

I do plan to test drive one, although there are no TBi models for sale near me at the moment. In the meantime - what are the opinions about their handling? Big heavy car + FWD, makes me skeptical, but I'm prepared to be surprised!

What is the availability of performance upgrades for the 1750 engine? I wouldn't want anything too crazy but the figures aren't exactly mind-blowing so it'd be nice if some upgrades were possible.

How easy and cheap/expensive are spare parts to obtain in Australia? The main online sources I've used in the past, like FCP and eEuroParts don't sell Alfa parts, but I'm assuming there are other good options around?

And finally, what is reliability like? Most things I've read suggest the 1750 engine is pretty solid, but I'd be interested to know about common electrical, suspension, drivetrain and interior/cosmetic problems. Is it likely to turn into an endless money-pit?

Any advice will be appreciated - as I said I don't really have any experience with Alfas but I've always found them to be very appealing cars!

[Citroënbender]

Why an Alfa, why a 159?

How would you use it? How long would you keep it?

[Pseudonym]

Well yes, you should buy one [emoji23]

I don't think you'll really find a better answer than simply going out and testing one - any car other than a Korean/Jap washing machine is a money pit, but you consider an Alfa because the Korean / Jap offerings are as interesting as sitting in a hole making engine noises with your mouth [emoji23]

They are probably the most fun version of the Toyota Camry ever made. They're not bland, but they're not bonkers either. You're very hard pressed to find a great deal of negative reliability with the 159s because they're GM platforms. I mean, they're still cobbled together by Italians so there are some oddities such as the ability to eat tires and bushings at an alarming rate and the occasional sensor snafu bit nothing too horrendous. The early 1750 would need new turbos sometimes, that's not uncommon on modern turbo engines though, oil feeding seems to be an issue we never had with the Japs of the 90s. As for performance it's a 1500kg car, just buy a Giulietta QV if you want speed - the engine puts out a bit more and you can probably squeeze more power out with less risk to transmission. They do grip beautifully though, just that weight doesn't lend to a feeling of race car. That said they're a very nice place to be for a jaunt through the countryside. Something obvious but important is that they're like a reverse TARDIS - big on the outside, not so big on the inside. You could hide a 105 in the blind spot and if you have shared car parking like an apartment get used to doing 5 point turns [emoji23]

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[V AR 164]

Agree with everything said so far.

IMO, They are like a very nice, smaller more luxurious and exclusive Holden commdore. And I don't mean that in a negative way.

Very comfortable cars with plenty of tech all wrapped up in one of the best looking sedans ever made. I haven't had any issues with mine in the 6 month ownership so far, other than the small little electrical gremlin every now and then. It likes to say a rear brake light is blown sometimes and had a coolant related check engine light on once, turned out to be a glitch with nothing actually wrong.

Driving wise, they have heavier steering compared to a commodore (VE) which makes the car feel more engaging  through the Twisties. The torque steer is very minimal/ non existent and the FWD system is more than capable.

Up in the hills, you can definitely feel it is a big heavy car but the chassis I find to be very stiff (a huge upgrade over my 164) and has excellent road holding characteristics.

Interior wise, as mentioned, is a tad on the smaller size, despite the exterior size. Front room is more than adequate but the rear headroom and legroom suffers a bit.

Overall, I was very happy with my purchase (I got a 2.4 diesel) and my only recommendation is to go and see/ drive one. I am sure you will have a big smile on your face!

Cheers, Andrew.

[HL-240]

Why an Alfa, why a 159?

How would you use it? How long would you keep it?

To be honest the main reason is because I like them! I can't think of many cars in a similar price bracket that have interiors as good as the 159's, and they stand out from the usual Japanese and Korean cars that seem to dominate the roads, which I like.
I'd be using it as a daily driver, and would probably keep it for quite a few years.

I'm planning to test drive one later this week; it is a diesel which isn't necessarily my preferred option but it'll definitely give me an idea.

Thanks for the other comments. I'm not too bothered by the interior size to be honest, as long as the drivers seat and driving position are comfortable!
I'm not at all expecting Japanese-level reliability, but some Euro cars are better than others. Sounds like the 159 doesn't have any inherent faults, as long as the electrical gremlins aren't too serious I guess.

My main other consideration is a Volvo C30; I also have some experience with Volvos so I know what to look for etc. They have their own unique styling as well, but the interior isn't as interesting as the 159, IMO. However, they can easily be tuned for 200kw and made to handle quite well so it's a tough choice.
(I have considered the Giulietta QV but I don't like the interior or exterior styling anywhere near as much as the 159.)

Anyway, I do appreciate the advice - I'll definitely be driving a couple but it's also good to hear from owners.

[Pseudonym]

Fair call - if at all possible try out the TI spec, some of the nicest driving seats to ever grace a saloon.

Everyone who has one loves the diesel, just the usual EGR/DPF maintenance and they're solid.

Also, can confirm the 2.2 has sub par fuel economy for the capacity but the 6 speed ratios are well sorted. If you get diesel remember to thrash it or highway run it in lower gear every so often to keep it from gunking up. If you Google some UK 2.4jtdm build threads you'll find some pushing silly numbers out of the clack clack block [emoji106]

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[Citroënbender]

Re performance, SuperPro are on a massive range expansion at present and may offer chassis enhancements that suit the 159.  Wouldn't hurt to ask them directly, I find they are prompt and thorough communicators. 

[HL-240]

the 6 speed ratios are well sorted.  [emoji106]

Are the gearboxes different between 2.2/1.75/diesel?

[Citroënbender]

For sure! You'd need to compare the new car spec sheets or eper data to see what exactly was common. 

Are you opposed to Selespeed?  Pseud loves his. 

[Pseudonym]

Yeah only because it does what I tell it to at the moment [emoji23]

Yes the ratios differ across the engines, I believe in manual the 2.2 and the 1.9jtd share the M32 and the 1750 and 2.4 are other Fiat boxes respectively. M32 while smooth has a habit of doing bearings when abused, which from the forums being fitted to a diesel equates to [emoji23] It's well suited to the driving but like the 2.2 GM block has a hit and miss reliability record. If I didn't require automatics as all rounders I'd have picked the 1750 manual.

I was warned off the 3.2 by just about everyone. Drinks like a fish and makes the Nissan V6 look like a Fisher Price play set to work on, which at this age it requires somewhat often.

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[Citroënbender]

I'd be surprised if the 3.2 was really that bad in a situation where it has been well-treated (intelligent maintenance, not simply dealer stamps) and was used for longer mileage commutes at modest-to-higher speeds.  "She'll be right" attitudes damaged an awful lot of Alloytec motors because of the ability of prior GM engines to suffer ignorance more stoically.

[Pseudonym]

It's more the way the engine has been fitted in the bay that turns moderate maintenance jobs into "easier to remove most of the engine"  jobs. Probably an immaculate low mileage example is going to have few issues, but if you drive it things will need attending to eventually.

What constantly annoys me about the 159 is looking at the firewall you can see the semblance of a transmission tunnel - I'm glad they like their Q4 in Europe but why oh why couldn't they have had the FWD optional rather the the AWD [emoji22]

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[GTV6SA]

I have had a late 2010 3.2 awd Ti for almost a year and it has been reliable once issues were corrected that were neglected /undetected/ignored by previous dealer. Important to get servicing done by those who know the product well .Had it remapped  with "Autodelta" maps which increases torque especially mid-range. As mentioned on most forums must have good service history preferably by "specialists" and not dealers ( imho and experience). A good low mileage late model Ti one is the way to go as they are "reasonably affordable". Depending on personal colour preference, it is still one of the most attractive models produced by  Alfa and still an enjoyment to drive
The 3.2 is  "still a lot of car" for the money when compared to what's on offer.

[poohbah]

Righto. I'm going to play devils advocate.

For the same price range as a 1750, why not go full-fat and buy a 156 GTA? 

It'll give you a proper 3.2L Busso V6 (not the GM-derived block in the 159) and power to burn, and a bang-on interior. As a 156 fan, I'm biased, but I also much prefer the  styling of the 156 (especially pre-facelift, which includes the GTA) over the 159.

[Colin Edwards]

Should you buy a 159?"................YES!
Traded in my 3.2 AWD Ti about 6 months and still regret it! 
As others have said, a full service history is critical. 
The V6 is a great motor in a middle weight car.  The chassis is as stiff as iron and responds well to poly bushes and Koni dampers.  However, careful wheel alignment and camber / caster adjustment is critical for good tire wear. 
Fit a decent set of tires to it like the latest spec Michelin's run at 40psi and fuel economy is fine.  Mine was a daily drive for over three years and never missed a beat.