2004 156

[156seeker]

Hi all,
seeking some advice on 2004 156 manuals. I love em but I've had so many people warn me off buying one including my mechanic. I really need unbiased advice and info on known probs etc. Also timing belt replacement schedules and approximate cost. Was going to buy one this weekend but was still apprehensive due to peoples' perception of Alfas.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks

Marc

[dehne]

buy one ur mechanics just jelous i have heard of no real probs with them as all have been ironed out by then

[John Hanslow]

Have a good search on this forum for other threads as we get a few of these enquiries.

Summary:
Do your research to get an idea of price and options (wheels etc)
Shop around and if you find a car, get it checked out first by an Alfa specialist. Thisb is essential.
That way any maintenance issues can be identified and gives you future an idea of costs (repalace clutch)Refer to your state Alfa Club web page for contacts
Best value to buy a car with a service history and with low kms.

Cheers.

[Davidm1600]

Hi Marc

Just saw this and since you are seeking opinions and experience with 156's, let me quickly give you a run down on mine.  About a year ago, I decided I needed a modern and practical car (so yes that meant yet another Alfa).  I have owned Alfas for the past 25 years but to date only 105s and Alfettas. From my experience in owning only Italian cars, I have in overall terms found them to be perfectly reliable and importantly enjoyable to own and drive.  The key always like any purchase to look after them and maintain the service requirements etc.

So to the 156.  I found a number of 156 manual sportwagons (since that was what I was after) within the $15-23K mark, the price dependant on which year, model, spec and Kms.  I ended up settling on a metallic blue '03 JTS Manual Sportwagon, with black leather and Bose hi fi upgrade.  It had 89Km on the clock, was a 1 owner car with full Alfa dealer service history.  Mine I bought in Sydney for $20K and then proceded to drive it home back to Hobart, going down the East Coast.  A road trip to test it out.  It never missed a beat, still hasn't and is both comfortable, economical but yet highly enjoyable to drive.

As I mentioned on another thread on 156 ownership the other day, so far apart from registering it in Tassie, insurance, fuel and a little oil, I havn't had to spend a cent on the car. I have over the past year put about 7.5km on the clock.  Obviously I will have to give it a service in the near future, and even the dreaded belts.  What ever you do, if you buy a 156 do not, not replace the belts on time, the consequences are a new engine or major rebuild.  I recally this happening to my Mum's Fiat 132 many years ago.  Valves meet pistons = bad news !  BTW as a long term owner of a '69 Fiat 124 sport, replacing the belts is normal stuff. 

I have some very slight wear in one of the left lower wishbone bush but there are alternative parts suppliers out of the UK which can keep the costs down. Let alone ebay etc.  A mate of mine who has a '99 156 Monza has rebuilt his front end, complete with lowered and stiffer Eibach springs, and bilsteins.  Having had a ride in his car I was very impressed wiht how good the handling on his car is compared to mine.  Mine being much softer.  He also has a sport exhaust on it and it has a sweet note.  Mine is quiet.

My mechanic said to me before I bought to basically buy a JTS, manual, with the lowest Kms, service history etc and you should do well. I followed his advice.

I am sure there are some dogs out there and yes the prices have significantly fallen, happy hunting.  Dave