Alfa Romeo 156, Help!

[adnank]

Hey Guys,

I am just about to take out a loan as i desperately want an Alfa Romeo 156.
I have never been to interested in cars, but I do need one of my own right now as I am 22, and as soon as i saw these, I actually got a bit obsessed with them.
Only question I have is why are they so cheap on a site like carsales.com.au
I have found a number of 2000-2002 models that are going at $8000-$13,000.

Is there a problem that I should know about it's reliability?
I am aware that parts are expensive, as all my friends have family have been drilling me about it, but I really want this car.
Any help from someone who knows a thing or two would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

[Simon Aarons]

Hi There,

There are numerous threads about this topic. Probably best to search through and have a quick read about the 156.

My advice would be to find one you like - with a good service history and take it to an Alfa specialist - not your local mechanic and have them do a full car inspection for you. It may cost you an extra $100 or so to get it looked at but could save you thousands.

Check the sponsors page for local specialists or Alfa dealers.

[Davidm1600]

Hi there Adnank, and as a 156 owner for the past 2 years, but an Alfa owner since 1983, I think I am reasonably well qualified to make a few comments.  I agree with what Simon says (hmn isnt that a childs game. Sorry I digress  ).

However, and on top of what he suggested, let me make a few extra points.  Firstly, always go for the best condition car you can find.  That is if possible the newest model (ie. JTS) rather than a twin spark, and definitely a manual not a selespeed.  I know that there are plenty of happy selespeed owners out there but at the same time they are well known to give problems.  Also, go for the car perhaps with the lowest kms on the clock, and most definitely a full service history.

In terms of some of your questions, as a rule, and as an Alfaholic I have never really understood why but Alfas are notorious for depreciation.  Having said that I have a '03 JTS wagon and paid $20K for it in Nov '07.  My wife has a '98 BMW with less kms on the clock and also paid $20k for her car 3 years ago.  My car is probably worth say $16-18K while hers now is valued at around $9-13K.  The basic fact is all modern cars depreciate, and Alfas are probably no worse than many other makes. In a way it is good for us buying them second hand since we can get them cheaper. I have a mate who recently bought a '03 JTS sedan with tan leather, sunroof but not the Bose Hi Fi that mine has with similar kms. His car is a good one with full history etc and he paid $12K.   

Probably the biggest reason for recent depreciation is that all cars are suffering as people are not buying (Gobal financial crisis stuff) and the simple fact there are so many to choose from.  In 2-3 years time 159s will also be undoubtedly for sale in the $20k mark, this also pushes the price of the previous model (156) down.

In terms of reliability, well in 2 years all I have had to do to mine is give it a service and more recently replace a sensor which effected the emissions control system (basically the car stopped).  All is fixed and is fine.  Cost of the 98Km service $200.  Cost to replace the sensor unit $240 inc labour.   

Yes I have read of horror problems with 156s as per 147s, 166s, GTVs etc.  Most of these I would likely stem from poor service history and/or in some cases badluck. This can happen to any car.  The one thing you must do with a 156 is ensure that the belts are changed on time or before due, otherwise it can be a very expensive engine rebuild or replacement.  They need to be changed every 60km but I would allow on doing this around 50-55km intervals.  Cost for this used to be expensive $1000-1500), but according to my mechanic he reckons it can be done for about approx $800.  The other thing you must do with the 156 and especially the JTS model is to ensure that the oil levels are kept topped up.  Some cars have been known to use a little oil.

From what I have read other problems have been associated with brakes, front suspension and some of the electrical systems. Sure parts can be expensive but then it is an Alfa not a Hyundai and also they are not as bad as some cars.  Also with the availability of E-bay, the internet, it is possible to source parts at less than factory dealer costs.   It just takes a little homework. 

A part of the problem in owning an Alfa as opposed to a local car (holden/ford) or jap or korean car is that people think they are difficult to own.  I have only owned Fiats and Alfas, right through from my Uni days til now and I have never found it to be a problem.  In fact they are just as reliable as other cars.  A tow truck recently told me he actually has only occasionlly had to tow an Alfa.  His brand new Ford died within the first week of his ownership of it.  The media I suspect is largely responsible for giving cars such as Alfas a hard time. 

My suggestion is go test a few 156s as there are some differences between the models but they are definitely a nice "modern" Alfa. Extremely comfortable, well appointed, safe, fun to drive and economical.  Goodluck in the hunt.  Dave

[John Hanslow]

Simon and David are on the ball here.  The Monza is a good car to get if you can. Better dash, leather interior & 16" wheels.  Do a bit of research and see how you go. The Sport has extra features as the lasts Twin Spark in 2002. 

Remender that it is essential to get a prepurchase inspection when you find a car you are comfortable with.  Refer our sponsors page for contacts.  Any issue and quotation to fix can be a bargaining tool and you get an idea on the RWC.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[Doug Gould]

I think if you have a look at other Eurpean marques that resale prices are similar. Its not confined to Alfa, most secondhand car prices have dropped.

I own / have owned 8 Alfa's and never been let down.

Doug

[adnank]

Hey Guys,
Thanks very much for your help quite insightful, especially david, thanks.

I am a lot more confident about buying it right now.

Have a good one..
Soon to be Alpha Romeo owner.

[1750GT]

Good to see a man withe courage of his conviction. I would like to add that all the advice is spot on and one more thing, once you find your lovely keep it that way by regularly servicing them and servicing them on time, look after the lovely and it will look after you! thats as simple as it is with Alfa's, scrimp on the servcing or choose a non alfa you and me mechanic and your heading for trouble.

Oh, err Alpha?

1750GT

[John Hanslow]

Do your research and look round at what is available.  There are a few interesting cars for sale in Victoria worth checking out.  Look at Carsales, carpoint, drive etc.

Don't forget to get a pre purchase inspection and that also helps with a RWC  anyway as you know what to expect.  Refer the club sponsors link.