’03 156 Sportwagon 1.9JTD 8V

[Craig_m67]

Hi,

I'm returning from three years in the UK next month and considering bringing my Diesel 156 as a personal import (12months ownership/residency OS for those of you playing at home)  It's a Nero Black '03 156 Sportwagon 1.9JTD 8V - 115CV/85KW Turismo (Progression).  I know the service history of the car from new, so better the devil you know than the Alfa you don't (right).  The market here has died for 2nd hand cars due to the recession, it's not worth more than A$4K here.. so potentially well worth bringing home.

My last Alfa was a '66 Duetto (also had 2xSprints+2xSuds) which I sold in '06 as we hadn't planned on returning so soon (bugger eh!).  I never got around to replacing her or indeed getting a 101/750 spider to bring home so a bit disappointed, no matter – our 156 has at least done a lazy lap of the Nurburgring

I'm pretty sure this version (8v derv) never got to Aust. I'd be really grateful if you could answer a couple of questions for me, time is of the essence at the moment to make a final decision and get DoTARs approval - and trawling the net is getting tiresome.

1.   From the research I've done on the web (carsales/eBay/Drive/etc), it looks like a half decent '03 Sportwagon (2.0 manual) with history is worth +$15K.  Is this reasonable?  For me it's not about how much my car is worth – but how much it's going to cost to replace it with a car of similar quality.  Also the 156 spec seems higher in Aust., my car doesn't have leather or rear power windows – it's a derv though so I can drive 1,000k's on a tank and embarrass a JTS in a rolling start
2.   Did the earlier 8 valve 1.9JTD ever make it to Australia in any form.  I know the 1.9JTDm (16v) arrived in the 147/159, however I can't find any (aussie) 8v info on the web.
3.   Could somebody flick me a photo (or a copy of the supplement) of the (3) child restraint mounts located on the rear of the upper/rear folding seats.  Only Australia/NZ uses and enforces this system, my car has the later ISOFIX system – which Aust. ADR's refuse to accept  .  I'm also interested in any info/leads on where I might source the rear seats/parts so I can retrofit for compliance.
4.   Is anybody remapping dervs in Aust yet or should I just get it done here before I go, along with all the other consumables in a 156 (Wishbones, ARB, MAF).  I've already very recently done (F/R) discs, pads, tyres, thermostat, crank sensor, battery etc.

Love to hear your thoughts on this – the cost of shipping is pretty negligible given we're bringing stuff home anyway and (as above) the changeover price is significant.  Although, that said I'd prefer a later 05 Ti Sportwagon 

Cheers

Craig

... no, it's not a Crosswagon (AWD) it just needs a set of koni FS3's

[John Hanslow]

I would have a good look at other similar threads on this forum re importing cars.

This has been fully covered thoroughly by Ed Hellsten previously as this is is speciality. He covers compliance and cost.

Thread for your reference:

http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,68/topic,2051.0/

Cheers.

[Craig_m67]

Cheers for the reply and links 
However, I fully understand the Costs/ADR Compliance/Customs and AQIS requirements. 

Any help with my actual questions would be appreciated,
thanks in advance.

[Davidm1600]

Hi Craig

I am not sure I can add a whole lot more to your questions but in respect of prices, yes in general I think you would be correct re the values of a '03 (or newer) JTS Sportwagon.  I actually have a '03 JTS Sportwagon, which I bought a fraction over a year ago in Sydney, one owner from new, 89.5K on the clock, full Alfa service history, met blue with leather, Bose hifi upgrade, and yes it does have power rear windows.  The car is in superb condition, and so far apart from petrol and rego hasn't cost me a cracker.  I have done about 7km since I bought it and will probably need to give it a service soon.  Belts will also need to be checked and probably a new set of tyres in the next year.

As to values, from what I have observed while 156 values are falling, the JTS and especially sportwagon's are holding a slight advantage over sedans, especially if it is a manual over a sillyspeed (selespeed).  In terms of trim and features I think you are likely to be correct, since the list was extensive, and my wagon has the child seat mounting thingy, not that is of any need for me. 

Prices that I have seen for '03 and 04 Sportwagons on carsales or carpoint have ranged from $17k to $26K.  Obviously, condition, year and kms on the clock accounting for the price differences.  I have been notionally trying to sell mine (for reasons I don't need to go in here) and would be after around $18-19K for mine.  But I am not fussed if it doesn't sell and am not actively trying.   

I am not aware of the JTD version making it to Aus but perhaps others might be able to advise on this one.  I can tell you this much my beastie sure runs on the sniff of a petrol rag. Fuel consumption for touring is around 7-8L/100km, which in my books is pretty damn excellent.  Obviously the diesel is better than this but then again diesel is not so cheap here compared to the UK and europe.

So, given what you have already done to your car, its current value over there compared to here, and as you say better the Alfa you know, let alone the shipping costs perhaps its a good option.  Good luck.  Dave

[Davidm1600]

Oops, ment to mention for your advice re prices, I paid $20k for mine.  Dave

[Craig_m67]

... for those of you playing at home and anybody else who ever searches the net for this info.. my all important question 3 has been answered
After much i'net research, rooting around on ePer, calling of Aust. Alfa dealers (useless) and the odd wrecker came up with nothing...

Actual poking around in my car has revealed (hidden) prefitted 2x 5/16 UNC threaded nuts for Australian child seats.  YAY!!
... although i think i need three for ADR 
You can never do too much actual poking around in an Alfa

re my other questions
1. $13-$15K seems about avg. for a similar age/spec petrol
2. NO, Australia never got the 1.9JTD 8V.. you first got the 1.9JTDm
3. YES, two are fitted, just hidden
4. YES, remapping dervs.. but unlikely to have an off the shelf map for ^mine^ as it never came.


I'm replacing the MAF, MAP, EGR, ARB & all the wishbones next week - they're consumables made of chocolate and no doubt cheaper in the UK than Aust. 
Considering replacing the radiator.. does anybody know how much a 156 radiator costs in Australia, it's about A$160./ supply only here.

She goes into the container on the 11th Feb, bound for Brisbane. 
I can post the bureaucracy and costs etc., in here if anybody is interested - it's been relatively inexpensive and quite straight forward to ship so far (knock on wood).

Indeed, I might order in a 101/750 spider for next christmas to replace the Duetto

[Craig_m67]

we've arrived.
Replaced MAP, EGR, ARB & all the wishbones before we left
the two (hidden) prefitted 2x 5/16 UNC threaded were 40mm too far away for ADR, so new bolts fitted (easy).


Anybody know if/where a JTD remap is available in Aust.
... importing's easy (read, do the math, be patient)

[Jamie alfa]

This may help http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_156_buyers.shtml

[John Hanslow]

Congratulations on a job well done.

Also the link is comprehensive and covers a lot a 156 issues.  Looking at the links - problem solving and how - gives a good range of solutions to questions on the forum.

In Queensland, I know there is Alfamotive who are specialists you may want to contact for your needs. 

Cheers.