buying a used 156...looking for a mechanic to inspect it

[John Hanslow]

Caution is a virtue !

[ex3e1989]

what do you rkn?

If I pay 19,000 and get it inspected by a mechanic before signing, is it still good? provided the mechanic says it's in fine mechanic condition.

[AGM155]

That kind of service history points to neglect. I would run for my life.

[Andrew156]

I'm no expert only having purchased my first Alfa, a 156 wagon, this week.

Whatever the car though, and in particular for an Alfa, I rate service history as crucial in my buying decision. I don't just want to see stamps in a book, but also as many receipts to substantiate as possible. In saying that you won't have that luxury at a dealer, but study the books with a critical eye at least.

If your heart is set on that one, see if you can contact the previous owner. That's what we did before priivacy laws got in the way.

There are enough 156 sedans out there to keep looking for the right one. Wagons on the other hand are thin on the ground. I suggest keep looking until you find one that ticks the boxes.

Andrew

[John Hanslow]

Receipts are good, but have a look at the service reports if possible so you can see what is required to be done - the list of items suggented to be actioned to the owner with short arms and deep pockets.

Normally you do not get to see those - so it comes back to an Alfa Seecialist conforming servicing, most things repaired in a timely manner, but it has to match your price. 

No point of getting a $20k car for 16 and having to spend another $4k on it because its been thrashed or neglected.  You get stuck with a lemon.

Cheers.

[ex3e1989]

just an update:

i didn't go ahead with the purchase (or the inspection). decided to move on, dealer was asking too much.

i'm seeing a few more alfas tomorrow, a 2004 selespeed Ti, only 50,000km, black. listed as 21k from the dealer, lol . I'll let you know how low i can get him.

[prova]

Hey mate just an extra little bit of input - if you can - try to buy privately. Dealers are running a legitimate business and they need to make a decent average margin on each sale. I think and I could be wrong but you will pay extra for a dealer car. I would expect a dealer on that price range of car to be aiming at making between $2000 to $4000 on the sale. They have sourced the car cheaper than the advertised price through many possible channels. Look privately you should pay less with possibly less pressure on the deal. Sorry if I have upset any dealers using this forum.

[rainbo]

I bought a 156 a few years ago and have had a few dramas and a lot of pleasure. I can only reccomend a car that has been reguarly serviced by a alfa specialist. Selespeed is ok if you like to drive hard and service your car reguarly.

[Daitrader3]

if you are interested in an excellent 2005 156 JTS with sunroof for a much better price and less kilometres give me a call
includes warrenty and so on
Luca
0430130087

[dehne]

i know of a guy who has a v6 auto for sale if ur interested and hes only after around 10-12000 for it

[ex3e1989]

Hey mate just an extra little bit of input - if you can - try to buy privately. Dealers are running a legitimate business and they need to make a decent average margin on each sale. I think and I could be wrong but you will pay extra for a dealer car. I would expect a dealer on that price range of car to be aiming at making between $2000 to $4000 on the sale. They have sourced the car cheaper than the advertised price through many possible channels. Look privately you should pay less with possibly less pressure on the deal. Sorry if I have upset any dealers using this forum.

yea that is true. I will be paying a premium by buying from a dealer but at the same time I'd be happy to pay more knowing I'm getting a car they have approved. Also their warranty is normally 1year+ which adds more reassurance when buying a 2nd hand car. In the end,  my preference is to buy from a dealer but if their price is unreasonable then I've got one private seller who is giving me his 2006 black 156 for ~16,000...but it will set me back about ~18k after taxes+belt change.

I bought a 156 a few years ago and have had a few dramas and a lot of pleasure. I can only reccomend a car that has been reguarly serviced by a alfa specialist. Selespeed is ok if you like to drive hard and service your car reguarly.

I understand the selespeeds aren't as reliable as the manual/v6 but i'm on an auto license, so it's either v6 (which are a lot harder to find) or the selespeed. I'm making sure the car I buy has been looked after well by an alfa person for sure!

if you are interested in an excellent 2005 156 JTS with sunroof for a much better price and less kilometres give me a call
includes warrenty and so on
Luca
0430130087

thanks for your help mate, you gave me a lot of useful info.