Advice on Alfa purchase

[Graham]

Hi,

As a new member and potential Alfa 159 owner, I am wondering if I can get some advice.

I am looking at buying a 159 2.2 JTS. It is a 2008 model with 4,500k on it. What should I look out for as a possible problem (it is from a dealer so will have some warranty).

I hear a lot of discussion about reliability, but am told if you service regularly, as with most cars, it should be reliable.

Any advice would be welcomed.

Graham

[dehne]

all i can say is buy buy buy.
i think the 159 is the most desireable of the new ALFA's. I will get one as soon as ive got the money

[Davidm1600]

Agree with Dehne  .  I have had a '03 model 156 sportwagon for the past 2 years and if I were to upgrade, a 159 sportwagon (in manual) would be the most obvious choice.  As a long term Alfa owner (past 27 years), from my experience my Alfas have been most reliable but and perhaps also really important, so good to drive.  They communicate like so few other cars do, and I have driven so many different makes over the years.

My 156 has been to date brilliantly reliable.  I just had it serviced yesterday and my mechanic described it as being in first class condition with no problems to report back on. 

I test drove very briefly a 159 last year and I have to say it felt even more solid than my 156, and definitely as good in that context as BMW, Audi etc.  I am sure there are some 159 owners here who should be able to provide you far more 1st hand experience, but yes definitely worth checking out and if happy acquiring one.  Dave

[Paul Gulliver]

I have had a long line of Alfa's. My current car is a 2006 159 2.2 JTS. It has done 65,000 ks  no problems to report. Probably a better daily driver than my previous 156, but the 156 was more of a sports sedan. This next one may seem a strange one, but i believe the 159 series cars are the first Alfa's to have air conditioning that actually works. Not ice hanging off your nose in 5 mins like some Japanese cars, but decent climate control that along with an incredibly stylist shape makes it a great daily driver and still puts a smile on my face every time i drive it.   

[Joe Garra]

Agree, we've had no problems with our 159 wagon apart from a faded badge which the dealer happily replaced. Great car to drive.

[NigelC]

Dehne,

I'm reluctantly selling my 2006 159 2.2 JTS because it is not a great tow-car for my Group S GTV.  I bought and Audi allroad for that task.  I say reluctantly because the 159 is fantastic to drive and own and has been since new.  It has been reliable and an absolute pleasure to own - it is arguably the best car I have ever owned, but I just cant justify having three cars!

Go for it and remember that you never regret the things you do, only the things you don't do.

Nigel

[dehne]

i would have thought it would tow ok, but  i guess not, but why sell you do know there is such thing as a weekend cruiser clause

[NigelC]

4cyl, front wheel drive - not good for towing.  My Audi is 2.7l V6 bi-turbo and AWD,  it tows rather well.  I have no idea what you're talking about with the weekend cruiser clause.  Clause to what?

[dehne]

its just a reason to keep the 159 to drive on weekends, if you have a other half they do not understand these tech terms, but it might cost you some shoes

[Graham]

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

The one feeling that comes through no matter what, the Alfa is a beautiful drive.

Am test driving Sunday will let you know if I can be part of the Alfa club.