156 Model differences

[Sergio]

OK, after some research into the 156's I've decided to stay away from the Selespeeds and get a manual. 
In my search for a 156 I came across a V6 in Brisbane with 120K Kms which is advertised as a 2003 model and has the 6 speed Manual box but it looks like a pre-facelift model (although it has the updated interior).

I had read that the pre-facelift V6's had only ever come out with the 4 Speed Auto transmission, so the question is was the pre-facelift 156 V6 ever available as a manual or does it look like the owner made some mods either replacing the transmission or the nose?

Couple of pics attached.  This is just for future reference because unfortunately I was too late and it sold for just under 10K which I reckon is a great buy if there's nothing wrong with it as older V6 manuals seem rare.

Also some general questions on the V6:
- How do the V6 engines and auto boxes rate for reliability?  Only bad thing I read is that the V6 is pretty thirsty.  Surely the V6 auto's have a better reputation the the Selespeeds but do they have their own set of problems?
- Is the V6 less expensive to maintain the the 2.0L?  I believe that the cambelt for example only requires replacing every 100K Kms instead of 60K as in the TS

Thanks.

[Victor Lee]

Can't answer all your questions, but what you've got here is a crossover model.  We had the same in our new 156 JTS when we bought it in 2002.  New engine (2 litre JTS), new interior, old exterior.  Probably the same here.

[L4OMEO]

Hi Sergio

Victor's right - when the JTS engine replaced the TS thee were some updates introduced across the range (including the new interior, plus the bumper inserts and wing mirrors were colour-coded, and I think headlight washers became standard). Other than the new 4-cylinder engine I don't think there were any other mechanical changes at this time. That example you found strikes me as an excellent buy, presuming it's overall condition was good. I have a Series 1 V6 6-speed (2002 model, one of a batch of around 100 imported by Areco) which I paid more than that for in Brisbane about 18 months ago 

As far as maintenance goes, there will be others on the forum who can speak to this with more experience than I can. The V6 is generally very durable and if looked after shouldn't give you any Selespeed-style bankrupcy concerns, but it definitely uses more juice than the four. I am happy to pay the extra for the driving experience - the four is excellent, the V6 is sublime. The only recommendation I would make is to ensure that when you do replace the cambelt, ensure that you replace the waterpump with a metal one from the GTV V6 - the originals have a plastic impeller and are a known weak point.

Happy hunting
Rory

[alanm]

Hi Sergio
I bought a Series 1 V6 Monza Q system auto at the end of last year and I love it. After having a Saab 93 for a few years the handling feels pin sharp, though the car has only 28,000 klms and a new set of Pirelli P7s. The burble from the exhaust at idle is lovely and the sound of the motor higher in the rev range is even better. My only criticism – the gear changes are too lazy in 'city' mode and too aggressive in 'sport', but you can always use the Q system 'manual' when you feel like it. A 6 speed would be a great drive... if I ever get get too lazy to live my GTV6.

In regards to the cam belt, the handbook says every 60,000 or 3 years, whatever comes first. This costs about $1700 from a specialist.
Based on my experience so far I can enthusiastically recommend the car.

Good luck with your search.
Alan

[Sergio]

Thanks all.  It's a shame this one slipped by as it looked to be a great car for a great price.  We'll have to keep looking.