Help & Advice needed for a newbie to Alfa's :)

[nathanlancaster]

Hello there, Im new to the wonderful world of Alfa's and what can I say, after testing driving just one... I want one !!! I have just test driven a 2003 156 JTS selespeed, Loved it. But due to the guy selling it not having log books or a full service history I backed out of the deal.

Now here is my problem... I have around $9000 to spend.

I am going to look at a 2001 156 Monza Twin Spark ( No selespeed ). Is the selespeed gearbox way better than the standard 5 speed gear box Should I not bother ??

Is there a huge difference between the 2001 model 156's and the 2002 156's apart from the interior looking different, airbag upgrades...??

Is it to risky buying a alfa over 150,000 ks on the clock even if it has a full service history and timing belts have been changed at 60k and 120k ??

A mechanic told me that the 2001 had a better engine than the 2003 because it uses less oil

Please help !!! 

I have tried researching as much as I can but I thought i would turn to the expert's for advice, Please let me know asap because I want to buy something in the next week or two...

Any advice would be much appreciated !!! 

Cheers to all,

Nathan Lancaster.

[lombardi]

Benvenuto nel mondo del'alfa romeo.
In my opinion would stay away from selespeed,my preference would be for the excellent 5 speed manual.
Stay clear of examples that dont have detailed service history as unfortunately there are many abused unloved examples out there.
The motor went through a major upgrade i think in 2003 to a qjet system which added power to the 2lt-previous was the excellent twin spark which has been with alfa in various forms-models since 75 days,it was definitely a proven example.
I have owned the 2ltr 2001 model and had no major issues,in fact was a pleasure to own.
Have a friend with a 2003 qjet model,he is also a nuovo alfa owner-he is so impressed with the performance he wishes he had converted years ago,he previously had HSV gm's and cant believe the step up in technology and handling and above all driving pleasure. Hope this helps in some way and happy shopping.CIAO

[Davidm1600]

Like Lombardi's advice, what I can tell you is a little from my own experience.  I have had Alfas since the early '80s, including both 105s coupes and sedans, plus Alfettas, and have driven heaps of different models over the years.  They all have something excellent to offer.

Back in '07 I was looking to buy my first modern Alfa, and given the sorts of activities we do, figured that a 156 sportwagon was the way to go.

Unfortunately there were not too many to choose from and none down here in Tassie.  However, after some searching, and talking to various people including my mechanic (alfa specialist) I decided to go for the newest, lowest km one I could find.  I bought my 03 JTS sportwagon from a dealer in Sydney.  Paid $20k for it with 89,500 on the clock. And then had a 10 day road trip home down the coast. It was brilliant. It now has 106,000km on the clock.

Personally, and you will be now aware the topic of whether manual or selespeed is largely one of differing opinions tempered by some facts.  I like manuals so it was a no brainer for me.  The gearbox is smooth, though not quite in the same way as say a 105.

The JTS engine in standard (not race car engine modified form) supposedly has a little more power than the Twinspark. I also am led to believe it is more economical.  I can certainly attest to how economical my sportwagon is.

The other thing to remember, is that the later cars had 6 airbags, stability and traction control, a better aircon, in my case also the Bose hi fi upgrade, plus a range of other improvements over the earlier cars.  However, that is not to say that an early model 156 is not worthy of being considered.  It really depends on what you can afford.  There are plenty to choose from and pre 2003 models are becoming pretty affordable these days.  You need to remember that a JTS 156 when new cost over $50K.

I would definitely agree, you should ensure that whatever you buy has the full service details and that the car has had the belts changed at the correct distance interval or earlier. 

I really like the leather interior of the 156, but not all early cars have this. 

I too have heard the issue of oil consumption and yes to an extent there might be some truth in this, but so long as you keep an eye on it, this should not be a problem.  I don't know the origin's of this concern.

The other thing to be aware is that the computer engine management systems has a series of sensors, and these are a known problem, ie fail.  If you encounter this issue, the key to it is not to continue driving if possible and to get it fixed pronto.  Some of the sensors cost more than others but allow $250-450 to fix each one.  To change the belts allow approx $800 or double this for a V6 156.  Hope that helps a little.  Good luck in the hunt to find yours.  Dave

[wankski]

Benvenuto nel mondo del'alfa romeo.
In my opinion would stay away from selespeed,my preference would be for the excellent 5 speed manual.
Stay clear of examples that dont have detailed service history as unfortunately there are many abused unloved examples out there.
The motor went through a major upgrade i think in 2003 to a qjet system which added power to the 2lt-previous was the excellent twin spark which has been with alfa in various forms-models since 75 days,it was definitely a proven example.
I have owned the 2ltr 2001 model and had no major issues,in fact was a pleasure to own.
Have a friend with a 2003 qjet model,he is also a nuovo alfa owner-he is so impressed with the performance he wishes he had converted years ago,he previously had HSV gm's and cant believe the step up in technology and handling and above all driving pleasure. Hope this helps in some way and happy shopping.CIAO

lombardi, some of that info is off... the JTS engine came in mid 2002, and the TS engine in the 75 is not near the same as the 156 TS.... the older 8v TS was all alfa, all alloy with timing chain. The fiat iron block 16v TS was belt driving much to many 156/147/gt/gtv owner's despair.

there is some truth in the TS reliability and JTS generally consuming more oil - a bigger factor i the JTS was specc'd on 10w-60 to reduce oil consumption and this has lead to premature wear on many examples, especially those with spotty servicing history.

selespeed.... I would say unless you are prepared to learn the system, get alfadiag and be prepared not to rely on your selespeed to get to work, u'd probably be better off with a manual... tho they do have their own issues such as internal slave, slop and clutch issues the selespeed don't, they are generally cheaper and easier to fix...

[John Hanslow]

The Monza is a bit of a delux option pack and well worth it. 

The Twin Spark is regarded in some circkles as a bertter engine than the JTS that was with the new model introduced in 2003. Early selespeed is problematic and basically a robotic clutch.  Manual cars are well respected.  Lower km's the better in any instance but price is more. 

Due to Road Worthy compliance, paying a few dollars more is better if the tyres are good, no oil leaks etc.
Recommended to get one with books, spare key, metal lugs to remove/replace radio etc all with owners manual.

Cheers.

[nathanlancaster]

Thank you Thank you Thank you !!!

  All of your advice was great and I enjoyed reading all of it. I am pleased to say now that after all my research and reading your posts...   I decided on a Alfa Red 2001 156 Monza Twin Spark, I took it for a drive, Loved it. All service books are well up to scratch, belts have been changed at the service points, gearbox seemed very smooth, reg. servicing @ The Italian Job and a spotless beige/black interior complimented by not a mark on the beautiful Alpha red exterior... 

To say Im excited and proud to have my first Alfa is an understatement....   I'm sure this will be my first of many to come....


Cheers to you all,

Nathan  

[lombardi]

Congratulations, may all your NATALE'S come at once,Guidatori di ALFA ROMEO's are a very emotional ANIMALE. CIAO E' AUGURI.