Buying consideration: Alfa Romeo 156 JTS 2002, need advices

[mcuongdt1986]

Hi everybody,

I am new to this forum. As I am considering to buy a Alfa Romeo 156 JTS 2002 on eBay, I found this forum and need some helps.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2002-Alfa-Romeo-156-MY2001-JTS-Silver-Sedan-/250935128379?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3a6ce6313b#ht_2316wt_1134

That is link of the car on ebay. From forum I know you have a 156, what do you think about this price. How to check the car as I don't have any experience with Alfa. Do you guys know any supporters closed to this place (on Ferras St, Albert park)? I read some papers and they said the Alfa isn't reliable, is it true? What's about fuel economy?

How much the normal cost for service? How about repair fee and parts? That would be great if you guys can share some of your experiences.

Thanks alot.

[Davidm1600]

Hi mate, from the pic attached it looks to be nice and clean 156.  I can't help you with ideas re who to use to check it out or service it if you were to buy it.  There are certainly plenty of 156s available to choose from, with varying prices, but fundamentally offer good value for the purchase money.  However, just to fill you in on a few things.  I have had my 156 JTS sportwagon for 4 years now, and so far apart from normal servicing havn't had to spend much on the car, it having been very realiable.   Mine is a manual, while I note that the car you are looking at is a selespeed, (semi automatic). Again I can't comment on the seles, but I am sure others are likely to chip in on that and who to use locally in Melbourne.

Re the reliability issues and/or what I have had to do on my car so far.  Alfas usually get panned by the motoring journos and those who don't actually own or know Alfas. In my experience they are no worse than any other make. The important thing with buying an Alfa is to know its service history etc.  That will tell you whether or not it has been properly maintained.  When new they were not cheap.  For instance my car would have cost somewhere around $50K.  The main servicing item is the timing belts, they must be done every 60,000km or before.  If not they could break and the engine would be badly damaged.  Cost for doing the belts etc, is around $800.  Normal servicing from my experience around $200.  I have had to replace 2 engine management sensors, cost about $600. There are 4.   I have also bought from the UK, new upper control arms, approx $40 plus a few dollars for shipping. I need new shocks & can get them from the UK (bilsteins) for about $400.  That it for me, apart from a set of tyres.   As far as being economical they are brilliant. I get around 6-7L/100 touring and about 8.5L/100 in the city.

If you buy this one or one similar all the best, they are really nice to drive.

[John Hanslow]

Just a note here as there are several considerations.  David has covered the mechanical/cost side thoroughly.

The reality is that you are spending good money to get a 'good' car.  You want a car that has books and a motivated seller who can answer honestly general queries re service and condition.

Then you take the car to a specialist workshop and spend about $100 and get a pre purchase inspection . The info you get is a bargaining tool for the price and RWC info.  The money is well spent as it limits the risk that could give you grief, cost you thousands and owning a sXXt car.

Spend a bit more and get a car from a good home and get it checked out. Then you have a better car for later resale.

Cheers

[mcuongdt1986]

Thanks for all useful information. I will take a look on that car as it was impressed me.

But does anyone know any specialist workshop about Alfa near Albert park? If I ask seller he will give me his specialist.

[colcol]

Maranello Pursang Motors are close in Brunswick, a lot of club members trust their cars to them, take it there and get them to do a pre purchase check to see if there are any issues, they hosted a 147-156 technical night for the club earlier in the year and they really know Alfa Romeo's, Colin.

[bix]

Zagame's is probably the closest to you in West Melbourne. Maranello is also a good option if you work in the city as they are very close to the train station and not that far away in the car via the freeway. There's also Italian Job in Oakleigh.

[mcuongdt1986]

Thank for the address. I will check the car and back to reply then. 

[John Hanslow]

Let us know how you go.

There appear to be more options available for cars with RWC, books and service history on car sales. Worth a look ?

Also look at the 2004 facelift series that came out on 2003.  That has the JTS engine but with a revised exterior.

Good luck.

[avim]

Great choice in car.

I would also recommend that you look at the 2.5 V6 156. At least test drive it before making a final decision.

IMO the 4 cylinder is a nice engine, but the V6 is something else. I was originally going to buy a 4 cylinder GTV but after jumping into a 6, my mind was made up by the time I pulled up to the first set of traffic lights.

Note, that the 6 has the same timing belt intervals as the 4.

Overall, Alfa's represent great value and very rewarding to look at & drive. If you're happy to do some of the leg work yourself (i.e. buy parts O/S) they are fairly cheap to own too.

Buy carefully & you won't look back.

By the way, I just had my radiator changed by Abarth Automotive in South Melbourne. I think he did pretty good job.

[colcol]

I think that the timing belt change is longer for the V-6, for the Fiat based 4 cylinders, it is 3 years - 50,000 kms under harsh conditions, stretch it to 4 years - 60,000kms for more ideal conditions,  and the belt change is a bit more expensive for the Alfa Romeo V-6, and the oil filter is a real hassle to get to on the 6, Colin.