Pre-purchase advice on 2001 156 Sportwagon Selespeed

[Archer15]

I'm new to Alfa's so would appreciate some help.
Had a drive of this car today at the dealership. Emotionally I've already bought it (which is dangerous), but what should I be mindful of apart from reviewing the service history for timing belts and booking a pre-purchase inspection?
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/alfa%20romeo-156-2001-11926783?vertical=Car&cr=9&eapi=2&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294967249%204294967222%20903&distance=25&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,10000~1&sort=default
Has anyone known this car or it's history? It's at a dealership in Alphington, guys name selling it is Alex Talevski.
Who would be best to do the pre-purchase inspection?
What kind of faith should one place in purchasing an extended dealer warranty?

[bix]

Here are some thoughts off the top of my head:

• Timing belt should be changed every 3 years (not 4 as suggested in the service manual)
• Getting a thorough inspection is a must before purchasing (ideally an Alfa mechanic who knows them)
  
• Selespeed on these babies is a weakness although people that own them love them
  
• Servicing should ideally have been done by an Alfa specialist every 6 months and using the specified 10w40 FULL Synthetic

Otherwise, these cars are awesome. The TwinSpark is a great little revver and in my experience the entire package is very reliable.

[colcol]

Have a look at our sponsors page on the Forum, look at service providers, Marranello Pur Sang Motors, Mauceri Motors, Monza Motors, have a pre purchase done, these people know these cars well, thats all they work on, read a lot of rubbish about Selespeeds, talk to those that have them, they love em!, the 156 Sports wagon, one of the most stylish and practicle wagons about, even General Motors 'borrowed' the name for the VE Commodore wagon!, Colin.

[bix]

What kind of faith should one place in purchasing an extended dealer warranty?

pffft, not much. Check out this thread from when I purchased a warranty for our 159: http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=7277.0