Hello, Just getting into Alfa 156

[hussman]

Hi there, Starting a new job in the next 8 months and looking to buy a relatively small, reliable and luxurious car. Im heading in the direction of the Alfa Romeo 156. The 2.0L version. It seems to fulfil all my needs.

Hoping to learn a heap about the car and what to look out for when buying one.

[colcol]

Its been said a million times before,...so here we go again, the cam belts need to be changed every 3 years or 50,000 under harsh conditions or 60,000 under ideal conditions, this is non negotiable, run it too long and the cam belt breaks and you need a new motor.
The oil to use is on the twin spark 10-40 and on the JTS 10-60, bothe oils fully synthetic racing oils from your favourite oil manufacturer, the 2 litres like a drink of oil so check the oil level once a week.
There were 3 versions of the 156, series 1, 97-2002, with the twin spark motor with 110 kilowatts, the series 2, 2002-2004 and the final facelift series 3, 2004-2006, from 2002 onwards the 156 had the 2 litre JTS motor, the JTS stood for Jet Thrust Stoichametric, which was Alfa Romeo's version of direct injection, it had an increase in power to 121 kilowatts, 10% more torque at lower revs and lower fuel consumption.
The JTS also had a slightly better airconditioner with bigger vents and a digital information readout on the centre dash, it also had better safety, with curtain airbags and stability control and brake assist.
The 156 is quite common for airbag lights going on and needing a computer scanner to turn them off, check to see if one is on when looking at a car.
Thermostats are also a problem with 156's as they fail within a couple of years and cause the engine to run cold and using more fuel and in the long term ruining the Cat Convertor due to an over rich mixture, they are between $100-$180 each plus labour to replace.
The Lambda sensors in the extractors also give trouble over 100,000, with take off stumbles and misfires, the TS has 2, the JTS has 4, they are not cheap to replace, Colin.

[poohbah]

Hussman, if you can find one I suggest you go for a 2.5 V6 with 6 speed manual trans. It is the simplest (and in my view the best) motor/transmission combination in the 156 range - fewer things to go wrong, more power, and the most glorious engine note you will hear. I am biased I know, but even my local Alfa mechanic agrees it is the best and most reliable combo in the 156 range. Only downside is higher fuel consumption, but worth every cent ...

Obviously, as Col says timing belt, water pump, service history are key things to check.

[howe155]

Hussman, if you can find one I suggest you go for a 2.5 V6 with 6 speed manual trans. It is the simplest (and in my view the best) motor/transmission combination in the 156 range - fewer things to go wrong, more power, and the most glorious engine note you will hear. I am biased I know, but even my local Alfa mechanic agrees it is the best and most reliable combo in the 156 range. Only downside is higher fuel consumption, but worth every cent ...

Obviously, as Col says timing belt, water pump, service history are key things to check.

dont forget busso sips more gas, noise dive more, engine mount wears off faster, top/bottom wishbones wears off faster.... if you see one and decided to pass let me know..... hahah just kidding on the last part.

and this bella hates traffic jams and will invite speeding tickets when you are too caught up by the busso sound at 6k and up screaming rpm

[poohbah]

Howie, how true that is. Spent the last nine months of 2013 with 2 points left on my licence due to chronic case of Busso disease!

Managed to get a couple of points back since then, and get another 4 back by August ... if can avoid the Rozzers til then that is.

[colcol]

And with all the money camera's around, taking money out of your bank account like white collar internet scam artists, if you get caught by these revenue raisers and you drive for a living in public transport or as a courier, excessive amount of points can cause you to be suspended from your job, even though you may be a great driver and not have accidents, Colin.

[tonybel]

Hi Mate,

welcome to the best club in Australia and best car maker.
Have owned a few alfas now and all have been sweet, but by far if your budget can strench alittle more, please buy a Alfa 156 V6. these cars handle, drive and I think less quirky problems. You ll keep it for longer and everyday put a smile on your face when driving it.

[Craig_m67]

You want the Sportwagon** ...... It is by far the better car.




** car pictured is not mine and is a GTA Sportwagon not available in Aust.  Although mine is very similar in a diesely sort of way and this colour is gorgeous don't you agree?