New here - seeking some advice 156 JTS 2.0 :)

[emilio_89]

Hi all,

I'm new here. My current car is a 2013 Fiat 500C 1.2 8v. I've had it since new, unfortunately recently involved in incident and not salvageable

I need wheels asap but have very limited funds. Don't want to finance. Budget up to 6k.

I am test driving a 2004 156 2.0 JTS manual sedan today. Mum had a 156 twin spark when I was a kid, it started my love affair for the model.

Im keen on this 156, but also nervous about buying a lemon.

Here is the link to the actual car:

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2004-alfa-romeo-156-jts-manual-my04/OAG-AD-18537647/?Cr=2

Just wondering if this appears a decent example and any advice on things to look for in particular in checking the car over.

Thanks!

[bonno]

Welcome aboard Emilio and hope you find the Alfa your after in the not to distant future. Here is a simple check list that may assist in making your decision on the right car.
1.   Log book servicing available (in particular check for timing belt change and serviced every 10K).
2.   Operators Manuals available.
3.   2 sets of keys
4.   Radio code available.
5.   Check for accident damage front and rear, in particular boot well and front apron.
6.   REVS check available No financial/ repairable write off.
7.   Evidence of oil leaks engine and gearbox (look under car and see it is dry/No oil stains were parked).
8.   Check engine oil cap for any sings of milkiness (condition of head gasket).
9.   CV joints and boots in good order (Look under front of suspension for split rubber boot/noise when turned full lock slow speed no clunk noise).
10.   No evidence of rust.
11.   No signs of internal water leaks dampness smell.
12.   Check all lights operational including blinkers.
13.   Check Air Conditioner working cold.
14.   Check electric windows working
15.   Engine accelerates well with no hesitation throughout the rev range.
16.   Shift gears smoothly, (syncos in good order).
17.   No warning lights remaining on, ie; Air Bag/ EMS.
Just be mindful that the JTS engines tend to consume oil and need to be checked quite regularly, there is a post on this forum to give you an indication at the following link
http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=14554.0
cheers
bonno

[poohbah]

Hi Emilio,

Good luck with the test drive. Just to clarify Bonno's point about timing belt and servicing.

I'm sure he meant check that its been serviced every 10,000km, and separately when the timing belt was last changed. The 2.0L cars may have a slightly different replacement schedule to the V6, but the belt (and water pump) need to be changed every 3 years or 60,000km (religiously) whichever comes first, or you risk your car becoming a very expensive garden ornament.

[poohbah]

Reading the advert, the absence of any reference to service history is curious/suspicious. (edit - have just looked at pics, so some history appears evident).

If you are not mechanically-minded (like me) and want peace of mind, get an independent Alfa specialist to give it a once over before you agree to buy - (this I have learned from painful personal  experience...)

I'm sure someone on here can recommend someone who could go out and do that for you.

[emilio_89]

Thanks for your advice guys

Update:

So, I drove it. Drives 👌👌👌👌

Far as I can tell, shifter good, clutch good, revs through range no worries, brakes felt good, no squeaks or groans that I could hear

Body / paint good. Interior very good. I loveeee the wooden wheel, and the seats.

No warning lights.

Sat down and went through books thoroughly. Good service record with reciepts going back to new. Had belt change at 60k.

Negatives :

-One key only
-Drivers interior door handle loose, will need replacing eventually
-It has only had one belt change at 60k. Its due its second belt for 120k service, will need it done straught away I think? Dealer will reduce sale cost more or less the cost for the belt (conveniently the reciept for the first belt change was in books to give me an idea of cost)

Also seemed when looking under bonnet after only driving for about 10 min that radiating a bit of heat. Temp guage normal though. (I'm not a mechanic at all, so I don't know if this is something worry about?)

Lastly, I was told I should check for gunk etc underside of engine oil cap. Looked fairly normal to me but possible very small light amount milky colour under oil cap

I wanted to buy then and there given the look and the driving feel haha, but came home to think about it and raise above for some advice

Any thoughts you have much appreciated!

[bonno]

By the sound of things the car has been regularly serviced since new and apart from the availability of only one key (hopefully remote opening/closing) and the broken DS interior door handle, I would try to negotiate to have this rectified or for a price reduction. The engine should have got up to operating tempt within 5 minutes of starting with gauge reading normal (no thermostat problem). If you are not confident, then get it checked by Alfa specialist or someone that can provide this type of service. PS Timing belt change is @ 60K or stipulated time frame as specified by Alfa Romeo.
Hope this helps
Regards
bonno

[poohbah]

Emilio, good to hear its got a good service history.

You say it had a belt change at 60k (as it should have) - if I read the advert correctly the car has now done over 120,000km - so yes you are correct it would be due for its next timing belt change regardless of whether the last one was less than three years ago.

Belt and pump change is typically ~$1500 at a workshop.

Maybe haggle to get the price down by at least amount and get it done straight away (not something you want to risk failing)- or offer to purchase on the basis that the dealer gets it done (with documentary proof) before you take it. You could still get it for under the asking price (no way belt/pump change cost to the workshop is $1500).

[bazzbazz]

Belt and pump change is typically ~$1500 at a workshop.

I gotta raise my prices . . . . 

[poohbah]

You don't want to know how much my most recent one cost - admittedly with some other bits and pieces that had to be done.
(just went and looked at receipt from my last change in November - cambelt and water pump cost ~$1600 inc parts and labour).

I also had 160,000km major service and some unavoidable brake and cooling system work done at the same time. Yep it hurt...

[emilio_89]

Ladies and Gents,

Thanks all, advice very much appreciated and helpful. Showed this thread to dealer in negotiating reduced priced in line with cost of new belts etc.

I've been driving around aimlessy all day, with great pleasure. Stopping from time to time to admire her

[Craig_m67]

I've been driving around aimlessy essentially all day, with great pleasure. Stopping from time to time to admire her go to the bottle shop.

Fixed that for you...

[bonno]

Congratulations on your purchase Emilio and don't forget to get that Timing belt and water pump done ASAP.

[poohbah]

Great to hear Emilio, and welcome to the asylum. No one ever gets out.

[Beatle]

I've been driving around aimlessy essentially all day, with great pleasure. Stopping from time to time to admire her go to the bottle shop.

Fixed that for you...

Sorry Emilio, but I simply cannot believe you without photographic evidence..... . 

Welcome to the fold !

[emilio_89]

I've been driving around aimlessy essentially all day, with great pleasure. Stopping from time to time to admire her go to the bottle shop.

Fixed that for you...

Sorry Emilio, but I simply cannot believe you without photographic evidence..... . 

Welcome to the fold !