buying a used 156...looking for a mechanic to inspect it

[ex3e1989]

Hi guys,

Just joined up the forums. Hopefully I can go ahead with my purchase and become a regular alfa poster.

2005 ALFA ROMEO 156 MY2004 TI SELESPEED
Kilometres   54,345
$20,990* -still gotta negotiate.

The dealer is willing to drive down to my house for me to check out the car. I'm looking for an alfa mechanic in melbourne who would come down to my house to inspect the car for me for some fee
Can anyone recommend me a good mechanic? and how much would this service cost?

Cheers

[dehne]

hi there 21 grand is a bit much to pay for an 05 selespeed plus i would buy a real manual or go top nthe 2.5ltr full auto plus i would be more realist at 10 - 15 grand for these.
look ALL around you will find a better one

[ex3e1989]

thanks for the reply
this is the one i was looking at to be more specific:

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=7792153&__sid=12640314255C&__Qpb=true&Cr=7&MileageTo=750&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%204294967249%204294967222%20903%20750%20393%20414&PriceFrom=393&PriceTo=414&seot=1&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Nne=15&trecs=21&silo=1011

the interior is very nice. I'm an auto driver so full manual isn't an option (havent come across a full auto either...searched discountusedcars, drive, usedcarsales and a few other sites). And I was thinking of getting it down to 18-19 (possibly even 16k if i trade in my bomb 93 camry that i wanna get rid off)

[dehne]

it is the v6 auto i own a sele and it has constant troubles

[ex3e1989]

what kind of problems have you had? was it with the selespeed gearbox? how long have you owned the car for and how much in repairs have u paid?

[L4OMEO]

Hi ex3e1989

Selespeed issues are well documented, try a search through this forum for more details. People's experiences will range from problem-free (as I found mine) to no end of grief (I think Dehne falls into this category  ). No question, potentially they can give you expensive headaches. You also might want to drive it and see if you actually like it - it's not everyone's cup of tea. In my experience, it's flawed as a full auto, tolerable-ish when using it manually around town, actually very cool when hard up it.

The 2.5 V6 model came with what Alfa called a Q-System auto. I've driven these but someone who's owned one might be able to give you a better appraisal on how it works (or again, do a search).

I tend to agree with Dehne, the one you've located is probably on the high side price-wise for a MY04 model. Mid-high teens might be a reasonable buy without being a bargain. Nice looking example though. End of the day, if you're happy with it and what you pay for it that's what counts. And hell, even if you buy a bad one at least you're not driving a Camry any more 

But, do yourself a favour and look at as many as you can before you sign the cheque.

Good luck with your search, fire any more questions this way.

Cheers
Rory

[ex3e1989]

Cheers Rory, thanks for the insight.

I've read quite a lot about the problems with selespeed but I feel there is a bit of a selection bias in what is posted about it. I mean, those who have had problems are more inclined to post their problems on a forum rather than someone who has had no problems saying everything is AOK.

After browing similar 156 specs to the one I posted I've found the price to be rather similar (if not more)
I think I'd be happy paying 19k for it provided I find an alfa mechanic who can give me an inspection.

My problem is that if I contact a mechanic they have no incentive to tell me NOT to buy the car...since they would be losing a potential customer. So that's a concern for me. I was thinking of asking my normal mechanic who probably doesn't service alfa specifically to see what he thinks, good idea or not?

Alternatively, if someone as experienced as danhe or someone else in Vic is willing to check this car out for me I will be happy to pay $$ for an honest opinion about the state of the car.

[L4OMEO]

Hi again

I feel there is a bit of a selection bias in what is posted about it. I mean, those who have had problems are more inclined to post their problems on a forum rather than someone who has had no problems saying everything is AOK

Probably some truth in that. But, if you DO have problems be realistic in expecting bills with lots of numbers in them 

After browing similar 156 specs to the one I posted I've found the price to be rather similar (if not more)

Fair enough, I don't keep a real close eye on how the market's moving. As long as you're looking around you're in a good position to make a fair assesment on market values.

In terms of getting a fair appraisal, someone familiar with Alfas is always a preferable option but that's not always possible. Do the best you can. Also, check the service history carefully and try and contact the people that have looked after the car previously - they should know it well.

Let us know how you get on.

Cheers
Rory

[dehne]

i have comented on quite a few sele topics and i believe ive been fair when it runs good i love driving it i use city mode around town and then manual on the road but manual in  town can also be real fun i also have the part that im sure the 05 mdl sele was also updated and there releability i am unsure about
where abouts in vic is the car also another option fot you at near that price range look at the 159 i think its around the 25-30ish mark if thats an option ill post a few links if i can find some

[ex3e1989]

that would be great if you could recommend me some 159s
probably pushing my budget but no harm in taking a look

the car is located in south melb. but the dealer is willing to drive down to my house to show me the car ASAP free of charge (what do you make of this? a bit desperate to sell?). i live in chadstone, so it would be no problems for the dealer to come to you either if you're willing to help me out with compensation ofcourse. let me know if you're interested, i've been browsing a few sele threads and you seem to be quite the knowledgeable person.

[dehne]

i live in bendigo so i dont think he would drive here and yes it does sound a little desperate i would say they have had the car for a long time try to get links up soon

[John Hanslow]

Refer the similar topic on Alfa Specialist inspection.

A legal point here is to note: you pay for the inspection.

Otherwise you may not get all the facts and the report is not yours so even if it is built in to the price, there is no legal obligation to be given the details as you are a 3rd party.  Believe me there has been a few bad buys because of this.

Get the car checked out by an Alfa Specalist and if you want an auto get a V6.  Save money, get a good buy and have some fun. 

Refer our sponsors page home page top right hand side.

[Jekyll and Hyde]

My problem is that if I contact a mechanic they have no incentive to tell me NOT to buy the car...since they would be losing a potential customer. So that's a concern for me. I was thinking of asking my normal mechanic who probably doesn't service alfa specifically to see what he thinks, good idea or not?

Not neccessarily the case, I would have thought.  Give Hugh at Monza Motors in Bayswater a call and see what he has to say about them, I believe he is fairly matter of fact when discussing selespeeds with potential buyers.

[ex3e1989]

Yea I got in touch through email with Hugh last night, only $60 for an inspection as opposed to $165 for bennica.

I'm going to give Hugh a call later today and ask him some more questions about his inspection. If I'm happy with his response then I'll go with Monza, if not i'll go with bennica. Bennica told me it takes ~2-3 hours to inspect the car so for that money I think they will be very comprehensive.

I also spoke to the dealer last night. Im going in this evening to check the car out in south melb. We're going to work out a price this evening and then if we come to an agreement the dealer is willing to truck the car to any mechanic of my choice. If the mechanic says the car is good then I'll buy the car, if the mechanic says there are problems....either a) i'm not obliged to buy the car or else i will try to push for option b) dealer will get it fixed at his expense.

i'll let you all know how it goes.

[ex3e1989]

I just came back from checking out the car.

I was a bit surprised when I learnt the cam belt hadn't been changed. It done almost 55,000km. I asked the salesman, he said "nah, u get it changed at 80,000". I laughed at him.
Then another guy checked the manuals etc and said it was 60,000 and said "you still got 5,000km".

Anyway, the car has only been serviced twice!!!! once at 4,200km and another at 28,000km. So it's loooooooong due for a service.

Took the car for a drive, I really like the 156 but hearing about the maintenance condition made me a bit hesitant.

So then it comes to bargaining. After a lot of discussing my final offer was 19,000. including 12mth warranty + belt change + servicing + rego, RWC.

he wasn't budging at 19,500. I said see you later, you have my number, give me a call if you change your mind.