131mirafiori forum

Anyone have any experience of the Alfa 156? In particular the 2.4 diesel engined model. I prefer the look of the sportswagen over the saloon to be honest.

I'm interested in opinions on reliability, cost of repairs, fuel economy etc ;)

Hi Dave,

I've got a Gta version and love it but..it can be a right royal pain in the arse to work on  ;D.

The diesel engines are supposed to be pretty good but I have no experience of them.

Clonking from the front suspension is not unusual and generally tends to be the upper wishbones  ( ?65 for genuine items or ?25 upwards for non OE ) or the ARB bushes. The former is not so bad a job, bushes for the latter are pretty cheap but a major PITA to do !!!. I poly bushed mine so I won't ever have to do them again.

Look at the o/s front brake pipe where it enters the wheel arch area, they have a tendency to corrode and burst without warning...not nice. They can rust near the brake pipes under the w/arch as well and behind the strut and on the floor and...ah well, you get the picture !!!.

Handbrake cables can stick on in the colder parts of the year. Electrics can be dodgy, if you get a MCSF ( Motor Control System Failure ) warning light on the dash info centre ( 2001 onwards I think ) it can mean a lot of things and doesn't mean it's dying. Mine was the coolant temp sensor.

If you do get one you HAVE to check the bonnet catch on the slam panel is well maintained, if not it can allow the bonnet to open at speed. Details on the web.

Mine has been pretty reliable, handles ok and it great to drive. What year is the one your looking at ?.

Cheers
Mick.

Hi Mick,

Thanks for the detailed reply. I've been looking at cars advertised on places like eBay at cars from say 01 to 04. Anything cheap really :)

I'm only looking at the moment though ;)

What I know about the 156, is that the 159 is a much better car ;D. Especially when it comes to build quality, reliability and refinement. IMHO it is also a much classier better looking car.

My 2009 1.9 JTDM Lusso is currently up for sale. If your interested please send me a PM.

I do like the 159 but currently they are worth more than I'm looking to spend hence thinking about a 156. Going to stick with the old Xantia for now though as it's doing a good job as a builders van :D

Dave you will get a 156 for very small cash here in Ireland because of the stupid road tax ;)
would be worth a trip over to get a good car maby?

Never thought of that one. Just doing a bit of research at the moment. Won't be seriously looking until well into the new year when I get the house sorted.

Ive been looking as well ,2.0 diesels are easyer to work on i like the face lift one better with the long alfa grill ,
 theo has very late 57 plate one
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