inconsistant Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 Currently looking around for something to replace our 2004 V70 and fancy a 159 estate. It would be either 1.9 or 2.4 jtdtjtm diesel. Probably about 2006-2007, about the 80-120,000 mile mark We would be spending £3000-4000 We won't be doing that much mileage, we may just keep it a year or so. Will a 159 estate be fun or miserable and bankrupting? What should I look out for? Which model/engine would be the most fun/least miserable/most sensible? Your experiences would be most appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 2.4 JTDm for the power and the 5-cylinder warble. Economy is a bit shit though. The 150bhp 1.9 is perfectly adequate but a bit boring. They don't drive as nicely as the 156 IMHO - too much GM influence - but they're still a decent enough steer, and I think they're quite a good looking car. They have niggly issues like all Alfas though. inconsistant 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
83C Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 I drove a 159 with the 2.4 JTDm from the east Midlands to Cornwall once. Lovely place to spend the miles, I spent some of the trip trying to justify swapping my E61 525d for it. However, for an estate it is woeful in the load-carrying department, the boot opening has a huge ledge leading down to the floor and isn't very wide. It also wasn't particularly economical, I'm fairly sure I got something like 30-35mpg with the cruise set at 70mph whereas the 525d would give nearly 50mpg under the same circumstances, and would have shown the Alfa a clean pair of heels in terms of performance. But, those looks... if you don't need it to be as practical as the V70 and economy isn't a priority, then buy one. Dark metallic grey looks best (in my opinion) and you'll not struggle to sell it. inconsistant 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sierraman Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 Im reading through your prerequisites and I’m thinking what could possibly go wrong! £4K 120k Alfa diesel that won’t do many miles. wuvvum, mat_the_cat, HillmanImp and 1 other 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inconsistant Posted February 25, 2022 Author Share Posted February 25, 2022 Yeah I know right! Are you compiling a list for me, I’m all ears?! I feel like my car history has been a bit safe so far and I’m trying to be a tiny bit adventurous before I see another v70 and end up with them for life! Economy wise I reckon the v70 gets 45mpg on a run, mid to high 30s around the houses. Similar or better would be good. We’ve got the Mini Cooper S for when we want frightening fuel economy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-T Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 I’ve had a fair few Alfas and once they get to that age, they’re pretty much fucked without major expenditure. So unless you go all out and just accept that 90% of the components will be end of life and are prepared to put up with the hassle of sorting them, don’t bother. If you do decide to go for one, I would definitely get a 2.4 as that 1.9 engine is a bit shit with an intake system with too many inherent faults. Also watch for rotten front subframes. They don’t drive as well as they look, but to be fair, I can think of very few cars from the same segment that look as good as a sport wagon in TI spec. If you aren’t doing the miles, the 1750 TBi engine is meant to be quite good but I’ve never driven one. 4 grand seems like crazy money for an 06/07 diesel one though? bigfella2, Kringle and cort16 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FakeConcern Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 A mate of mine (we both had Citroen C4 VTSs) has had one since late in 2020 and looks really lovely. He has however spent a fortune on it, admittedly not all of it essential, but still. This is his Instawank if you want a look at his journey into 159 land... #antalfa_159 https://www.instagram.com/antalfa_159/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wack Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 I've never owned an Alfa , closest I came was a 166 3.0 , I was 100% convinced I was buying it before I'd even seen it Train, cash in my pocket , he picked me up from the station ,dead chatty , 5 miles to a village , then I saw the car , rough as fuck , photographed well though Massive dent in the NSR door I declined , he took me back to the station , not a word the whole way , not even a goodbye When the 159 was launched I wanted one so bad , a bit like my want for a Giulia today only if I can't have the really fast one I don't want it If you can afford the best example 159 you want go for it but if not leave it alone I wanted a 3.0 Capri in the 70s , never wanted a 1.3 though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sierraman Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 Really can’t see the sense in an Alfa diesel. A bit like buying a really good cut of meat then cooking it until it’s the consistency of a Timpsons shoe sole. Or preparing a fantastic salad then garnishing it with spam. Bamboocarman, Kringle and HillmanImp 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsuncog Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 I had a 156 in 1.9 JTD flavour; can't say I ever really gelled with it. Was only eight years old when I bought it, and already quite rough and with lots of irritating little faults (ice warnings binging in summer; fuel tank straps rusting through; door handles breaking off). As mentioned, when they go they really go in lots of areas - so it does tend to be a bit all-or-nothing, in terms of committment. They look fab, though. Definitely one of my more alluring garden ornaments. But you say you're replacing your V70...? The_Equalizer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spike60 Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Perhaps wrong to label 159 with old Alfa probs but I had Sud Sprint, 916 Spider, 155 2.0 Twinspark. All good enough to forgive the shortcomings. I bought a 10v 156 2.4d which was a royal PITA. It was ok on fuel but cost £100 a month on parts alone over 10 months, I changed it for a 180k Merc 320 CLK which cost less to run, go figure. I'd have another Alfa, just as a toy though. I see you're planning few miles, I'd advise against a daily driver. inconsistant 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainagain Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 I had the 2.4JTD with a remap in my 156. It was excellent at GLF. Despite all the Top Gear experts telling me it would cost me a fortune as it was an Alfa. I only changed the wishbones and thermostat. The timing belt change was a bit of a bugger due to the lack of access. Also I’m not sure about the 159 but the 156 had a terrible turning circle due to the width of the engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cort16 Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 I had one new (I'm old) and as said driving wise they're just a bit meh but the interiors are lovely and they look fantastic. One of those cars you're always looking back at especially in Ti spec. They have their fair share of issues, you probably want to make sure the subframe has been changed as it seems mandatory. The also seem to have some general rust issues underneath. A lot of diesel ones have had EGR and DPF delete as they cause loads of problems. Just be wary that doesn't cause problems at MOT time. I would love a 1750 Tbi in Ti spec but they still make strong money. Other petrols should be given a wide berth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grogee Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 We've got a 2009 1.9 JTDm. As An Car it's been a demanding mistress but it looks great and fits the family in for travels (Sportwagon). I've done plenty of preventative maintenance and they do like to rust. Got a niggly glow plug issue that neither a new relay nor new Bosch plugs solved. The GM M32 gearbox is a piece of shit and cost me £500 for new bearings. TADTS. Later 2.0 diesels use revised and/or different box. It does 50mpg when I drive it and 40 when Mrs Grogee uses her lead foot. The auto wipers are comically shit. But the interior looks ace. Bit short on storage though. It is nice to drive, lively and fun. But if I was paying someone else to do the servicing and repairs I'd be bankrupt by now. inconsistant 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandersnatch Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 This happened to the Twin Spark motor in the 156 I had. It was fabulous. I loved it. Good luck. Rocket88, Shite Ron, Bamboocarman and 5 others 1 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod/b Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 11 hours ago, Datsuncog said: I had a 156 in 1.9 JTD flavour; can't say I ever really gelled with it. Was only eight years old when I bought it, and already quite rough and with lots of irritating little faults (ice warnings binging in summer; fuel tank straps rusting through; door handles breaking off). As mentioned, when they go they really go in lots of areas - so it does tend to be a bit all-or-nothing, in terms of committment. They look fab, though. Definitely one of my more alluring garden ornaments. But you say you're replacing your V70...? Facelift 159s look great. I’m probably in the minority but i think they look so much better than the earlier 159. Datsuncog 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Three Speed Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 I had a 2003 156 1.6 sportwagen. Did over 130k miles in about 10 years. Loved it. Glad I had it. Wouldn’t have another though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wgl2019 Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 I had a 2.4 159 as a courtesy car after an accident. Nice inside but performance was nothing special and it used almost as much fuel as my 3.0 V6 Honda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inconsistant Posted February 26, 2022 Author Share Posted February 26, 2022 Thanks All for the replies sp far, some more dramatic ownership experiences than I was expecting. Here’s the particular car that piqued my interest, a one owner 86,000 miler. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201071095814 I don’t think I’m completely put off yet but you’re all getting there! richardmorris and FakeConcern 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grogee Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Lusso is a good spec. The only thing TI adds is xenon lights and spindly wheels (I might be wrong on this). I'm not sure about the 5 cyl. I mean it's fast and stuff but the 1.9 uses lots of Vauxhall bits which are nice and cheap. Not sure the 5 cyl adds much more useable performance. Then again I'm a hypermiler so I wouldn't use it anyway. Also know this: the front suspension uses costly aluminium double wishbone suspension. The ball joints wear out and the whole arm has to be replaced because they are integral. 'Name I trust' pattern was about £150, Alfa genuine was £400+. Each. Because the 159 was basically a bespoke platform, those arms aren't used on anything else, so the vendors can pretty much name their price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 Suspension components are service items on most modern Alfas. 166 bits aren't exactly cheap either... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cort16 Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 3 hours ago, grogee said: Lusso is a good spec. The only thing TI adds is xenon lights and spindly wheels (I might be wrong on this). I'm not sure about the 5 cyl. I mean it's fast and stuff but the 1.9 uses lots of Vauxhall bits which are nice and cheap. Not sure the 5 cyl adds much more useable performance. Then again I'm a hypermiler so I wouldn't use it anyway. Also know this: the front suspension uses costly aluminium double wishbone suspension. The ball joints wear out and the whole arm has to be replaced because they are integral. 'Name I trust' pattern was about £150, Alfa genuine was £400+. Each. Because the 159 was basically a bespoke platform, those arms aren't used on anything else, so the vendors can pretty much name their price. the TI has lots of extra bits, lowered suspension, wheels, different body kit, extra shiny exterior bits and different seats and dials I think. The 2.4 sounds nice (for a diesel) and has some proper performance, the 1.9 is totally fine but nothing special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iainrcz Posted February 26, 2022 Share Posted February 26, 2022 The TI looks ace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sierraman Posted February 27, 2022 Share Posted February 27, 2022 I could see the sense when the going was good and £7-800 got an albeit end of life, runner. But £3-4k, seriously the sweet spot of Alfa’s has gone with the 156. When they were interesting but cheap I could wholeheartedly see the sense but now they are expensive and shit the prospect of buying one is laughable, if you were trying to lose £4,000 quickly William Hill and Victor Chandler offer much better odds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted February 27, 2022 Share Posted February 27, 2022 I have to say I'd see that one at about half that money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inconsistant Posted March 11, 2022 Author Share Posted March 11, 2022 Just to conclude this, the Mrs doesn't like the look of them so we're giving them a swerve. barefoot 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpiusMaximus Posted March 11, 2022 Share Posted March 11, 2022 On 2/27/2022 at 5:26 PM, sierraman said: I could see the sense when the going was good and £7-800 got an albeit end of life, runner. But £3-4k, seriously the sweet spot of Alfa’s has gone with the 156. When they were interesting but cheap I could wholeheartedly see the sense but now they are expensive and shit the prospect of buying one is laughable, if you were trying to lose £4,000 quickly William Hill and Victor Chandler offer much better odds. Lady Grumpius' Dad had a 156 for yonks. He's had a succession of Alfas over the years, all of them bought from a local specialist garage and mostly after they'd taken them on to fix for a family member or friend that then didn't want the car! He had an 02 156 which was a lovely place to be, even with the lowly 1.8 TwinSpark but it got the inevitable rust around the sills and suspension mounting points so they had to sack it off. Was a shame but I doubt there are many 156s around any more that aren't in this kind of condition. I would love a 156 estate but I know the load area is absolutely laughable. I just think they look absolutely fantastic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorpunk Posted March 11, 2022 Share Posted March 11, 2022 So many sensible replies! Who buys an Alfa with their head, anyway? Here's me in my GTV. Bloody brilliant thing. Never raced or rallied.... ahem. Passive rear steer = suspension probably bollcksed, but I didn't give a f*Ck when it sounds this good; gm, brandersnatch, wesacosa and 6 others 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inconsistant Posted April 7, 2022 Author Share Posted April 7, 2022 Ok folks, gonna have another go at replacing our 2004 V70 and fancy a Honda Accord Tourer It would most likely be the 2.2 diesel. Are they any good? This one is £2000 for a 2007 top spec diesel estate with 177,000 miles https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202011998099?sort=relevance&body-type=Estate&make=Honda&include-delivery-option=on&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=100&postcode=cr69ne&transmission=Manual&price-to=2000&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&model=Accord&page=1 Will it be ropey and on its last legs or still have a bit more to give? MOT history looks reasonable, looks in good condition from the photos. What should have. been done/will need doing at that mileage? What should I look out for? Your experiences would be most appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agila Posted April 7, 2022 Share Posted April 7, 2022 Cracked exhaust manifolds. If you had one worth that, on those miles already I'd say keep it. I wouldn't actively go out and buy one though. 15 years old at 2 grand looks dear to me but I guess that's the market. I'd put money into your Volvo, bigger inside, proper comfy. Not worth the hassle of changing for only a bit newer than what you have. Pat Earrings and inconsistant 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now