Buying a used Alfa Romeo

RULE303 · 07-06-2014, 08:28 PM

My sister is looking at buying a used alfa romeo 156, its a 2006 model with 122k. We are going to have a look at it on monday and wondering if anyone knows what to look for? The timing belt has been changed recently which i have hears is one of the leading problems in the 156's. She understands that servicing costs are high than normal and she doesn't mind that, she just doesn't want to be stuck with a bill half the price of the car if a hose bursts or something. any advice appreciated

UKXR8 · 07-06-2014, 08:37 PM

I had a 156 GTA a few years ago, great car.
Things to look for are rust, especially on the front wings, the liners tend to catch especially on the lower cars. Also the front suspension is made of chocolate so have a good dig around that area. Engines are pretty strong, but wouldn't go any smaller than a 2.0 on a 156. Stay away from the Selespeed transmissions. Heated seats are unreliable. Manuals are the way forward on these cars. For more info have a browse around on http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/ loads of knowledge on there.

CSV_LS1 · 07-06-2014, 10:57 PM

Rust is not a problem here in Australia as we don't salt our roads like the UK.
If it's a Selespeed the actuator eventually will need replacing so it'll be good if it's already been replaced. Check suspension bushings, if they haven't been replaced it's likely in need of some replacement by now.
Make sure it's got a detailed history. I would be very cautious otherwise especially if it's been serviced by a non Alfa specialist. And never neglect maintenance as it will bite you in the ***.

calzone · 08-06-2014, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSV_LS1

Rust is not a problem here in Australia as we don't salt our roads like the UK.
If it's a Selespeed the actuator eventually will need replacing so it'll be good if it's already been replaced. Check suspension bushings, if they haven't been replaced it's likely in need of some replacement by now.
Make sure it's got a detailed history. I would be very cautious otherwise especially if it's been serviced by a non Alfa specialist. And never neglect maintenance as it will bite you in the ***.

^^^Agree
Also note if it's a 2L they do use a bit of oil, so ensure you reguarly check.

Crazy Dazz · 08-06-2014, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSV_LS1

Rust is not a problem here in Australia as we don't salt our roads like the UK.

Really depends WHERE in Australia you are. SALT is a HUGE problem in many areas.

RULE303 · 10-06-2014, 09:36 PM

Thanks guys, i do appreciate it. We thought long and hard about it and decided to take it, the camshafts and timing belt had just been replaced and we got referred to a good alfa specialist to go to if need be. It's a selespeed so fingers crossed that it doesn't **** itself. She got it for a bargain! plenty of car for the money!

dirtyclevo · 10-06-2014, 10:49 PM

the selespeed can be ok, they can either great or very bad,

some are horribly jerky at low revs and act like they have dementia and change all over the place. but they are generally very good.

is it a 2.0JTS?

the 156 GTA with the busso v6 are crackers. sound wicked too

CSV_LS1 · 10-06-2014, 11:32 PM

Congrats on the purchase.

If it's a JTS and it starts running rough it's good idea to get the engine cleaner from Subaru which cleans up the carbon build up in the heads. This is a very common problem on all direct injection motors. A cheap fix.

xxx000 · 11-06-2014, 06:51 AM

they wear out bonnet hinges very fast

tapeworm · 11-06-2014, 05:33 PM

I was following an EL Falcon wagon the other day and on the back window the guy had a home-made sign in the back window saying 'it's not a car, it's a ford falcon' ha!
Sorry proceed

RULE303 · 11-06-2014, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tapeworm

I was following an EL Falcon wagon the other day and on the back window the guy had a home-made sign in the back window saying 'it's not a car, it's a ford falcon' ha!
Sorry proceed

haha, when i was telling my sister that we had bought it (she is in london at the moment) she replied by saying "wooo i have a car" i obviously replied with, " it's not a car its an alfa romeo" and was made to look like an idiot because its an Australian add she had never seen........

mind the grammar

RULE303 · 11-06-2014, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtyclevo

the selespeed can be ok, they can either great or very bad,

some are horribly jerky at low revs and act like they have dementia and change all over the place. but they are generally very good.

is it a 2.0JTS?

the 156 GTA with the busso v6 are crackers. sound wicked too

yeah its the 2.0JTS, it's running very well so far, hopefully it stays that way.