Alfa 159

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Alfa 159 #1211419 07/05/2011 15:09 07/05/2011 15:09
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 742 Midlands Easy OP Enjoying the ride
Easy OP Enjoying the ride Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 742 Midlands	Does anyone own an Alfa Romeo 159 or has done in the past? I would like to know what you think of these beautiful cars. I am not looking to buy one specifically although I would like to know how they stack up against the BMW 5 Series. Obviously they look a millions times better than the BMW but what are they like to actually own? Prices seem to have plummeted (no surprises there) since the last time I checked which does make them an intriguing choice. What are your thoughts?

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1211442 07/05/2011 17:11 07/05/2011 17:11
Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,852 Cambridge & Cotswolds M MeanRedSpider Je suis un Coupé
MeanRedSpider Je suis un Coupé M Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,852 Cambridge & Cotswolds	TBH, and I've only test-driven one, I think that they are too heavy to be as much fun as the 156 is to drive. They do look fantastic though - especially in black (not often I say that) http://www.alfa.me.uk

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1211449 07/05/2011 17:30 07/05/2011 17:30
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 742 Midlands Easy OP Enjoying the ride
Easy OP Enjoying the ride Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 742 Midlands	Yep black with tan leather

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1211454 07/05/2011 17:44 07/05/2011 17:44
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,205 Oxfordshire enfant_teribl My job on the forum
enfant_teribl My job on the forum Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,205 Oxfordshire	I like the look of these. It is a car I would short list if looking for a 4 door.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1211617 08/05/2011 01:05 08/05/2011 01:05
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 3,694 Midlands MCMike Club member 2095
MCMike Club member 2095 Forum is my job Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 3,694 Midlands	Look great, but overweight - ask Nello, he's had one 1972 Triumph Stag 1984 Alfasud TI 1999 Fiat Coupe Turbo LE 2005 350Z

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1211637 08/05/2011 09:24 08/05/2011 09:24
D dave_t Unregistered
dave_t Unregistered D	We have one, as our family car. It's a red 150bhp 1.9 JTDm. We've had it for about 2 years now. I've not driven a 5 series, so can't provide a direct comparison, I'm afraid. As said above, its a heavy car, but its does look fantastic. And it does the job that we need really well ... that is transporting the family around in relative comfort and ease, particularly on motorways and long journeys (my parents live in southern France). We've had a couple of electrical niggles ... but then it is an Alfa! The classuc problem is for the brake sensor for the cruise control failing. Being an Alfa though, we can still benefit from Motormech's experience and knowledge ... which saves having to use the dealers (who have been pretty awful every time we have had to use them). I always enjoy driving it ... but don't expect fantastic performance (that's why I have a Westfield!)

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1211645 08/05/2011 10:12 08/05/2011 10:12
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,205 Oxfordshire enfant_teribl My job on the forum
enfant_teribl My job on the forum Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,205 Oxfordshire	Sounds quite reliable then. From what I have heard, the worst thing about Alfas is the dealer network.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1211655 08/05/2011 11:00 08/05/2011 11:00
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,336 Selby Mansilla My job on the forum
Mansilla My job on the forum Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,336 Selby	Not sure that a 5 series is a direct comparison - I'd have said the 159 lined up better against a 3 series. Lovely looking cars, and got the x-factor, but when it came down to it with my own money I bought a 3 series. Not as interesting, but I guess also not as infuriating. Also I have no local Alfa dealers, and no local specialists. For me, black with red interior, or more-or-less any colour with tan interior 1. Think of something witty and urbane 2. Imagine it written here

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1211858 08/05/2011 20:39 08/05/2011 20:39
S symonh2000 Unregistered
symonh2000 Unregistered S	I love the look of them, but the Petrol engines (except the 1750tbi) are a bit lacklustre. Also a friend of mine who works at an Alfa specialist also tells me that the rust protection on them is very variable, and some early cars are starting to get rust in the floorpans due to poorly applied underseal.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1214441 14/05/2011 12:38 14/05/2011 12:38
N Nello Unregistered
Nello Unregistered N	Yep this was mine: 1.9 JTDm Sportwagon Lusso. Natural choice for me after my 156. I got a bargain deal buying privately on it. I loved the looks and the car was a real step up from the 156 in terms of appearence and quality. OK it was the sportwagon but they are a bigger car than the 156 and do feel it with the weight. Mine had all the toys - electric heated Tan seats etc. and I really wanted those 18" 'Horseshoe' alloys (though they are a nightmare to keep clean). But in reality it only lasted for a year or so. Purely down to the engine. It was my one and only oil-burner purchase and the 1.9 made a horrendous racket. I had hoped modern diesels had moved on from sounding like Taxi's but on tickover and pull-away acceleration - mine still did It really was that bad and that reason that the car did not last despite the looks and road prescence. I'd still consider a Ti Petrol saloon as a future purchase - the Ti spec being alike the old 156 Sportpacks with lowered ride and sideskirts - but apparently even with the factory setup the front tyres only last 6k or so. Overall I would still say they are a great buy especially in todays market but do not buy a 1.9 if you are a true Petrolhead..... Last edited by Nello; 14/05/2011 12:39.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: ] #1214709 15/05/2011 01:46 15/05/2011 01:46
Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,564 Lincolnshire bridges My life on the forum
bridges My life on the forum Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,564 Lincolnshire	Originally Posted By: Nello Yep this was mine: 1.9 JTDm Sportwagon Lusso. Natural choice for me after my 156. I got a bargain deal buying privately on it. I loved the looks and the car was a real step up from the 156 in terms of appearence and quality. OK it was the sportwagon but they are a bigger car than the 156 and do feel it with the weight. Mine had all the toys - electric heated Tan seats etc. and I really wanted those 18" 'Horseshoe' alloys (though they are a nightmare to keep clean). But in reality it only lasted for a year or so. Purely down to the engine. It was my one and only oil-burner purchase and the 1.9 made a horrendous racket. I had hoped modern diesels had moved on from sounding like Taxi's but on tickover and pull-away acceleration - mine still did It really was that bad and that reason that the car did not last despite the looks and road prescence. I'd still consider a Ti Petrol saloon as a future purchase - the Ti spec being alike the old 156 Sportpacks with lowered ride and sideskirts - but apparently even with the factory setup the front tyres only last 6k or so. Overall I would still say they are a great buy especially in todays market but do not buy a 1.9 if you are a true Petrolhead..... are the 159's running a different set up to the 156? Or was yours faulty?? my alfa 156 jtd ti (150bhp) is very similar in noise to my dads 320 diesel which is spanking new. the alfa is a tad more noisy on tickover but normal on acceleration and silent when cruising. Quieter than a collegues 54 plate Golf on tick over.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1214722 15/05/2011 09:11 15/05/2011 09:11
N Nello Unregistered
Nello Unregistered N	It may have been me - as stated it was my first Oil burner but it was way more Taxi-like than I was expecting. I thought I would get used to it and the price I got the car for justified it (and the looks) but in the end it made me move on soley for that reason. Nothing wrong with it - it had only just had its first Alfa service..... The 156 was more of a drivers car - Alfa seemed to go for the luxury/prestigious label with the 159... Last edited by Nello; 15/05/2011 11:59.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1214884 15/05/2011 19:20 15/05/2011 19:20
S symonh2000 Unregistered
symonh2000 Unregistered S	At work we have a Vauxhall Zafira, which is fitted with the 1.9 16V Fiat Diesel engine as fitted to the 159. It goes really well, but I can confirm that it is noisy compared to other modern diesels.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: ] #1214995 15/05/2011 23:14 15/05/2011 23:14
Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,564 Lincolnshire bridges My life on the forum
bridges My life on the forum Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,564 Lincolnshire	maybe mine is worn in with 100k miles, lol.. or possibly could be me, but it does seem quiet unless first started, I am tempted to buy a 2.4 though. Am upset to hear that the 159 is less of a drivers car. The handling on my Ti is utterly superb and the car is a joy to drive. However I do think the 159 styling is amazing, looks like a beefed up 156 with its fuller arches.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1215073 16/05/2011 09:14 16/05/2011 09:14
N Nello Unregistered
Nello Unregistered N	Don't get me wrong bridges - they drive lovely but are less involving than the 156. The weight is probably the key but I also felt the steering was less engaging. They do feel more of a quality product though. As mentioned I may go for a 159 Ti saloon to replace the wifes car. The 2.4 Diesel is a different kettle of fish as its a 5-pot.....

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: ] #1221538 30/05/2011 14:01 30/05/2011 14:01
M madchester16 Unregistered
madchester16 Unregistered M	Hmmm... I drove the 2.4JTDM Lusso yesterday. I have to confess to considering replacing my coupe after 4.5 years of relatively trouble free motoring. A 2 year old and a wife that wants a 5 door car are my main reason for considering the change. The cost of maintaining the coupe if also a major factor. She's due a cambelt change and two new front tyres (aren't they always :D) and I expect the Alfa won't be much cheaper to maintain really. But it is a diesel so will save on fuel... unless I drive it like part of my test drive yesterday. It had the Q-tronic auto 6 speed and was very quick. Although no where near thecoupe. I really liked the Alfa though. Much nicer than the Saab 9-3 I was considering.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1413922 02/03/2013 22:45 02/03/2013 22:45
Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,162 Glos Brilly1uk Club member 1034
Brilly1uk Club member 1034 Competition Level Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,162 Glos	My Saab 9-3 1.9tdi Vector Sportswagon is an enigma. Both very good at somethings and disappointing at others. Overall a flawed car, but purchased 3 years ago because it was well equipped, economical and a great motorway cruiser. It had low Co2 emissions and seemed good value when compared to the usual suspects, Audi A4, VW Passsat etc. The demise of Saab is a sad thing, as they had their own soul. Thinking of buying an Alfa 159 as a second car based on its looks, but concerned the same shortfalls will apply? Harsh ride, rough sounding engine and shocking depreciation!!! Still I think the 159 will compliment the Coupe nicely on the drive! Fiat Coupe 20VT Alfa Romeo Spider BMW X3

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1415741 12/03/2013 22:53 12/03/2013 22:53
Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 9,729 Zele, Belgium Kayjey Club Member #10
Kayjey Club Member #10 Je suis un Coupé Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 9,729 Zele, Belgium	Harsh ride = no 2.4 = smooth depreciation = not on a SW (at least here) We have one, a Ti, and even that has okay comfort and ride. The 1.9 isn't too much fun though (tweaked to 180bhp). - Kayjey -

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1415773 13/03/2013 11:10 13/03/2013 11:10
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,057 Southsea G Gunzi Club member 189, Former Club President
Gunzi Club member 189, Former Club President Je suis un Coupé G Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,057 Southsea	The Ti models have held their value better than all the other specs. If I were in the market for a 159 I would definitely spend the extra to get a good Ti, the spec is excellent and the wheels really suit the 159 shape.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Gunzi] #1415815 13/03/2013 15:33 13/03/2013 15:33
T TimR Unregistered
TimR Unregistered T	Have the TIs overcome their tyre wear issue?

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Easy] #1415883 13/03/2013 23:03 13/03/2013 23:03
Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 3,091 Leicestershire Joe78 I need some sleep
Joe78 I need some sleep Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 3,091 Leicestershire	The 2.4 diesel engine returns appalling mpg I think alfa quote 42 on a run, but most owners struggle to get 35 which is just shameful for a modern diesel engine. Might as well run a coupe.

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: ] #1415897 14/03/2013 00:06 14/03/2013 00:06
Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 9,729 Zele, Belgium Kayjey Club Member #10
Kayjey Club Member #10 Je suis un Coupé Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 9,729 Zele, Belgium	Originally Posted By: TimR Have the TIs overcome their tyre wear issue? I have one address in Belgium that can do the alignment properly. I assume there would at least be a few in the UK. I THINK I have the corrected values somewhere on a piece of paper. I'll try and look for them. - Kayjey -

Re: Alfa 159 [Re: Kayjey] #1415944 14/03/2013 11:34 14/03/2013 11:34
T TimR Unregistered
TimR Unregistered T	Originally Posted By: Kayjey Originally Posted By: TimR Have the TIs overcome their tyre wear issue? I have one address in Belgium that can do the alignment properly. I assume there would at least be a few in the UK. I THINK I have the corrected values somewhere on a piece of paper. I'll try and look for them. No worries - I don't have one but a late model 2.0JTDM TI is certainly on my list for consideration in the next 12 months or so.

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