Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark Review

Overall Rating

Great ride (for driver) and driving experience - good styling.

Depreciation, economy, passenger ride and reliability.

On the whole I've loved owning this car however some pointers for potential buyers

a) I bought the car with 23K on it with service history
b) It's always had main dealer servicing at recommended intervals (min £300 - max £2500 [this excluding heater matrix below])
c) It has had additional works at main dealer as required
d) I've tipped in the litre of Selenia per month that it likes to drink

In this time it has consumed

2003) 1 off 'Heater matrix' - I sent it in with none functioning air distribution controls and this came back fixed - at a cost of £2500 to the warranty company
2003/2004/2006) 3 x 2 off rear suspension arms (because bushes can't be changed?) - consumable components(???) so not covered under warranty(?)
2006) New discs since the pads installed by main dealer 9 months previous had worn out and cut into them - consumable components so not covered under warrenty(?)
2007) Air conditioning compressor (due to circulation line rupture)
2007) I have just written the car off due to failed cambelt (at 68K) and no, the main dealer has not advised previously, in addition the air distribution had failed again and there were worrying noises again from the rear suspension - I shouldn't have to do this to a 6 year old car but main dealer is quoting £340 to evaluate damage and then additional £1500 - £2500 to repair.

Overall great car but if your thinking of buying then may I suggest that you do the following

a) Consider why it's such a great value used car.
b) Look on eBay for the quantity being sold for sale or repair with defunct engine
c) Since I bought it two year old for over £10K it has much more than that spent on servicing/repairs and still, only four years later I have to kill it, £5K year before fuel, insurance and tax - I don't think so!

Members' Comments onengjhuyt's Review

• Rick Hough on 25th Sep 2007

  That's a real horror story and I sympathise. I've bought an older one (1999) and I don't mind if the motor pops too much as I can always shove another one in myself (mine doesn't use any oil at 65k - I will be watching closely as we approach 68k though!).
  
  If you have some mechanical knowledge these cars can be cheap to run. That heater matrix is £70 for the part and the rest is labour for example. I would be furious in your shoes, as you say, they make a great, cheap sports saloon buy, if you are lucky.