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!

It's a shame such a great looking car like the Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark is constantly let down by poor servicing and build quality.
Alfa will only compete with their German rivals once they get their act together - looks like a long hard road.
With residuals low a used 3 year model with FSH would make a great buy.

Why does a 4 year old Alfa 156 2.0 twin spark break down in a terminal manner such as this?
I have had Audi's, BMW's, Land Rovers and various other cars in the past. I have never had a problem like this in 14 years!

The Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 twin spark is a beautiful car spoiled by poor build quality and debatable reliability. As an owner of Audis ranging from full blown quattros to a modern V6, Alfa can only dream of matching their reliability and build quality so yet again the style grace and beauty of another Italian car fails to deliver.
Would you attempt to drive one across Europe without breakdown cover?

The car I tried has trhe electrics hanging out of the steering column because of some *minor* fault. The engine was OK but not impressive. The ride quality was very poor. I expect to feel the road but not every little bump.