Defection -> Alfa 156

[stevesey]

Well as the general opinion agrees with mine that the C240 is a write off it's time to say I put a deposit down on this earlier (a refundable deposit on the basis that the C240 is written off - it's the same garage the C240 came from, so I was remembered - funny after 2 1/2 years how these guys can do that).

73,000miles - full main dealer/specialist service history, min 12 month service intervals (some shorter). Cambelt changed at 55K - the service after Alfa dropped the interval to 36K - then again in march this year (+the variator) to get it back on standard schedule at 72K.

Car is almost spotless, with 4 nearly new Goodyears and plenty of brake pad left - couple of stone minor stone chips. But they haven't rusted - it's galvanised - I can forgive the odd rattle/squeak for that. And the interior looks showroom.

Still saves me a bit in fuel costs over the C240 (or the Jag I was contemplating) circa £400 p.a, not as much as some of the diesels I was looking at. But they mean laying out more cash and at that price you can by a lot of extra fuel. Also it's not a lot of money to punt - should it turn into a dog and I end up changing it quickly.

I guess this means I'm now a true petrol head (or in midlife crisis stage 2).

 

[A210AMG]

Brave man..."midlife crisis" yes...

But your right its not much money if it goes pear shaped

How's silversaloons Alfa? I think he had one for his wife?

enjoy

 

[bpsorrel]

I had one of those a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it! I had the twinspark - what an engine!

You may find the general build quality a bit different to your C240, but overall, the 156s are very good cars!

 

[gaz_l]

Good choice. Everyone should own an Alfa Romeo once, just to understand the concept of "soul" in a car.

Looks a very nice example, with FSH it shouldn't give you too much grief. Same engine as in my Barchetta, not as tuneful as the V6 but still a nice powerplant.

I bet it will put a smile on your face. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Plug

 

[stevesey]

Looks a very nice example, with FSH it shouldn't give you too much grief.

Condition, the FSH (both of which suggest it has been very well cared for) and experience of the garage being very helpful with warranty swung it for me.

 

[st4]

Good luck with your new car

 

[Oily Rag]

I have an Alfa 156 at the moment, in need of an engine, I don't think it is going to be viable to do this as I will then have 4 cars to squeeze into 3 spots. So, having MOMO leather, Carbon Fibre accents, Low Boot spoiler with third brake light, And various other items on the car, if you are looking for a donor for the above bits, look no further. Whilst within your ownership, the 156 should be treated with kid gloves. It is a stonking car to own, and I just wish mine was still living. When everything works right, you will know exactly what I mean, enjoy the Alfa, but don't desert the MB family.

 

[BlackC55]

Brilliant fun to drive these 156's.

 

[NormanC]

I ran a 156 Selespeed for 130k miles and loved it!!

Being an Alfa it had it's foibles like oil/water heat exchanger regularly splitting and throwing away the coolant. Also the Selespeed computer would throw a wobbly every 6 months or so - always at low speed in bottom gear the computer would switch off the hydraulics which would mean that the engine would switch itself off. You were left with a dead engine, in bottom gear, unable to de-clutch so basically immovable!! Usually, computer seemed to reset itself after half an hour or so with many attempts to start and suddenly, everything would work perfectly again.

However, it was such a beautiful drive that I'd even forgive it those times.

 

[SilverSaloon]

How's silversaloons Alfa? I think he had one for his wife?

Looks a nice buy.

We still have the Alfa and (touch wood!!) at the moment it is driving pretty much spot on.

Its a great car. Now the nicer weather is just starting to show its face i'll be clay barring it and cleaning it up and i'll post some photos once i have.

 

[bpsorrel]

I don't want to sound ignorant here, but what is "clay barring" ?

 

[bpsorrel]

Also the Selespeed computer would throw a wobbly every 6 months or so - always at low speed in bottom gear the computer would switch off the hydraulics which would mean that the engine would switch itself off. You were left with a dead engine, in bottom gear, unable to de-clutch so basically immovable!! Usually, computer seemed to reset itself after half an hour or so with many attempts to start and suddenly, everything would work perfectly again.

However, it was such a beautiful drive that I'd even forgive it those times.

Same with mine! I had the selespeed also, but I had more frequent issues! In the end I sold it and bought a manual, which was ALMOST trouble free for a year! After that car I bought a Volvo S60 T5....

 

[Charles Morgan]

I don't want to sound ignorant here, but what is "clay barring" ?

Here for details

 

[bpsorrel]

Wow, sounds like a LOT of work to me!

 

[st4]

Wow, sounds like a LOT of work to me!

Which is why I do not bother

 

[bpsorrel]

Hmm, I think neither will I! I bought a quality polish the other day (Autoglym?) and the panels I polished with it came up beautifully, so I think that's where my detailing begins and ends!