Alfa Romeo 156 Saloon (1997 - 2005) 1.9 JTD 16v Multijet Veloce 4d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I choose not to take good advice. I have nice shoes.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

The like its looks.. .they want one.. .they daren't get one!

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. It ruined me.

What are you likely to buy next?

A family saloon with reliability, I need a break from the pain! Not that I have any money left.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was 250 miles way which forced me to consider a sub par car. On test drive it had problems, which were resolved on site. However as the weeks went on it was clear everything wasn't rosey.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed 5 seats, so opted for a diesel saloon - it had to be sporty coming from a Coupe.

What was the dealer like?

Contradicting himself by the minute, told me he didn't like Alfas, he liked german, he like finance deals then hated them rather opting for cash, guy didn't know when he was telling the truth or lying!

What's it like to drive?

When it worked, fantastic, it corners like no other ive driven, it 'tucks' into bends - that'll be the double wishbone suspension! However, the next day it would be like a dog having been ridden hard the night before, its too fragile!

What's it like to park?

Easy, its a small car. Parks well on the M6/M1 when you break down. and looks good by the roadside.

Have you had any problems with the car?

EVERYTHING. I hit the RAC's fair usage policy! Now that's saying something. Within week one, £300 EGR pipe blew, every few weeks it was something new from annoying niggles (like the alarm going off randomly) to major issues like the starter motor working loose, alternator popping, EGR blocking, overheatign in traffic and so on. No matter wha tI did, I couldn't have confidence in this car. My nerves are shot.

What's most practical about your car?

It had..doors? Seats didn't go down so wasn't useful... It didn't have ANY cup holders, which was frustrating... alloys way too soft to hold balance for more than a week... erm, did I mention it had doors?

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Aircon. Except in summer, because it overheats the engine.