Alfa Romeo 156 Saloon (1997 - 2005) 1.8 TS 16V Lusso 4d (1999/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that you are a car enthusiast, who likes a bit of style on the cheap.

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

They admired the looks until the engine blew, then it just drew smug comments regarding italian cars whilst they drove off to work and their reliable Mondeo's, Vectra's BMW's etc...

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would never buy an Italian car ever again in my life. In 15 years of driving to date, this is the only car i have owned that has suffered an engine failure of these proportions, leaving me stranded and out of pocket.

What are you likely to buy next?

A German car! My previous 6 were either VW or BMW and i never suffered problems on the scale that i did with the Alfa. I have now purchased a Golf. The photo I have included with this review shows the car being taken away to be scrapped, says it all.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,500

When did you buy the car?

January 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought low mileage for year 1999 privately owned car with full Alfa FSH for half the price of equivalent 3 series. Seemed like a bargain at the time.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Exterior and interior design, false belief that 156 was a decent 3 series alternative (which it isn't).

What was the dealer like?

Prices a rip off, unhelpful. After suffering a blown engine only 2000 miles into ownership, the engine bearings ate themselves on the M1 without warning. I was quoted over 2 grand for replacement engine (parts only). This effectively wrote the car off.

What's it like to drive?

Worse than mondeo or 3 series. Modified Fiat Tipo platform that this car is based on, offers an appalling turning circle and a woeful lack of front end grip in the wet. Brakes are also borderline, Engine did not accelarate cleanly from low revs when cold. Anybody who tells you a 156 is a spirited italian drive will clearly have not driven anything else other than italian cars for the last 20 years. Compared to Alfa's of old, I am sure this car is good, but not compared to anything else. A mondeo or 3 series will outdrive an 156 in every way.

What's it like to park?

Turning circle dreadful.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The engine ate it's crankshaft bearings over a distance of only 5 miles whilst driving home from Leicester. This is despite a low mileage for year of only approx 60K on the clock with full alfa history and the oil level regularly checked.

What's most practical about your car?

Looks good when parked up with blown engine

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Lusso interior