Alfa Romeo 156 Saloon (1997 - 2005) 2.4 JTD 20v Multijet Lusso 4d (2005/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Very stylish and sporty.

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

Friends think it is great, but they don't have to live with appalling reliability.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, the reliability is appalling and general comfort and quality is below standards of rivals.

What are you likely to buy next?

Honda Civic.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

December 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think I paid over the odds but it came with a 2 year warranty (which turned out to be useful).

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Good performance, high spec, good fuel economy.

What was the dealer like?

Difficult to communicate with. Never answer their phone.

What's it like to drive?

Engine is fantastically quiet refined and effortlessly powerful. Steering is great as well. Brakes are rubbish (quite a shock for such a powerful car). Handling is very sharp but at the cost of poor ride quality.

What's it like to park?

Worst turning circle of any car I have driven and small mirrors make parking sensors essential.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Parking Sensor fell out; Battery failed; Doors stopped closing; Oil Leak; Water Leak; Vibration on motorway; Trip computer stopped working.

What's most practical about your car?

Not very practical, I can't think of anything!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Parking sensors. Has terrible turning circle so you'll need them!