Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon (2000 - 2005) 1.9 JTD M-jet Veloce (150bhp) 5d (2005/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Stylish

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

Pretty but unreliable?

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, too small for me. I like a large cruiser with more power and more space/comfort.

What are you likely to buy next?

BMW 5 or 7 Series diesel.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,500

When did you buy the car?

January 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I bought the car from a friend at reduced price.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Drives quite well however the turning circle is appalling even requiring maneouvres on the open road. Cruises along reasonably quietly and has a good turn of acceleration. Suffers a little from turbo lag at times though.

What's it like to park?

Parking is OK, even though the turning circle is so huge. The front has an odd pointy shape and is long for a car of this size, something you need to be aware of.

Have you had any problems with the car?

All sorts of things fall off and break. Most seriously I spent about £2K on the air-con that broke twice. First time due to a pipe being rubber through due to being too close to the gear linkage - a design fault. Lately the load cover has just broken as it is not up to the job being weak hollow plastic. Should be reinforced at least.

What's most practical about your car?

MPG with reasonable flexible load space.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

On board computer is useful.