Looking for a 159 TI

[vroom]

Hi all

Long-time PH'er (mainly TVR), but looking for a 159 TI diesel saloon as our daily car (I just love the looks).

Any pointers as to where I can source a nice one? I have been to see a few via auto trader, but they have all been a bit disappointing and dealer prices are a good 30% higher than the rest.

Also, any ideas what to look out for in addition to cambelt & water pump?

Hope you can help!

Thanks

[davebem]

Go for the 2.4, its heavier and slightly more to tax and run but it has a much better bullet proof gearbox, power delivery and engine noise than the 1.9.

Theres lots of good ones for sale privately, interior build quality is very good, should be no wear in leather, if its an estate, check the rear wiper works.

Take for a good drive, if its a 1.9 take on fast road and make sure there is no gearbox whine in 5th and 6th. Turn steering on full lock and make sure the pump doesnt whine (wrong fluid was put in at factory which causes the res filter to block). Also listen for clunking from front suspension, bushes in upper wishbone are weak but powerflex replacements are available and easy fix.

EGR valve and DPF sometimes cause problems, many have the egr valve blanked or restricted as Fiat/Alfa sell a restricter plate, check the windscreen wiper mechanism doesnt foul the bonnet, telltale signs are worn paint on bonnet.

Dont be put off by rusty subframe horror stories, however Id recommend protected the subframe at somepoint if your planning on keeping it a while or live near the sea.

Edited by davebem on Friday 6th June 22:58

[vroom]

Brilliant, thanks for the advice.

The search continues!

[TVR Tommy]

I've just bought a 1.9 TI sports wagon and so far I've been really impressed. It's a nice drive on the motorway but it's no speed machine. Also doesn't sound great but what 4pot diesel does. I would have gone for a q4 3.2 if I wasn't concerned about mpg. But as mpg is pretty important to me as a daily hack the 1.9 did the job. On my commute I achieve around mid 40's mpg which is a bit of town driving but mostly a steady 50mph plod. Long motorway journeys I get about 53mpg with the cruise set at around 70.

It really is a nice looking car in the flesh especially in TI spec IMHO, build quality is pretty good. It's also a nice place to be inside.

[vroom]

Got one!

It's a 1.9 saloon in Stromboli Grey. Did the checks as suggested and all good. Had a couple of dents taken out today, and I've re lacquered the calipers and re-sprayed the outer rims of the alloys and she looks great.

Having a bit of paint rectification tomorrow at my local body shop and she'll be good to go.

We now have a TVR Cerbera and an Alfa - an example of how cars should look and drive.

Cheers

[FlipFlopGriff]

Mrs FFG has a Griff 500 and a 159 Ti Sportwagon in black (2.0 JTDm 170bhp). Very nice car. Does tend to get through tyres fairly quickly.
No real dramas in 12 months - changed battery, glow plugs. Belt and water pump were changed when we bought it. Now needs new disks and pads but we got a good deal on it so cant complain. Not the biggest estate but big enough and does look pretty when compared to some bricks on the road - not as good as the Griff though!
FFG

[phil1979]

vroom said:

Got one!

It's a 1.9 saloon in Stromboli Grey. Did the checks as suggested and all good. Had a couple of dents taken out today, and I've re lacquered the calipers and re-sprayed the outer rims of the alloys and she looks great.

Having a bit of paint rectification tomorrow at my local body shop and she'll be good to go.

We now have a TVR Cerbera and an Alfa - an example of how cars should look and drive.

Cheers

Nice one! I have the black TI estate - wish I could have found one in the grey at the time, as they look superb.

Re tyres, I have used both Nankang AS1 and Accelera PH1's. They have been perfectly fine in all weathers.

I also had Angel Tuning remap done (they came to my office), which was £285 all in. Was a good investment - car pulls better, MPG improved slighly, and flat spots disappeared.

If the car starts a DPF regeneration, extend your journey if need be until it has finished the job (takes around 5 mins of driving), and give it some beans to help it out.

You'll start to see the signs when it's regenning:

- MPG drops
- Engine temp needle rises
- Lumpy running, and blippy throttle response on idle
- Boomier exhaust note
- Turbo needle drops instantly when foot taken off the gas (as opposed to gently falling - this is the easiest of the signs to spot, and also when the regen is over the needle movement returns to normal).
- Exhaust tip will be very hot, and you may notice an acrid burning smell when you get out the car.

My car regens once, sometimes twice, per tankful of diesel.

Finally, do some searches on Alfa Owner about water ingress in to the cabin. I had it, and it was caused by blocked drains under the front scuttle, near the wiper mounts. Easy to clear with a wire coat hanger!

Edited by phil1979 on Wednesday 11th June 11:24

[cavebloke]

There's a recurring theme of TVR owners buying 159s here. I just bought a 2.2 JTS TI in Alfa red. It's brilliant and looks great next to my navy blue metallic precat Griffith.

[cavebloke]

There's a recurring theme of TVR owners buying 159s here. I just bought a 2.2 JTS TI in Alfa red. It's brilliant and looks great next to my navy blue metallic precat Griffith.

[Emeye]

cavebloke said:

There's a recurring theme of TVR owners buying 159s here. I just bought a 2.2 JTS TI in Alfa red. It's brilliant and looks great next to my navy blue metallic precat Griffith.

Masochists?

I've had two Alfas - my GTV cost me £400, my 155 cost me £401. Loved both of them!