159 JTDM Borkage

[forzaminardi]

Hi all,

What's the Alfa 159 JTDm like for reliability? I'm looking at one of the last ones made (Sportwagen, Ti spec) and want to go in with my eyes open. What things should I be looking out for?

Thank you

[StescoG66]

Which engine?

[r159]

My 5cyl was fine engine wise even after being remapped and it was the earlier 200 bhp one. They are a heavy car (same as my Stelvio depending on source) so brakes and suspension can take a hammering. All the electronics were fine. When I bought it a new inlet manifold had been fitted so I had the egr delete done when it was mapped. I think there are some things to look out for on the 1.9 (same engine as Vauxhall and Saab).

[forzaminardi]

StescoG66 said:

Which engine?

The 2.4l 5 cylinder diesel

[forzaminardi]

r159 said:

My 5cyl was fine engine wise even after being remapped and it was the earlier 200 bhp one. They are a heavy car (same as my Stelvio depending on source) so brakes and suspension can take a hammering. All the electronics were fine. When I bought it a new inlet manifold had been fitted so I had the egr delete done when it was mapped. I think there are some things to look out for on the 1.9 (same engine as Vauxhall and Saab).

Thank you

[Nigel_O]

My son’s 159 Sportwagon (1.9, not the 2.4) is well over 200,000 miles now. It’s looking tired, but still scrapes through the MOT

Watch out for rust - subframes are (in)famous for tin worm, and sills aren’t much better. Suspension components should be treated as consumables. Tyre wear on the inner edge is common.

The 2.4 is a decent lump, especially with a gentle remap, but watch out for the gearbox. They are up to the job for standard power, but can be fragile if neglected or overloaded.

They are a decent drive if looked after, but a cheap one will empty you wallet to put it right.

[Fulvisti]

I had a manual 2.4 sport wagon, and did 120k kms in it without issue. It was a fantastic car. You can get better wear from the front tyres by adjusting the toe to straight instead of slightly toe out per the factory settings, and putting the powerflex bushes in the lower wishbones, improves turn in too. I blocked the EGR valve and mapped it out using the Autolusso software. I wish I hadn't sold it.