Is this 156 too cheap?
Discussion
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Looks a legit ad, but just seems too cheap.
What's to look out for if viewing this specific model?
Thanks.
Looks a legit ad, but just seems too cheap.
What's to look out for if viewing this specific model?
Thanks.
It doesn't have a facelifted rear, check out the shape of the tail lights. This is one of the far east market cars bulit for the Malaysian market which found there way to the UK and were sold by the likes of Motorpoint back in 2006, they were built in 2003 approximately.
Reason they are so cheap is firstly they have the awful Q System gearbox and secondly being registered post March 2006 they cost £500 a year to tax!
Reason they are so cheap is firstly they have the awful Q System gearbox and secondly being registered post March 2006 they cost £500 a year to tax!
SilverSixer said:
Is it really that bad, and if so, why? I've never driven one so have no idea. I'm used to the gearbox in Smart Roadsters, so if it's like that I could live with it easily.
Is it reliability or useability issues?
Alfa used two automatic style systems: Selespeed, which in the twinsparks got quite a poor rep, although better in the later GTAs where it has more in common with the Ferrari system, & the Q System on the 2.5 V6. My understanding is that the Selespeed is an automated "clutchless" manual, & the Q System is a standard torque convertor automatic. As far as I'm aware, the Q System was OK provided it's serviced properly, the fail states associated with the early Selespeeds don't apply. Both are old in technological terms, so are unlikely to operate with the speed or panache of the latest offerings, for example, the Q being a 4 speed, whereas these days 5 is the bare minimum. The usual 156 caveats apply, & any car of this age & price may have faults related to age and/or use. I doubt it's any worse than the Smart version, which tends to drive me nuts.Is it reliability or useability issues?
The Q-System really is bad in my opinion. The ratios are all wrong leaving huge gaps in the power delivery, with the 2.5 being light on torque the problem is even more apparent. Why have that lovely engine allied to a gearbox that won't let you exploit it. Pointless car, hence the price.
I think crestonian views of the q system are somewhat biased. Yes it is a bit slow to respond untill you get used to it but it is far more reliable than any other gearbox fitted to the 156's.
They do feel a little sluggish to begin with but they're geniunely quick once wound up.
The only real issue with it is the cost of tax, but the pay monthly option will take the sting out of that?
At less than 1k it's likely to be a very good car for the money. Just check when the cam belt wast last changed. And the floor for rot.
They do feel a little sluggish to begin with but they're geniunely quick once wound up.
The only real issue with it is the cost of tax, but the pay monthly option will take the sting out of that?
At less than 1k it's likely to be a very good car for the money. Just check when the cam belt wast last changed. And the floor for rot.
renorti said:
its an older 156, that been registered {sold new} in 2006, probably took a few years to sell at the dealership.
so it's older than the 56 plate, not bad at 995, not dirt cheap.
It's most likely one of the ones from the Malaysian boat fire that found their way back to the UK. It was made in about 2002 (updated interior).so it's older than the 56 plate, not bad at 995, not dirt cheap.
Zombie said:
I think crestonian views of the q system are somewhat biased. Yes it is a bit slow to respond untill you get used to it but it is far more reliable than any other gearbox fitted to the 156's
Not biased just giving my opinion based on 10 years buying and selling Alfas and having driven multiple examples of every variant of 156 sold in the UK.crostonian said:
Not biased just giving my opinion based on 10 years buying and selling Alfas and having driven multiple examples of every variant of 156 sold in the UK.
And I'm giving mine having bought and rebuilt well over 50 broken ones, driven literally hundreds, fixed hundreds of others and owned (as a daily drive every model Alfa since and inc the 75 up to the brera and the 159.
And been a prolific contributor on the Alfa forums forums for 14 years...
Zombie said:
crostonian said:
Not biased just giving my opinion based on 10 years buying and selling Alfas and having driven multiple examples of every variant of 156 sold in the UK.
And I'm giving mine having bought and rebuilt well over 50 broken ones, driven literally hundreds, fixed hundreds of others and owned (as a daily drive every model Alfa since and inc the 75 up to the brera and the 159.
And been a prolific contributor on the Alfa forums forums for 14 years...
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