Looking at an Alfa 159 1750 tbi

[KarlMac]

Not sure on the proper nomenclature for it but it’s a 2010 159 ti with the 1750 turbo engine, spec looks great and it looks fantastic in the pictures.

MOT history looks good apart from potentially needing some new rear tyres.

Is there anything major I need watch out for on these beyond the usual ‘buying a car from fb’ stuff?

[fflump]

Service history more important than MoT history but you know that.
Ensure timing belt changed at proper intervals and also check the belt cover is intact. Over time they perish and crumble, leaving bits on the belt which can cause big damage.

Also give it a good test drive. 159s are great looking cars but they are not light so the tbi may need working quite hard-not as much low-down torque as the 2.4 JTDM or the 3.2 V6.

[Rozzers]

Rusty front sub frames on a 159 are the biggie.

TBI’s we’re a nightmare when new with all sorts of issues, I’d imagine a survivor this age is OK.

[AlfaManc]

Rozzers said:

Rusty front sub frames on a 159 are the biggie.

TBI’s we’re a nightmare when new with all sorts of issues, I’d imagine a survivor this age is OK.

In what way was the TBi a nightmare? I owned a 2.2 JTS which suffered from hesitation issues, but the TBi was a big improvement in terms of power output, efficiency etc and commands a premium over the the JTS. In the 2009/10 models onwards, were the subframes not pre-drilled to avoid the subframe issue?

OP might want to look at the 159 forum on AO (alfaowner.com).

[Rozzers]

AlfaManc said:

In what way was the TBi a nightmare? I owned a 2.2 JTS which suffered from hesitation issues, but the TBi was a big improvement in terms of power output, efficiency etc and commands a premium over the the JTS. In the 2009/10 models onwards, were the subframes not pre-drilled to avoid the subframe issue?

OP might want to look at the 159 forum on AO (alfaowner.com).

Some folk had awful trouble with TBi when new with ruined engines and fuel pump problems, but it wasn’t endemic, just in case the OP seen it elsewhere, I wouldn’t worry on high mileage one.

Despite the drilling, sun frames are still worth the watching as they’re all getting on a bit.

I’ve driven them all the 210 2.4 diesel manual is the best in my opinion, but don’t expect economy with any 159!

[fflump]

The 159 suits the Q4 set up and the 2.4 diesel manages petrol level ‘economy’

[georgeyboy12345]

With these engines, a FSH is absolutely essential. They should be serviced every 9000 miles or 12 months, whichever is sooner. If there are any missed/late services, or the seller doesn’t know, then walk away. The turbochargers are particularly sensitive to poor/old oil and can go bang! They are also terrible on fuel, expect around 20 mpg in town and 27 on a run.

[ZX10R NIN]

As above the oil quality is the biggie, make sure it's been serviced every 9k, if you've found one you like budget for a oil flush & oil service so you know exactly what's in the engine.

Overall they're a good robust engine & the only downside is the 159 likes to go through suspension components, the subframe is something to keep an eye on but they're a good car.

[MarkGArgyle]

I ran a 2009 one for a few years, apart from one sensor issue fixed under warranty it was one of the most reliable cars I have run and would not associate it with the traditional Alfa reputation.

I sold mine due to it not liking the country roads and wore a hole in the plastic undertray below the sump…

Still looks good inside and out compared to modern metal! Gratuitous shots of course…

Edited by MarkGArgyle on Wednesday 27th July 21:00