156 2.5 running costs v 2.0TS?
Discussion
Had change of heart, originally was considering 166.....but there are more of these babies around!
Will be doing about 3000 miles per year ish. In traffic a fair bit, I suppose and it will be my daily driver (I like Alfas!!) although it will be used on about 3 or 4 days per week max.
Is there a huge difference in costs between them? Yes, Im aware of the noise, performance etc.
All replies wecome, please. Will be spending as far below 2k as I can get away with!!
Dave.
Will be doing about 3000 miles per year ish. In traffic a fair bit, I suppose and it will be my daily driver (I like Alfas!!) although it will be used on about 3 or 4 days per week max.
Is there a huge difference in costs between them? Yes, Im aware of the noise, performance etc.
All replies wecome, please. Will be spending as far below 2k as I can get away with!!
Dave.
If you get one with all the sundries done (for something under £2k/70k miles plus were talking cambelt, waterpump, clutch, rad, maf, upper arms etc) then there isn't much difference between the two. I got 24mpg average out of my V6 and i caned it everywhere.
Just remember when looking for a V6, Cambelt & Clutch jobs are BIG but only needed every 40k (cambelt) & 100k (clutch). Buy a car with these done and everything is on par with the 4 cylinders.
Spoken to a few people with 2.0 twin sparks and they didn't really better 28 MPG. The twinsparks arn't all that economical.
Plus with the V6 you have a very strong engine and gearbox. The twinsparks have there issues if not serviced on time. The 6 speed box is lovely to use!!
If your spending less than £2k, i would go V6 as it's stronger, and not that much more thirsty. If the 1 your looking at is aproaching 100k miles, keep £500 handy for a new clutch. Cambelt & waterpump changes are about the same.
It's get a grip of you though - i'm now looking for a cheap Ghibli.
My mates know how much i spent on the V6 (it was a bit of a dog admittedly) and they think i'm mad. I don't even bother trying to explain the them anymore, they just don't understand the b4stards.
Just remember when looking for a V6, Cambelt & Clutch jobs are BIG but only needed every 40k (cambelt) & 100k (clutch). Buy a car with these done and everything is on par with the 4 cylinders.
Spoken to a few people with 2.0 twin sparks and they didn't really better 28 MPG. The twinsparks arn't all that economical.
Plus with the V6 you have a very strong engine and gearbox. The twinsparks have there issues if not serviced on time. The 6 speed box is lovely to use!!
If your spending less than £2k, i would go V6 as it's stronger, and not that much more thirsty. If the 1 your looking at is aproaching 100k miles, keep £500 handy for a new clutch. Cambelt & waterpump changes are about the same.
It's get a grip of you though - i'm now looking for a cheap Ghibli.
My mates know how much i spent on the V6 (it was a bit of a dog admittedly) and they think i'm mad. I don't even bother trying to explain the them anymore, they just don't understand the b4stards.
Edited by exgtt on Tuesday 16th September 21:20
Edited by exgtt on Tuesday 16th September 21:24
Had a 2 litre twin spark previously. Bought a T reg V6 exactly a year ago. I've done 4000 miles, it's sitting at 89000 at the moment. I've replaced REAR tyres, back half of the exhaust, front suspension bushes, rear discs, pads, handbrake cables, o/s caliper. Cost £1150, spread over the year. I've been advised that rear suspension arms need replaced and the radiator is still ok but a bit dodgy. Things rattle a bit, but it is 9 yrs old, passed Mot no problem. I was lucky in that the belts, water pump etc, were done just before I bought it. It's silver with black leather and carbon fibre centre console. I think it looks better than the 166 and when you start to work that engine....! Loads of fun for £2450. Don't go too cheap mate, it's not worth it. At a guess I've spent maybe £500 more than I did on the Twin Spark. Ok petrol is expensive but I'm not doing too many miles.
Considering a 2 owner (current owner had car for eight years). Less than 80k miles, had cambelt service done recently (under 20k miles), new front tyres, recent discs, pads and new radiator, leather etc. Owner seems genuine, body looks good, not the best colour, plus full service history-at a price sub £2000. Will have to buy "unseen" as its a good way from me and I`m not prepared to go and take a look.....so will be buying on trust!
Does this sound good?
Cheers all,
Dave.
Does this sound good?
Cheers all,
Dave.
Sounds pretty good. Where is it? Can you not get a fellow PHer to go and have a squizz for you?
I have to confess I bought the first one I saw, but at £3K she's been great.
Desperately trying to get tyres replaced as someone put godawful ditchfinders (P6000's) on it, but are they wearing down? bugger are they. I average 6k miles a year and so far so good with tyres, oli and consumables
I have to confess I bought the first one I saw, but at £3K she's been great.
Desperately trying to get tyres replaced as someone put godawful ditchfinders (P6000's) on it, but are they wearing down? bugger are they. I average 6k miles a year and so far so good with tyres, oli and consumables

bint said:
Sounds pretty good. Where is it? Can you not get a fellow PHer to go and have a squizz for you?
I have to confess I bought the first one I saw, but at £3K she's been great.
Desperately trying to get tyres replaced as someone put godawful ditchfinders (P6000's) on it, but are they wearing down? bugger are they. I average 6k miles a year and so far so good with tyres, oli and consumables
Car is in Edinburgh, only (slight!) problem I can see is slight corrosion on wheels (in pics) but I`m being a bit picky, truth be known. Also had recent clutch, too so seems all boxes are ticked? Chap prepared to meet half-way to do the deal, so to speak...I have to confess I bought the first one I saw, but at £3K she's been great.
Desperately trying to get tyres replaced as someone put godawful ditchfinders (P6000's) on it, but are they wearing down? bugger are they. I average 6k miles a year and so far so good with tyres, oli and consumables

Dave.
Sam Gamgee said:
bint said:
Sounds pretty good. Where is it? Can you not get a fellow PHer to go and have a squizz for you?
I have to confess I bought the first one I saw, but at £3K she's been great.
Desperately trying to get tyres replaced as someone put godawful ditchfinders (P6000's) on it, but are they wearing down? bugger are they. I average 6k miles a year and so far so good with tyres, oli and consumables
Car is in Edinburgh, only (slight!) problem I can see is slight corrosion on wheels (in pics) but I`m being a bit picky, truth be known. Also had recent clutch, too so seems all boxes are ticked? Chap prepared to meet half-way to do the deal, so to speak...I have to confess I bought the first one I saw, but at £3K she's been great.
Desperately trying to get tyres replaced as someone put godawful ditchfinders (P6000's) on it, but are they wearing down? bugger are they. I average 6k miles a year and so far so good with tyres, oli and consumables

Dave.
fin said:
Had a 2 litre twin spark previously. Bought a T reg V6 exactly a year ago. I've done 4000 miles, it's sitting at 89000 at the moment. I've replaced REAR tyres, back half of the exhaust, front suspension bushes, rear discs, pads, handbrake cables, o/s caliper. Cost £1150, spread over the year. I've been advised that rear suspension arms need replaced and the radiator is still ok but a bit dodgy. Things rattle a bit, but it is 9 yrs old, passed Mot no problem. I was lucky in that the belts, water pump etc, were done just before I bought it. It's silver with black leather and carbon fibre centre console. I think it looks better than the 166 and when you start to work that engine....! Loads of fun for £2450. Don't go too cheap mate, it's not worth it. At a guess I've spent maybe £500 more than I did on the Twin Spark. Ok petrol is expensive but I'm not doing too many miles.
Get the rad done ASAP mate.The V6 is strong but if there is one thing they don't like it's heat. Seen a few V6's with HGF and most had old/knackered rads.
My rad looked fine in the bay, then when it was pulled out it fell to bits.
exgtt said:
fin said:
Had a 2 litre twin spark previously. Bought a T reg V6 exactly a year ago. I've done 4000 miles, it's sitting at 89000 at the moment. I've replaced REAR tyres, back half of the exhaust, front suspension bushes, rear discs, pads, handbrake cables, o/s caliper. Cost £1150, spread over the year. I've been advised that rear suspension arms need replaced and the radiator is still ok but a bit dodgy. Things rattle a bit, but it is 9 yrs old, passed Mot no problem. I was lucky in that the belts, water pump etc, were done just before I bought it. It's silver with black leather and carbon fibre centre console. I think it looks better than the 166 and when you start to work that engine....! Loads of fun for £2450. Don't go too cheap mate, it's not worth it. At a guess I've spent maybe £500 more than I did on the Twin Spark. Ok petrol is expensive but I'm not doing too many miles.
Get the rad done ASAP mate.The V6 is strong but if there is one thing they don't like it's heat. Seen a few V6's with HGF and most had old/knackered rads.
My rad looked fine in the bay, then when it was pulled out it fell to bits.
As ever, thanks for the advice chaps!!!!
Dave.
Sam Gamgee said:
funwithrevs said:
Expect the V6 to eat front tyres faster, the cost of a heavier nose.
Still think the 166 is a better buy though if you can find one.
Agree but bit big and not so attractive at the nose!!Still think the 166 is a better buy though if you can find one.
Dave.

The 156 felt like a go-cart after the 166. I like that in a smaller car (hence I really enjoy riving the wife's 146) but for me the 156 seemed a little big for that sort of feel.
Thanks for the advice on the radiator. The mechanic wasn't too pushy on it and my temp gauge seems to sit at 90 pretty well. Would you have a price for a fitted radiator? Always handy to know.
I live in Glasgow but have always gone to McLennans just outside Edinburgh. Maybe you could ring him and he might check out the V6 for you?
I live in Glasgow but have always gone to McLennans just outside Edinburgh. Maybe you could ring him and he might check out the V6 for you?
fin said:
Thanks for the advice on the radiator. The mechanic wasn't too pushy on it and my temp gauge seems to sit at 90 pretty well. Would you have a price for a fitted radiator? Always handy to know.
I live in Glasgow but have always gone to McLennans just outside Edinburgh. Maybe you could ring him and he might check out the V6 for you?
Think it was about £210 fitted from an Indie (Alfatec in Hudds.)I live in Glasgow but have always gone to McLennans just outside Edinburgh. Maybe you could ring him and he might check out the V6 for you?
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