alfa 156 winter car
Discussion
just committed myself to buy an x reg 1.6 twin spark 156, in metallic blue, this will be my winter car as the tvr not really practical to use through the winter.
its recently had a cambelt change, has only done 69k.
what should i look out for in terms of problems and common faults.
this is my first ever alfa..... which as a confirmed petrolhead is a total disgrace !!
its recently had a cambelt change, has only done 69k.
what should i look out for in terms of problems and common faults.
this is my first ever alfa..... which as a confirmed petrolhead is a total disgrace !!
air con works fine !!!!!
car arrived yesterday, washed and hoovered out this morning.
stereo going tomorrow.
drives perfect.... first time i have driven it.
got to be honest i am suprised how good it is...
need to spend some time making it look better, but nothing major,
alloys not too bad,some kerbing.
fancy a gta now !
car arrived yesterday, washed and hoovered out this morning.
stereo going tomorrow.
drives perfect.... first time i have driven it.
got to be honest i am suprised how good it is...
need to spend some time making it look better, but nothing major,
alloys not too bad,some kerbing.
fancy a gta now !
Edited by joncon on Friday 17th October 15:07
joncon said:
fancy a gta now !
Go for it! This one looks rather affordable on Autotrader (it's not mine):http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/ALFA...
Stereo fitted in this morning, cleaned windows on the inside, can now see out !!!
let a mate drive it today, always good to get somebody elses oppinion, and he was impressed.
got to spend some money on the tvr now..... again........part of the fun of ownership.
heres to life with alfa romeo.....
let a mate drive it today, always good to get somebody elses oppinion, and he was impressed.
got to spend some money on the tvr now..... again........part of the fun of ownership.
heres to life with alfa romeo.....
I've had my 1.8 TS for just over a year now and it's been great, very reliable after we replaced the battery (it was still on the 6 year old original and couldn't keep a charge if left for a week) and reasonably nippy if you keep the revs up.
Bad points?
The aircon's crap as previously mentioned and radio reception's pretty poor, which I hear is pretty common.
The only thing that really annoys me about the car is the bloody fuse cover to the right of the steering wheel. The clips were broken when we bought it and I've tried all manner of solutions to keep it place but it just refuses to stay put. I hear there's an updated version that has a more substantial clip that retro fits onto the older cars, so I'm going to look into that.
Oh, and check your bonnet catch isn't full of crap and sticking, they issued a recall (well, not really a re-call) for it to be checked over by a dealer. I got a letter through just a few months back about it, so it seems it's still a common issue. Shouldn't really be a problem if the catch is moving freely and you drop the bonnet shut properly, but worth a check, mine was fine.
Keep an eye on the oil, the twin spark likes to use a bit, but having said that, mine's used under a litre in the year I've had it, so not bad.
I still think the shape looks fantastic, all my friends and relations thought the car was worth far more than I paid for it and it's still fun watching people new to the car trying to figure out how to open the back doors.
Bad points?
The aircon's crap as previously mentioned and radio reception's pretty poor, which I hear is pretty common.
The only thing that really annoys me about the car is the bloody fuse cover to the right of the steering wheel. The clips were broken when we bought it and I've tried all manner of solutions to keep it place but it just refuses to stay put. I hear there's an updated version that has a more substantial clip that retro fits onto the older cars, so I'm going to look into that.
Oh, and check your bonnet catch isn't full of crap and sticking, they issued a recall (well, not really a re-call) for it to be checked over by a dealer. I got a letter through just a few months back about it, so it seems it's still a common issue. Shouldn't really be a problem if the catch is moving freely and you drop the bonnet shut properly, but worth a check, mine was fine.
Keep an eye on the oil, the twin spark likes to use a bit, but having said that, mine's used under a litre in the year I've had it, so not bad.
I still think the shape looks fantastic, all my friends and relations thought the car was worth far more than I paid for it and it's still fun watching people new to the car trying to figure out how to open the back doors.
Hahahahahaa I thought it was just me who had probs with the fuse cover until I posted on here!
I did get another from the scrappy and providing I don't put anything in that little cubby hole or catch it with my knee it now stays there. Previous owner used sticky backed velcro to hold it on.
I think the air con's poo too, but then I'm used to a Toyota's and just thought it was one of those things, good to hear it's common in some ways.....
Oh and V6's (well at least mine) doesn't seem to have any oil consumption!
I did get another from the scrappy and providing I don't put anything in that little cubby hole or catch it with my knee it now stays there. Previous owner used sticky backed velcro to hold it on.
I think the air con's poo too, but then I'm used to a Toyota's and just thought it was one of those things, good to hear it's common in some ways.....
Oh and V6's (well at least mine) doesn't seem to have any oil consumption!
ref battery- noticed before stereo was fitted, glove box light didnt always go out ! fixed that one straight away...
car is great. drove the wifes new astra today, 3 dr sporthatch diesel, nice car ....but not as comfy as the 156 ! and it took her a moment or two to figure out the rear doors...
tvr having some new fuel pipes fitted sat am, so might take it out weather permitting ,
if not out in the alfa... win win situation
car is great. drove the wifes new astra today, 3 dr sporthatch diesel, nice car ....but not as comfy as the 156 ! and it took her a moment or two to figure out the rear doors...
tvr having some new fuel pipes fitted sat am, so might take it out weather permitting ,
if not out in the alfa... win win situation
Edited by joncon on Friday 24th October 00:06
Yeah, tried the velcro route, it still peels away after a couple of days. I think the newer panel is only about £20-30 anyway.
This website's pretty useful for most questions:
http://www.alfa156.net/
This website's pretty useful for most questions:
http://www.alfa156.net/
The (fusebox cover) clip you require is part number E60507091.
It's £1.09 (each). I ordered one from HR Owen (Parsons Green) last week - fantastic people, with another 8C in store if you need any excuse to go down and pick it up (after they order them in)
Too easy.
ePer is your friend for parts
It's £1.09 (each). I ordered one from HR Owen (Parsons Green) last week - fantastic people, with another 8C in store if you need any excuse to go down and pick it up (after they order them in)
Too easy.
ePer is your friend for parts
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