1999 Alfa Romeo 156 TS review from UK and Ireland

Short circuit in engine management system.

Ignition key sensor failed - car would not start.

Fuse box cover warped! (They all seem to have this problem!)

Leaking windscreen seal, passenger side.

This car is certainly the most attractive design in its class.

The build quality is variable, (my short circuit was traced to a bolt and washer crimping part of the wiring harness - it took over six months to trace and cure the problem!) and there are one or two niggles I have with squeaks and rattles - especially in cold weather.

However, overall, the driving experience is wonderful. Mine is the lowered version which, although giving a harsh ride on bumpy roads and speed bumps, really comes into its own on the open road.

Yes, it's great on a motorway - but that's a waste of its performance. The Alfa really loves to be thrashed along twisty roads with a good variety of different bends and sweeps. You must "keep it on the cam" and use the rev band above 3000 revs to get the best out of it. You can almost feel it "get up on its toes" and attack the bends if you use the gearbox properly.

The level of equipment is very good. The climate control is efficient at keeping a generally comfortable temperature, but it neither heats up or cools down particularly quickly. I have a sun roof as well which is handy to cool the car down quickly if it has been standing in the sun, before switching on the air-conditioning.

The classic Alfa looks attract a lot of attention and I regularly return to the parked car to find people looking at it. I have chosen to retain the traditional silver dashboard dials, but have opted for the sports steering wheel and trim. These bespoke features make my 156 something of a hybrid, but they really complement the natural leather interior. I believe that now dealers will only supply models as advertised and will not provide a mix and match service as was available when I bought mine.

My main concern, now that it is coming up to three years old, is the value retention. Mind you - if you buy a 156 worrying about how much you're going to lose on it at the end of the day, then maybe it's not the car for you!

I still enjoy the electric thrill of firing her up each morning!