2000 Alfa Romeo 156 JTD review from UK and Ireland

I have a recurrent problem with the immobiliser, the immobiliser, and dare I say it again?, the immobiliser on my Alfa 156 2.4JTD.

The fault first occurred 4 months following purchase from new, and 18 months on, the local dealer has so far changed the electronic management unit, the ignition keys and repeatedly tested and corrected faults in the wiring loom (connections and termination points) from end-to-end.

I have not been away from the garage for longer than 3 months at a time, and still, the same fault persists.

When the ignition key is inserted, the immobiliser light stays 'on', which does not allow the car to start. You have to repeatedly remove and re-insert the key, offer up a quick prayer, then try to re-start if the immobiliser light finally goes out. It's completely hit-or-miss whether it starts or not.

Being an intermittent problem makes it even harder to actually demonstrate to the mechanic. Every time the problem is once again 'fixed' at the garage, it's now a question of how many days/weeks/months may pass before it happens again, which so far, it sadly, but inevitably does.

The other (newer) fault appears when driving and the accelerator pedal is depressed, eg when overtaking on a motorway. There is, for an instant, no power whatsoever, resulting in a momentary 'lag' before the power is delivered. Pretty scarey when you are overtaking at speed.

Having read the other entries on this web-site, I am sad, but heartened to find that I am not the only Alfa-owner experiencing car problems. I am however appalled that Alfa seem to think this car-ownership experience is either satisfactory or indeed, acceptable.

The problem with the immobiliser has stranded me on many occasions in some pretty remote car parks at some strange hours of the day - I frequently travel to Europe from UK airports in the course of my work.

The problem with the power-lag is just down-right scarey.

I bought a new car because I needed a reliable vehicle that provided safe transportation for my business and leisure needs. I also wanted a high-performance car that was fun to drive.

The Alfa 156 in JTD-form with lowered sport suspension is truly exquisite to drive. When I can start it.

Safe, reliable and fit for purpose? Alfa-lutely not.