1998 Alfa Romeo 156 Lusso review from UK and Ireland

Delivered with engine management system fault. Three attempts required to repair it.

Rattling dashboard Three attempts to almost cure problem.

Safety recall on braking system.

Air bag system fault. Two attempts to repair. Spare module took three months.

Hand brake fell apart. Repaired and fell apart again.

Fuse box cover kept falling down which required four attempt to cure.

Rear passenger air vent fell apart.

Replacement air vent also fell apart after being used three or four times, but as it was a year after the previous one and out of warranty I didn't bother.

All the above in the first year.

The air conditioning never worked properly until I paid for a service at four years. (£45)

Rear disc's seized at 30000 mile. Pads needed replacing. (£158)

Front stainless steel exhaust failed at 38000 miles. Mild Steel section still OK at 44000 miles (£265)

Water leak floods passenger foot-well, possibly from sun roof. About £360 to investigate and repair, but with guarantee of a cure.

Whilst this car has had more problems than all my previous cars of the past 20 years (All Fords) it is still the best one I have owned.

It is a delight to drive.

I would like another when I replace this one, but I doubt I will because in my experience Alfa Romeo and the dealer network do not respond effectively to problems.