1996 Alfa Romeo 155 Trofeo S review from Belgium
"A unique car doesn't need to be expensive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Not much for an Alfa of that age:
The engine hood sometimes refuses to open.
The boot release switch (from the glove box) works now and then (now it doesn't).
Rubber seals passenger side don't always keep the water out (or noise for that matter). I once left my car in the rain and came back to find the passenger seat completely drenched.
The gearbox lever needed some grease as it started to make strange sounds.
Handbrake gets stuck easily during cold nights (under 0 deg C)
Generally a lot of squeaks coming from everywhere in the cabin...
General comments?
Overall very satisfied. The car is cheap to buy for what it is, it's different than the majority of buyers, and still looks good for an 8 year old vehicle.
Performance is excellent: engine at its best past 3,000 rpm (and sounds better after that), car set up is ideal for fast corners. Never got in the situation where I had to correct my trajectory in a fast bend, the opposite actually: felt I could give some extra throttle!
Noise at speed (120km/h and above) is terrible! Better get a good sound system to cover that up...
Quite uncomfortable over.. well, over anything actually, but makes up with handling.
Brakes are strong, although got them changes recently (disc's + pads) and are now terribly loud (garage forgot to grease the disc's).
Basically, although a 4 door, this car is no family car. Buy it to enjoy yourself, not to drive the wife and kids around... they won't appreciate the stiff suspension and engine noise. Pedals are stiff, but you get used to it.
Petrol consumption is very high, in town or highway: Under 10 l/100km is an achievement, although the average is more like 12-13 l/100km.
Apart from that, this is a great car to drive: it looks different than the rest (BMW's, Audi's etc.), sounds special (Twin Spark), and gets you there at really decent speed.
I never regretted buying it, and would recommend it strongly if you're passionate about what you drive. This car definitely puts a smile on your face, even on the Monday morning drive to work!
Recommended Reviews:
  | Costly, but worth it, a real drivers car |
| A very rewarding driver's car, but it needs pampering |
All 1996 Alfa Romeo 155 reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Twin Spark Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 2/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 62000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 82000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 12th November, 2004 |