1996 Alfa Romeo 155 TS 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

If everybody in the world drove a 155, the world would be a happier place

Faults:

Passenger wing mirror alloy split - fixed with metal glue.

General Comments:

Absolutely love it. First, don't go to dealerships for servicing any Alfa, go to specialists.

Lots of stuff to do to it when I bought it, but now that it's done she is humming.

The whole experience is great. I love the lines of the body and the exhaust note is fantastic, it growls and growls for more revs.

This car was built to be driven, and driven hard and fast. Steering is very direct, although the turning circle is poor. That and the suspension are my only faults with the car, the slightest bump in the road is heard and felt. Otherwise she is a performance car bargain.

However I would advise only enthusiasts buy one because you will spend some time under it, so if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, go for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2009

22nd Jun 2019, 14:00

Loved the boxy/sharp look of the 155. These were great cars, and the Alfa Touring car from this era was also iconic. It's just a shame the road cars were a little under the average in regards to reliability. Still, anyone who buys one now is essentially buying a classic car and can expect a lot of work needed to put them right.

4th Apr 2026, 23:59

The 155 was a simple, well-made car, lacking the luxury of other Alfas before and after it, but with its own distinctive style.

I think it went down in history as one of the most memorable Alfas, along with the 156, which was a very good successor.

The sporty versions were a dream for many back then; some even preferred them to Mercedes or Audis.

1996 Alfa Romeo 155 2.0 TS 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant drive for the discerning driver. A poor mans Ferrari

Faults:

Nothing Major. Radiator burst. Had a cracked spark plug. Paint work started to fade so had it resprayed.

General Comments:

Joy to drive! Lot of road noise due to low profile tyres (205x45x16"). Ride very hard on Irish country roads. Very useful for quick and safe overtaking. Very few left in this country. Couple of things that get on my nerves are the wipers, boot release switch in the glove compartment and very expensive parts. In fantastic nick at 125,000miles although I really do look after it and am very mechanically sympathetic, it rarely passes 3000 rpm. When I bought it in 1999 all my mates said it was a bad move as it would always break down, cost a fortune to run and depreciate badly. OK it did depreciate pretty badly, but all my mates have had a lot more trouble with their motors including some of the so called better and more reliable makes. Has passed our car test in Ireland 3 times without problems and the emissions have always been very low. Was strongly considering selling and buying a Porsche 944 but enjoy driving the 155 so much have put it off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2006

4th Aug 2010, 01:25

You know what? Recently I considered selling my 155 year 96, wide-body 8v 2.0, deep blue metallic... it was all because of this mismanaged bloody card; a credit card. I even put my car up for sale, while at the same time looking up for another cheap car which equaled the amount left after paying for the credit card... I have not settled with the credit card, and three guys already called to ask about my car, I told them.. it is already sold. Why? There's no other I could replace my 155 with; cheap, yet hassle free, pretty fast, natural haunting rumbling engine's note, a once-in-a-while head turner, as it is a rare species on the road here. It is impossible to part with it.. and I hope, not even that bloody credit card would tear us apart.