1999 Alfa Romeo 156 JTD Std review from UK and Ireland

Rear door retaining catches following replacement of the door rubbers (due to ill fitting roof bars).

ABS warning light on (hair line crack in the fusebox).

Engine would not turn off (intermittent fault, only occurred for about 3 days, had to turn back to MAR to switch off).

I bought a Alfa demonstrator, and what a great car it turned out to be.

Yes it has faults, but then what car doesn't, it's just how the faults are dealt with and perceived.

Have to to say that dealer (Hylton of Worcester) customer facing is excellent and can never do enough, but it is obvious that sometimes the back office (mechanical side) lacks a little something.

I have diesels now due to mileage and it being my own car, I have owned 4 Alfas prior to this but a long time ago. It had always been my intention to buy another when things improved, and they did so I did.

I drove a new BMW 530d last week and engine did not feel much better, in fact some of the trim was loose.

When having car serviced, I usually get petrol versions of 156 and whilst they feel marginally quicker when worked hard, the JTD provides all the power without the effort.

You buy these cars with your heart not your head (oh and some cash).