1999 Alfa Romeo 156 velocce review from UK and Ireland
"Do not buy an Alfa"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Various minor niggles, including boot not closing (£30 to fix) and an overheating radio that cut out - described by Dealer as a safety feature!
Clutch bearing failure at 55000 miles - Alfa refused to fix under warranty (described as wearable part).
Car taken to dealer twice in one week for overheating. No problem found either time and car released back to me. 24 hours later engine suffers massive mechanical failure attributed by dealer to low oil (79000 miles). Dealer and Alfa HQ admit that oil warning light faulty prior to failure, but refuse to accept liability and threaten to withdraw any remaining warranty if I pursue a claim - cost to me £2500 for re-conditioned engine. Alfa refuse to accept warranty claim. Finally advised by Alfa Romeo Customer Services (Slough HQ) to sue them!
General comments?
The problems I have had with this car have affected my health. It simply is not worth owning an Alfa.
Main-dealerships are patchy at best. Down right dishonest at worst.
After-sales servicing is expensive and shoddy (based on experience of 3 different Alfa main dealers).
Warranty is worthless, even when they admit car has a problem.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 lt Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 80000 miles |
| Previous car | BMW 3 Series |
| Date of Entry | 3rd January, 2003 |