Fabulous Italian Stallion.
Fault free motoring for 2 years now until I finally went to sort out a clutch judder which I suspected and confirmed was a Selespeed failure.
The clutch plates and actuator cost serious cash to get right - so much so that even though it was out of warranty my local dealer went 50/50 with the cost. Circa £1,200 which is frightening.
Other than that major item - it has been 100% perfect. No electrical problems, started on the button etc etc.
The 156 is a glorious car both for its looks and its driving style.
It beats the 3 series hands down on looks and driving ability.
Always produces a smile, especially on full throttle.
Makes a great noise and when you're in the mood for a play - the play station like abilities of the selespeed button lift you out of normality.
Bit short on space in the back, but capable of getting four adults to the match - just. Kids fine.
No cup holder! apart from that if you won't be disappointed.
Don't try to sell it as they depreciate like mad - but be a little different and live a little.
Obviously a frank yet biased review from the owner. The total experience of owning an Alfa has to include the reliability of a vehicle. I would suggest that the 156 appearance is unusual compared to the Germanic equivalents and some may consider it good looking.
Lets face it, no car with todays technology should put their owners through such large expense after a relative short life.
Cars are to be enjoyed not endured.
I concur with the 156 Selespeed contributor. I think you've got to own one to understand the attraction. This type of gearchange isn't perfect, but gets much better with familiarity. You need to understand what the computer is trying to do (read the manual!) then work WITH it to get best results. It can be every bit as involving as a manual car, and above 60% throttle and 5,000 revs, it up-changes in around 400 milliseconds - pretty much as quick as the best of manuals. (Why, after all, in this day and age, should we depress a pedal on the floor every time we want to change gear? I think the manual clutch will soon be a dead duck!).
Forget the automatic 'City' mode though - it's not good because gear changes come when you are least expecting them. If you want a proper auto - then buy a 2.5 V6 with the Q System.
I've had good reliability for 4 years and 57k miles. but the flexible front exhaust pipe has just blown (£175 - ouch!). Main gripe is some throttle on/off hesitation, a result of over enthusiastic emissions controls I am told.
A bit more horsepower would be nice (an Autodelta supercharger kit perhaps?), but all in all it's a great companion to my Mk1 Golf GTI and my stable of old Jowetts!
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