2007 Alfa Romeo 159 JTS Sportwagon 2.2 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

One for Alfa fans or lovers of beauty

Faults:

Clutch needed replacing at 170k, as it was getting harder to change gear. Expected given the mileage. Expensive to replace - almost double a Japanese car cost.

Cracked plastic hose connector at the rear of the engine caused coolant to leak. Caused large plumes of steam from the bonnet. No damage done as it was caught immediately. Was cheap to fix.

General Comments:

Good torque and acceleration compared to my previous car.

Great on the open road; feels more solid and planted, compared to my old car. Well specced.

Auto wipers are rubbish. Either don't wipe enough or too much.

Crap turning circle in town. A bit thirsty, but not as much as I was expecting.

Interior not as spacious as a Mazda 6, but better looking and more comfortable.

Servicing costs are higher than Japanese cars.

Had a full service history, so the main issues with this model had been encountered already by previous owners, i.e. stretched cam chain and steering rack.

A bit of a love/hate relationship with this car. Have now sold it, but wish I hadn't.

Might consider a Brera or another manual wagon if I can find one.

Love the look of this car. Is a head turner for such an old car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th May, 2018

2006 Alfa Romeo 159 JTS 2.2 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

The most beautiful and reliable automobile at a bargain price

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

I was wary about buying this car, especially after reading all the forum horror stories.

I am so happy I did!

It. Has. Not. Missed. A. Beat.

In 44,000km!!! And it's still on its original chain.

I drive it on the freeway mostly so I believe that has a lot to do with the car's reliability. I travel a 600km round trip almost weekly and rarely do short hops.

It came with a full service history, and after researching the car, I discovered that it hadn't had its chain replaced, but I was prepared to spend money if something went wrong. Because I bought it cheaply, I was happy to take a risk as it is the most beautiful car I have ever owned. Oops, I did own an 1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider which was a joy to drive, but the rust problem was painful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2017

4th Mar 2017, 10:42

In my opinion, along with the Mazda 1500/1800, the most beautiful sedan ever made. You got one with very few kilometres, as manual models of all cars tend to have higher mileage. Have always wanted one of those and I am completely envious! I have also been wary of Alfa reliability. Although it's only one owner, I once chatted to a man who had a 147 and he had zero issues. Happy motoring!!!

20th Jan 2020, 03:16

Update:

1. Power steering hose failed at 185,000km.

2. The chain, guides and cogs need replacing and will be done in a few weeks time.

3. Rocker cover leaked so gasket was replaced.

4. PCV valve needed replacing after rocker cover gasket replaced. It was pulled off by a high end mechanic to replace the gasket so hmmm(?).

5. Boot lid release on the overhead switch doesn't work anymore.

6. Passenger side window drops when you press button, but can be coaxed back after a few minutes. I don't think it's worth fixing for such a cheap car.

BUT, it has covered 192,000kms. I use it everyday and has never left me stranded. Maintenance has been very reasonable, and it still puts a smile on my face every day.

All this for a car that cost me $9000AUD in 2015 when it was 9 years old and depreciated fully.

I think that's great value. Most cars depreciate that much in one year.

2008 Alfa Romeo 159 JTDm 1.9 turbo diesel from Turkey

Summary:

If it goes and handles long term usage as it looks, that is going to be a winner

Faults:

The parking sensors were not working, headlamp washers had issues, the A/T lever grille was misshaped and I needed to be harsh with the lever to change gear when I purchased the car.

Others than above mentioned, everything looks and feels OK.

General Comments:

I was thinking about a 156 or 159 from time to time for a few years, however was not sure whether to step in. Beside the general opinion and comments, the image of an Alfa stamped in my mind was a rusting car with the front suspension collapsed (with the back in the air), front bumper always detached and hanging down on one side, badly finished in the interior and prone to fall apart etc. This image was mainly due to the 33s, Sprints, Alfasuds and some 75s and 164s seen around during the 80s and the early 90s.

I reasoned by the look (the 10 year old or more models circulating around) of the more recent types and by reading comments that the above mentioned era was gone for good and that it is time move ahead.

Anyway, I can not comment on reliability or long term tenure as I only did few hundred km with it, however it is a very good surprise.

I like the driver focused interior, especially the driver's seat and the steering column with a huge adjustment range. Rear seats are cramped, but who cares?

Surprisingly comfortable and silent despite being a diesel. Basically, the same noise level as my 9-5 aero, however the suspension looked quieter. The seats are good.

Headroom is OK, unlike the 9-5 (I am 190cm tall).

Looks good and sexy. Saab is good and handsome but not sexy. Germans are neither handsome nor sexy.

I should precise here that putting huge chromes here and there, LED lights and other such do not make a car look good nor sexy in the same way that makeup does not make a woman look good or sexy.

One downfall is the rear visibility.

Build quality in the inside is more than OK, no trim noises; however not the same level as the 9-5, nor the Germans.

The buttons on the dashboard partially lost their color, and the Alfa badge on the steering wheel faded. Scratches here and there, but nothing irremediable or critical.

Very happy with the purchase. Long term comments will follow up later on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2017

24th Mar 2018, 05:13

Original poster here:

One year with the car and totally satisfied. Only an oil change. I found out that the hose leading to and out of the intercooler had leaks. I changed these two hoses and the performance/fuel economy both progressed.

In reply to 24th Mar 2018, 05:13

20th Oct 2018, 12:56

Still the original owner:

Almost two years now. Power steering hose developed a leak. New hose fitted. No other issues. Had few long journeys with it. To me, the power is more than enough.

23rd Mar 2019, 12:49

Original poster: Changed left hand side upper wishbone due slight looseness and clicking noise on uneven road surfaces. No other issues.

22nd Jun 2019, 05:19

Original poster: Warning for owners.

I noticed that the + battery cable departing from the battery and going to the alternator, and the starter was rubbing against the ABS hydraulic control module, which is basically an SS material box with sharp edges. I changed the cable, reinstated the clips and rerouted the cable through a safer path without any risk of rubbing anywhere. So be aware, check yours.

In reply to 22nd Jun 2019, 05:19

26th Sep 2019, 13:06

No issues other than the oil changes. While attempting to change the oil, I remarked that the other end of the steering pump hose was leaking (the part going between the engine and the firewall, to the steering rack). Took the whole thing out again and redid that part and put it back.

You what? The Italians and the Swedes should design the car and the Japanese should manufacture and assemble.

These are not big problems, but never saw such issues on a Japanese car to be honest.

Total Km: 104000.