Faults:

Hard starting is a problem, especially on cold days. It's a strange feeling where the car doesn't start but simultaneously makes a noise. After 5 or 6 attempts, it starts normally, but it remains a constant problem in low temperatures.

The timing belt died at 100,000 km.

Another problem I had was jerking caused by the accelerator pedal potentiometer or its connector, because it gets dirty easily, so it needs to be cleaned and reset.

I can't say anything bad about the engine, it didn't give me a single problem, but I have to mention that the oil leaks at the beginning were constant and cost me a lot of headaches and money.

General Comments:

All the flaws I mentioned are insignificant compared to the pleasure this car gave me and continues to give me.

Unfortunately, it was an underappreciated car and you didn't see many of them on the streets, but not only me, but many people and owners of this car, all speak highly of it. And I'm not going to be the exception.

Its aesthetics, in my opinion, are far superior to those of its predecessor, the Dedra, and it's just as, if not more, reliable. I believe that, along with the Thesis, it was the last true Lancia. Even though the brand still exists, this particular car has all the qualities that characterize the Italian marque: elegance, style, luxury, and comfort.

The driving position is perfect, it couldn't be better. If you want it high, you can raise it as much as you like; it has good adjustability, and the electric lumbar support is fantastic. The steering is very effective and direct, and although it doesn't quite reach the level of an Alfa Romeo, it inspires a lot of confidence.

The suspension is soft, perhaps too soft for a speed enthusiast, but even so, it's incredibly comfortable, and together with the power steering, it makes the car very easy to handle.

The engine is very smooth and runs incredibly well. You can even cruise at speeds above 140-150 km/h comfortably enough to hold a conversation in the car. It has ample power for a 2.0-liter engine (considerably faster and more agile than others of the same displacement at that time), and with sensible driving, it's not too fuel-efficient.

Unless I run into serious problems (which I haven't so far), I plan to keep this car for a while longer. Besides being like new, it has all the safety and comfort features of a modern car.

Faults:

Front suspension had to be replaced after 11 years. Not bad...

Airbag light can sometimes come on for a few weeks every few years. I was lucky once that it disappeared a week before the annual inspection. Airbag light has now decided to stay off for 18 months and counting. :)

Power window buttons sometimes move the window in the wrong direction, or require multiple presses to work. No big deal. Italian charm...

Some rust on the inside of the boot lid which I have to periodically take care of because Lancia did poor paint work there (paint on top of rubber on top of metal). Otherwise no rust on the car, besides some rust on the underside due to pebbles/rocks hitting the rust proofing (I scrape off rust and spray over it once a year).

Otherwise, only standard stuff: brake pads, tyres, etc.

General Comments:

Besides times when I have accidentally allowed the battery to discharge, this car, in 15 years, has never failed to start and never let me down.

Take it out on to the motorway, drive 120 km/hr and it cruises along quietly, doing 20+ km per litre diesel. The 1.9 JTD block is a masterpiece. Still not leaking oil after 15 years.