Alfa Romeo 159 Questions & Answers

Nic, I found the spare parts issue to be a killer. My 159 was less than 2 years old and they had problems getting parts when the air-conditioning quit working. One part took almost two months to show up from Italy and the whole process to get the air conditioning working again took three and a half months. I certainly enjoyed driving the car (when it was running properly) but I got rid of it and will never buy another one. Fortunately the cost of fixing the air conditioning was covered under warranty but I would suspect that the parts would have been VERY expensive if I'd had to pay from them myself.

Bob.

I have a 159 2.2, bought it with 90 000 km and I have done another 150 000. Repairs are much the same as any car provided you get parts from importers such as Turin imports, Alfa dealers are twice the price at least. Mechanic did shocks and brakes for $1100 which was $500 less than a Camry he did at the same time. Service cost is $250 to $300. However they are highly engineered and complex cars so You can get big bills. I have replaced the dual mass clutch which was $2500 (gearbox out job), but much the same in all modern manuals.

I did get the cabin fan replaced recently as the aircon wasn't working for $350, turned out to be a broken wire not the fan :-/ oh well ...

The v6 is based on the gm/Holden commodore 3.6 motor and shares some parts which is also true of the 2.2, it also shares some issues like stretched timing chains and has a thirsty appetite for fuel. This aside you can expect issues with window regulators, switches, sensors, poor quality rubber seals, thin paint that chips easy, massive depreciation and so on and so on. I was a mechanic once upon a time and even knowing their reputation I was stupid enough to buy one but will never own another. I moved Into a brand new mid size Japanese built Mazda 6 diesel 11 months ago and have been towing a full size caravan with it since, so far that biggest issue I've had is poor paint quality which is common amongst cars in the segment other than that I press the go button and it goes.

Steve every car is different and so much depends on how they have been driven and serviced. The important issue will relate to the mileage, and that all of the service required at that mileage has been done as and when required.

I have a 2011 1750 Tbi Ti.. its been amazingly inexpensive to run, its traveled 70,000k and the only item I've replaced was a $200 coolant hose ..thats in three and half years of driving. Love the car and I hope you can find one that suits your requirements.. all the best Colin

I know it's probably too late for you but this answer may help others. Simply don't believe what you read online either from motoring journalist or public forums as the information although sometimes with good intent is just blatantly wrong. These 159s were rumoured to have been built better because of new management within the Alfa group at the time but the fact is they're still very much worse than many other makes. Customer satisfaction surveys always have also at the bottom and even newer models are prone to reliability issues just not seen in reputable makes in such high numbers.

They're overpriced from new, have some of the worst dealer support around and parts prices locally are a joke. Read my review above for an idea what even a clean car with full history can do in less than 6 months! I've now done more research into all the faults mine has and have found they're very common and most owners try to pass these off as "characteristics" of Alfa's. When ever you read this line someone be sure to understand it means it is a fault and will be an issue and will cost you money everytime you drive. People on Alfa forums are the absolute worst for talking these cars up as more reliable than they are. I've owned in excess of 15ncsrs from the early 70s to current, stock and heavily modified and from many continents and this is the absolute biggest heap of scrap I've ever blown money to on.

It sound like a very good deal. Too good! Although the kms are pretty high. Definatly take the time to get it checked over by an exprianced alfa mech. Things to look for.. Dpf filter Paint chipping behind wheels and along bottom of doors.

EGR valve

MAF (air sensor)

Sqeaky breaks

Headlights working

The deal sound really good but this car should be at least 15k, so u have to ask yourself why?

Regards Brad

Hi Shrub, as a general guide, diesel engines are much more durable than petrol versions and high mileage shouldn't be an issue. Ensure that it has been properly serviced with accompanying receipts of any work done. Check items as suggested by Brad, mine had stone chips too. In my opinion I would get it examined by a motoring group for a proper evaluation, that small expense could save you heaps in hidden issues. But if all good, then good luck.

The costs to service and maintain a diesel vehicle are unquestionably far more expensive than petrol versions. Stone chips are a minor issue here. We all have them as the paint quality isn't the best on Alfas. Auto transmission adds another degree of potential problems if it hasn't been regularly serviced and maintained. Agree with Merlin and Brad, sounds too cheap. But if your heart is still set on it, take it to a specialised mechanic and have a thorough check done. There's usually a good reason why sellers ask a very low price - they may be keen to get rid of a 'lemon' which could have some hidden nasties - only discoverable once you take ownership! It may not be the bargain you think you're getting afterall. Let us know how you go...

Thanks guys :) will keep u posted

I would stretch your budget and go for a 2009+ Diesel. They updated the turbo to reduce lag and slightly increased the power. Better seats and slightly less weight as well. If you do get the diesel I would highly recommend a re-map of the engine, you will get way more power and reliability as you can delete the DPF. Jump on the Alfa forums for an idea of how this can transform the car. As per mrs159 you need to go to specialist repairer (not necessarily the dealer tho) I have had my car for a while now and running costs aren't too bad - $300 service no repairs (+ the remap). Diesel has very addictive torque as well!

If been wet when reversing out first thing slight grind, but no top brakes good stopping power. May have picked up some grit of the road in to brake calipers, each brake pad needs to be checked for even wear and free moving within the calipers and caliper piston are free moving as well.

bake system need to be bleed 2-3 years depend on kilometers

if so you can use a brake pray stop squeaks spray film of grey compound on the disks this may stop noise and help bead in the brakes.

Replace the pads to brembo super sports HP2000 front $220 approx (07.B3.15.48) OR 7115380

disks may need machining depends on the miles u have done

the brakes are designed for heavy braking

regards

john

Thanks John for responding i will get right on because is getting a bit annoying

If you are worried about noisy brakes you could try getting a braking specialist to do the brakes and possibly fit bendix brakes as they are pretty good