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View Full Version : Alfa 156 2.0 Twin Spark - Owners opinion?

balsingh
14-04-2006, 11:25 PM
Has anybody here owned one? Are they more reliable than older Aflas? What sort of MPG do they return on average?

I am looking at an 1998 LPG converted one with 60k on the clock. Its a good price (below £2500) and I am tempted but want some opinions from long term owners.
david29dpo
15-04-2006, 7:33 AM
i have a 1.8 twin spark s reg from new. no problems except cam variator, a common thing, about £250 at a dealer. alfa/ fiat dealers are pretty crap so go elsewhere. now on 70000 miles, very reliable and no rust!!
david29dpo
15-04-2006, 8:03 AM
http://www.alfa156.net/ try this.
JBsplit
16-04-2006, 9:35 PM
as an alfa specialist i would say your lucky,, broken cam belts at 30k /variators/spark plugs at almost 150quid a set /electrics useless air bag light faults/ terrible front tyre wear.

ok so its not all doom and gloom they are nice to drive and generaly reliable but if you get a bad one the bills will never stop. i recently repaired a 3.0 v6 that broke the timing belt.. i made out a bill for 3.5k.!!!!!!!!!
david29dpo
17-04-2006, 7:43 AM
ask 10 different people, you get 10 different answers!
vansboy
17-04-2006, 11:46 AM
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk clik The Backroom - Car By Car Breakdown & also post in Discussion.

Sounds dear to me - wouldn't even consider it with the LPG conversion & think you'd have problems selling it on again, too.

Still a smart looking car & certainly not how people usually percieve Alfa build quality.


VB
balsingh
17-04-2006, 3:04 PM
Sounds dear to me

I compared it to others of the same age and it seemed to be really good value. The same plate 3-series BMW wouldn't give you much change from £4000
vansboy
17-04-2006, 4:17 PM
But it's NOT a BMW...fortunatly!!

I'd have the Alfa anyday!!

VB
tomstickland
17-04-2006, 11:21 PM
Alfas are great, but incorrect wheel drive, just not a choice is it?
chinagirl
17-04-2006, 11:42 PM
Try the guys at www.NorthantsAlfa.co.uk.

Give them a call and speak to one of the technicians. They should put you right!
balsingh
18-04-2006, 12:07 AM
Alfas are great, but incorrect wheel drive, just not a choice is it?

My wife drives a 3-series and I love the RWD .... but I have to say the Alfa handling setup is excellent for a FWD car.

Nobosy has given me any feedback on the economy of the Alfa 2.0 engine ... anyone??
Troubleatmill
18-04-2006, 10:59 AM
Economy is OK -it's a 2 litre. - performance is OK. - it's a 2 litre.
You do need to spend a lot more on oil though ( check weekly )

The car did feel special and handled brilliantly.

I bought from new - and after 2 years - there was a little orchestra of squeeks and rattles, and the bills were starting to get a little pricey, and the fuse panel just kept falling down. And things were starting to go wrong....
Time to punt it....

One other issue I felt was that the brakes were a little....erm Italian.
You really had to stamp the floor - they come in gently and finally they bite.
( bit scary when you really need to stop quickly ).

Would I have another - heart says yes - head says no.
Although the new Brera Spider looks stunning.....hmm

Cheers