2007 Alfa Romeo 159 JTS Sportwagon 2.2 petrol

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

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.

2012 Alfa Romeo 159 Ti 1.7 turbo petrol

Summary:

Nice to drive but unreliable

Faults:

This was my second Alfa 159 (the previous one was a 2007 model 2.2 JTS).

After less than two years, the air con stopped working and it took the dealer THREE AND A HALF MONTHS to get it working again.

I filed a claim with the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal for the unreasonable time it took to affect the repair.

The MVDT concluded that the vehicle "failed to comply with the guarantee of acceptable quality in the Consumers Guarantee Act".

It also concluded that it didn't involve a "failure of substantial character" and so refused to award me any compensation. I don't agree with that decision. To me, having a car without air con in the middle of summer is a failure of substantial character.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th December, 2015

26th Mar 2024, 19:34

Bloody good looking cars. Shame they are still unreliable, as per Alfa Romeo. The 159 should have been a game changer.

2009 Alfa Romeo 159 JTD 1.9 litre turbo diesel

Summary:

Puts a smile on my face every day

Faults:

A minor oil leak occurred after three years, but was fixed at the regular service interval and has not happened again.

General Comments:

I absolutely love driving this car. It brings a smile to my face just looking at the Italian styling, and it's engaging to drive.

The diesel is slower off the mark than petrol versions up to about 30 km/h, but then the turbo cuts in and it becomes sprightly.

The best thing is getting over 750 kilometers to the tank (admittedly a large 70 litres), and with country driving it has achieved over 900 kilometres. Very frugal.

The driver's seat is extremely comfortable, especially over large distances.

I was led to expect many quality issues with the Alfa, but I am glad to say I have disappointed my critics (especially the wife!). It is as reliable as the many Japanese cars I've owned, but way more beautiful to look at and responsive to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2014

11th Dec 2014, 11:19

We owned a 156 2004. We too did expect to break down everyday, but to be honest it was as reliable as a Corolla. Apart from service it was a great car, but our only complaint was the turning circle - but such a beautiful car to look at and drive. The 159 is truly a very good looking car.