Faults:

Previous mature owner required new gearbox under warranty at 6000 miles.

New gearbox was stripped and rebuilt to rectify fault, and was no better.

Gearbox ECU failed.

Gearbox actuator failed.

New gearbox ECU failed.

Gearbox repeatedly required resetting.

Gearbox hydraulic pump relay failed.

Engine camshaft lobe completely worn off.

Airflow meter "Has wrong voltage output", but a new airflow meter did not cure it. Engine still down on power and the dealer cannot fix.

Wires had been badly soldered into engine ECU wiring loom, trailing across hot engine.

Roof starting to rust.

Air conditioning was useless.

Rear brake calliper seized.

General Comments:

All of the above faults happened within three months and 2000 miles, I then had to sell the car as the warranty was about to expire and the engine was still down on power, (friends 1.8 was much quicker), not to mention the gearbox still did not work properly! changing into neutral when overtaking, then refusing to select any gear at all.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

In Sport Pack 2 trim (Recaros, alloys, lowered and side skirts, along with it's very pretty lines, this car has to be the best looking saloon on the road.

Inside, although not really up to the sumptuousness of the Lexus IS200 (for instance), it really is well appointed. The seats are supportive and comfortable, the sound levels are good, even at motorway speed, the sound system is good (CD changer added at cost) if not fantastic. I have done several 600 mile trips in a day and can honestly say it was a pleasure.

In terms of performance, I wouldn't describe this car as super-fast, certainly not compared to my previous car (Calibra Turbo) but it excels in many more areas. The razor sharp steering and throttle response, well balanced chassis and addictive engine note, the plentiful amounts of grip and a fine gear change, the good driving position. All this in a practical 4 door saloon.

But it could definitely handle more power - more than even the V6 has to offer. (Anyone driven the GTA yet - that's more like it!)

I really can't believe the 2nd hand prices at the moment. A 3 year old version of this car can be had for 7.5K GBP - an unbelievable bargain.

Faults:

Short circuit in engine management system.

Ignition key sensor failed - car would not start.

Fuse box cover warped! (They all seem to have this problem!)

Leaking windscreen seal, passenger side.

General Comments:

This car is certainly the most attractive design in its class.

The build quality is variable, (my short circuit was traced to a bolt and washer crimping part of the wiring harness - it took over six months to trace and cure the problem!) and there are one or two niggles I have with squeaks and rattles - especially in cold weather.

However, overall, the driving experience is wonderful. Mine is the lowered version which, although giving a harsh ride on bumpy roads and speed bumps, really comes into its own on the open road.

Yes, it's great on a motorway - but that's a waste of its performance. The Alfa really loves to be thrashed along twisty roads with a good variety of different bends and sweeps. You must "keep it on the cam" and use the rev band above 3000 revs to get the best out of it. You can almost feel it "get up on its toes" and attack the bends if you use the gearbox properly.

The level of equipment is very good. The climate control is efficient at keeping a generally comfortable temperature, but it neither heats up or cools down particularly quickly. I have a sun roof as well which is handy to cool the car down quickly if it has been standing in the sun, before switching on the air-conditioning.

The classic Alfa looks attract a lot of attention and I regularly return to the parked car to find people looking at it. I have chosen to retain the traditional silver dashboard dials, but have opted for the sports steering wheel and trim. These bespoke features make my 156 something of a hybrid, but they really complement the natural leather interior. I believe that now dealers will only supply models as advertised and will not provide a mix and match service as was available when I bought mine.

My main concern, now that it is coming up to three years old, is the value retention. Mind you - if you buy a 156 worrying about how much you're going to lose on it at the end of the day, then maybe it's not the car for you!

I still enjoy the electric thrill of firing her up each morning!