2000 Alfa Romeo 156 TS 2.0

Summary:

Unacceptable service/repair support

Faults:

Car delivered new 06/12/00. Engine Management Unit broke down 24/12/00 (yes Christmas Eve - how inconvenient was that!). I'm still waiting for the dealer to fix the car (now 07/03/01!!) - apparently can't get the parts from Turin! Had enough rows with Alfa UK and the dealer to last a lifetime. Do Alfa care - not a bit.

You have been warned - Don't buy the 156.

General Comments:

Appalling support from Alfa UK - customer service is straight from the dark ages.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th March, 2001

9th Mar 2001, 10:06

My 156 didn't get off to the best of starts either, but it seems to have been teething trouble. Hopefully yours will be same (when you eventually get it fixed!). Agreed though, the dealers only seem interested in selling cars, not in keeping them on the road. Once mine had its 3 initial problems sorted, it's been okay since, and a joy to drive!

View 7 more comments

2000 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 twin spark

Summary:

Style and class for Mondeo money

Faults:

Drivers door handle button jammed in.

Rear wheel bearings failed and started knocking loudly.

Rattle in the roof from the rear courtesy light.

General Comments:

Great car. Full of Italian style. Prettiest saloon available.

Reliability was a worry, but has turned out to be better than my last VW Golf.

Recaro seats are poor with all your weight through your bottom and not spread through your thighs. Spoils an otherwise excellent long distance car.

Engine has excellent top end but poor low torque. Town driving a bit of a pain with mucho clutch slip needed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2001

12th Jun 2001, 06:15

Seems to be an ongoing problem with the comfort of the 156. I've had mine for 2000km and only make short trips. My butt and back are copping a pounding.

If you crank the seating position way up high you get a little relief. Wonder if it's possible to swap the seats for something tighter?

2000 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 TS

Summary:

A stunning car, at a stunning (import) price

Faults:

The ignition coding system packed up after 3 days - the car had to be started via a complicated "emergency code procedure", which took 5 minutes each time you turned the ignition. The dealer fixed the problem within 3 days. I understand there is a recall for this specific problem.

An airbag warning light on the dashboard was lit when I collected the car (faulty computer chip was to blame). The dealer fixed this problem within 2 weeks.

General Comments:

An absolutely stunning car to look at and drive.

Reliability may become an issue - I've had the car one month and it's already been in the workshop twice.

Smooth, powerful engine on the 2 litre.

Cabin quality not particularly impressive (the glove box creaks constantly), but this is a trivial irritation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st March, 2001

29th Mar 2001, 01:51

I had the same problem with an airbag light going on. I took it into the dealership yesterday and they fixed it within a half hour (but then I live in Italy, so maybe service problems resolved a bit faster because of better spare parts availability).

2000 Alfa Romeo 156 Veloce 2.0 Twin Spark

Summary:

Superb, need I say more?

Faults:

Nothing so far (I know this is tempting fate!)

General Comments:

After hearing what most people say about the dealer that they bought their 156 from, I am pleasantly surprised to find that Alan Gibson (Basingstoke) are always ready to help, and are genuinely interested in the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2001

2000 Alfa Romeo 156 Selespeed 2.0 Twin Spark

Summary:

A high performance bargain

Faults:

On delivery: Stiching loose in the seat, front bumper mark, paint problem on a door, security etch poor.

Since: Selespeed oil problem, has been in twice, still not fixed!

Plus other annoying problems.

Have very little faith in the dealer's ability to resolve my issues!!

Heard of another owner having taken her car in 6 times for Selespeed issues...

Also my brother in law has had Selespeed issues...

General Comments:

Great car, looks good, drives well, all round great car to drive. If it could be more robust it would be even better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2001