1996 Alfa Romeo 155 Q4 2.0 turbo from Turkey

Summary:

Cheapest adventure ends expensive (for nothing)

Faults:

It's a very stylish and fast car with very good road-holding, but the service and running costs are too expensive. The full fuel tank (65 liters of gasoline) lasts for only approximately 230 kilometers (even if you do not let the turbocharger take you to hell).

There is so much noise in the cabin, all the 4 doors, seats, the ceiling: impossible to ride without the volume of the radio pumped up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st January, 2001

3rd Apr 2001, 15:32

If you had any idea what Alfa Romeo was about, you would enjoy the noise and the ride. You have one of the most superb feeling and handling cars in the world (fun too), but if you want a quiet, lifeless car that you can listen to the radio in, go back to bmw. Who listens to the radio in his Alfa Romeo anyway?

In reply to 3rd Apr 2001, 15:32

18th Aug 2014, 20:54

I see the previous commenter's point, no offense, but Alfas are really far from being purists' machines, and as they age, they start to spurt out mechanical and electrical issues. Most Alfas are as sexy as hell, but let's admit it; they are also money pits. I had a very close experience with a 156 and a little less with a 147. The 156 was literally falling apart and 147 was not the most reliable car I'd ever seen. Owners' point of view? They just loved their cars. Of course there are Alfa enthusiasts out there and nothing will keep them from admiring and enjoying their cars. If you are one of them, you should go ahead and get one by all means. It could be worth almost all the trouble.

1996 Alfa Romeo 155 V6 2.5 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An absolute steal now that the 156 is on the market

Faults:

The air-con hasn't worked since I got it (gas leaked out because it hadn't been getting used, therefore seals gone and expensive to repair).

Apart from that just normal wear and tear items.

All brake discs and pads replaced.

Front wishbones replaced, this is normal for 75,000 miles on this car apparently.

One year-old exhaust has cracked on a weld, but repairs never last long because of the firm ride over poor road surfaces (speed bumps!!).

General Comments:

Compared to my previous cars, this 155 has tons of power and torque. It's very tempting to become lazy with the gear changes in town. Quite economical at cruising speeds, but will burn petrol up if driven hard!

My only real complaint is the road noise from the tyres, but you wouldn't otherwise hear the gorgeous V6 engine!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2000

1996 Alfa Romeo 155 TS Super 2.0 16v from South Africa

Faults:

Intermittent break in power (as if switch engine off and then on again, <1 sec). Very rarely happens though.

Engine has knocking noise as if hydraulic lifter/tappet failure (like VW 1.8 when started from cold, only doesn't go away). Under acceleration +/- 1750 rpm noise goes away. As soon as you lift off accelerator at any speed noise returns. Very loud and troublesome. Hydraulic lifters been replaced at tremendous cost to no avail. Any experiences please share bouts@mweb.co.za . Getting desperate.

General Comments:

Awesome vehicle. Hard suspension for slow driving. Drive it spirited though and you will be rewarded with a big rush. Excellent road holding. Relaxed high speed cruiser (5500 rpm = 200 km/h ?) Cannot remember for sure... kept eyes glued to the swerving road. Excellent braking. Good fuel economy for a car this size.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2000

14th Jul 2001, 14:40

Yeah, if the noise you describe makes it sound like a diesel car, simple one mate, the cam variator needs replacing, also do the belt and tensioner at the same time. Have read other comments advising this at 36k, must say that sounds a tad early on late 155 valve, 50k should be OK, but on some Fiat/Alfa's, probably right at 36k, and 24k without question on Integrale's! Over a year since you posted the query, sorry have only just read, hope you didn't get a belt failure.