1999 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 TS 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great performer at bargain price

Faults:

Driver's seatbelt too sensitive.

Engine occasionally idles unevenly when cold - mainly with air-con in use.

A few small rattles in dash.

General Comments:

The best looking saloon this side of £50,000.

Acceleration very impressive when the engine comes on cam at around 3000 rpm.

Engine is probably the smoothest, most powerful and characterful 4 pot around.

Handling is very sharp - excellent turn-in, with virtually no roll, although the ride is quite firm.

Seats are very comfortable on a long trip - mine are in red Momo leather.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2004

1999 Alfa Romeo 156 V6 24V 2.5 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car to buy second hand if you get a reliable one

Faults:

I was unable to deactivate the immobilizer after three months of buying the car, but the problem was fixed by the dealer quickly and cheaply.

The 36000 mile service was over £200 I thought it was a little high for the parts that need attention on that service.

The alarm has always been over sensitive, a problem at 3am if you have three kids fast asleep!

General Comments:

The performance of the car has never been in question, plenty of power to get you out of a bad situation.

Looking at other reviews I think I am lucky to have found a good dealer, even if the service price is a little high.

The handling is as I want it - I avoid the motorway on the way to work. It's much more fun on the back roads.

Most of my mates have asked me for a go at one time or another, this includes TT drivers!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd October, 2003

1999 Alfa Romeo 156 Selespeed 2.0TS petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

All good... so far!

Faults:

Interior lights do not work together, but will work individually.

Small interior trim pieces loose.

Very jerky when cold and/or under part-throttle in 1st & 2nd gears.

Headlining sagging a bit under sunroof.

Fuel gauge inaccurate under 1/2 tank.

Driver's door button initially jammed, but dealer fixed it with WD40 and haven't had any problems with it since.

General Comments:

Amazon Green, cloth interior, sunroof.

Have only had the car a month, and absolutely love it.

Minor gripes in terms of lack of interior storage for CDs etc.

I would also not like to be any taller than I am (180cm). I have a friend who is 190+cm, and he can't drive it (which I am completely unconcerned by...).

Dealer was arrogant and generally uncooperative (a real "We are the only Alfa dealer in this town and we know it" attitude). Have heard very bad reports about their servicing, so I definitely won't be sending my little car there!

Beautiful to look it; wonderful to drive. Everyone who has seen it thinks it is fantastic.

I am somewhat fearful of the many concerns I have read in other reviews of various problems, but fingers crossed!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2003

5th Aug 2003, 02:34

Don't worry too much, make sure the car is serviced regularly, attend to even the most minor problem rapidly.

I agree with the jerky gear changes when cold, careful use of the throttle will minimize this problem.

I have had mine since 2000, loved every minute of its 2 litre'grunt'.

Just enjoy the Italian magic, my other car is not a Ferrari!

Will I buy another one? You bet!

1999 Alfa Romeo 156 V6 2.5 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It's not the most economical car in the world, but well worth what I paid

Faults:

At the moment nothing has gone wrong with the car, but I've only driven 1500 miles.

There is a full service history carried out by Alfa dealers.

The only problem I have is that I am having trouble getting the 4 digit security code as the battery has been disconnected.

But I think my local dealer can help.

General Comments:

The sound and feeling of the V6 engine is fantastic.

The knowledge that there's plenty of power at your disposal give a sense of security rather than fear of it's potential.

It's turned a few heads, not bad considering the design is now about five years old.

Everybody at work wants to drive it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2003