2003 Alfa Romeo 156 Twin Spark Veloce 2 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Fantastic!
Faults:
Only problems seem to be with wheels and suspension.
Odd tyre wear occurs, even after a visit to two different mechanics, who did the tracking. Also the suspension bushes squeak in dry weather; it's incredibly annoying!! I had them checked out, but was told they were fine and didn't need renewing. As soon as it rains or if you squirt some oil on them every couple of weeks, it stops however.
Apart from this, no problems, and my uncle who owned the car previously experienced no problems.
General Comments:
Looks stunning both inside and out. My one's a little unusual in that it has the old shape body and front end, but the 2003 onwards new interior, but I prefer the original front end.
Everyone who's seen it (I'm only 21) says wow and secondly "how did you afford it?" But these cars have such enormous depreciation that they are affordable. I mean mine cost £4000 for a 3 1/2 year old car with only 33k on the clock, yet my best friend bought a Ford Ka same age at the same time for £3500. He's sick as a parrot now!
Many people mention the bad reliability, but touch wood mine's been very good; you either seem to get a very good or very bad car with Alfa's.
The engine is very nippy for a 1.6 in a fairly large car. It's far quicker than my old Pug 306, which had the same size engine, and is a smaller car.
Gearbox is smooth, and it has all the gadgets you need, except a cupholder oddly!
My only gripe is that the climate system is a bit feeble, especially in the back, and also considering the car's size, there doesn't seem to be much space inside.
When buying, definitely try and get the new interior (2003 onwards). I think it's a huge improvement on the previous version).
I nearly bought a 5 series beamer before I got this, but it had 80k on the clock, was another two years older, and cost nearly double what I paid for my Alfa. I definitely made the right choice, and am very happy with my car. I'm planning to trade it in for a 156 GTA soon, as they are now at around £7000! Silly money for a mentally fast car!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th August, 2007
19th Aug 2007, 08:19
I can't believe people say how did you afford it. It's another face in the crowd saloon with nothing special about it or no distinguishing features. It isn't a fast car, nor is it high on insurance and anybody that know anything about cars knows as you have quite rightly pointed out that they lose value at an unbelievable rate.
I'm 21 and I have a 2003 Audi TT 1.8t with 225 bhp as standard superchipped to 278bhp. It's lowered with expensive chrome alloys and tinted windows, and it's a beautiful looking car and so far nobody has commented on how I got the money for it, and I only look about 18, which is why I can't believe that people would say that to you.