2009 Alfa Romeo 159 JTDM 16v Lusso 1.9 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Amazing looks, zero reliability!

Faults:

Clutch, flywheel, gearbox recondition. All very expensive. Nightmare.

Rough running - EGR valve cleaned.

The car wouldn't start one day, replaced battery. Not that car's fault to be fair, probably had never been changed.

Various sensors replaced.

Brakes a bit "grabby" but work OK.

Oil leak from somewhere.

General Comments:

The 159 is a stunning car from Alfa Romeo. I love the looks of this car, mine is black with original wheels. Always get comments from friends/family/passers by about how good looking it is. Pretty rare car too, which helps. It's good to be different!

Inside the interior is also very nicely styled. Comfy seats and all the electrics you would expect.

The car is great to drive, punchy 1.9 diesel engine and still manages over 40 mpg regularly even when driven fast.

Love it and will keep it - I have spent a tonne of cash putting that gearbox right (very common fault) but once sorted these cars are fine. It still feels a bit notchy, but that is characteristic of this gearbox.

It's a shame Alfa Romeo make such gorgeous cars but can never get on par with any decent reliability! These cars would be pretty much perfect if quality and build was improved!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th May, 2024

25th May 2024, 19:36

Gearboxes on these cars were a major pain, fitted to some Fiats and Vauxhalls as well from the same time period, not exclusive to Alfa Romeo.

In reply to 25th May 2024, 19:36

16th Dec 2024, 16:45

I could be wrong but I believe it was the "M32" manual gearbox, a known problematic box in this time period, as you said fitted to many cars. I think the "F40" box was better. Depends on the engine regards which is fitted.

2007 Alfa Romeo 159 JTS Sportwagon 2.2 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

One for Alfa fans or lovers of beauty

Faults:

Clutch needed replacing at 170k, as it was getting harder to change gear. Expected given the mileage. Expensive to replace - almost double a Japanese car cost.

Cracked plastic hose connector at the rear of the engine caused coolant to leak. Caused large plumes of steam from the bonnet. No damage done as it was caught immediately. Was cheap to fix.

General Comments:

Good torque and acceleration compared to my previous car.

Great on the open road; feels more solid and planted, compared to my old car. Well specced.

Auto wipers are rubbish. Either don't wipe enough or too much.

Crap turning circle in town. A bit thirsty, but not as much as I was expecting.

Interior not as spacious as a Mazda 6, but better looking and more comfortable.

Servicing costs are higher than Japanese cars.

Had a full service history, so the main issues with this model had been encountered already by previous owners, i.e. stretched cam chain and steering rack.

A bit of a love/hate relationship with this car. Have now sold it, but wish I hadn't.

Might consider a Brera or another manual wagon if I can find one.

Love the look of this car. Is a head turner for such an old car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th May, 2018

2006 Alfa Romeo 159 JTS 2.2 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

The most beautiful and reliable automobile at a bargain price

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

I was wary about buying this car, especially after reading all the forum horror stories.

I am so happy I did!

It. Has. Not. Missed. A. Beat.

In 44,000km!!! And it's still on its original chain.

I drive it on the freeway mostly so I believe that has a lot to do with the car's reliability. I travel a 600km round trip almost weekly and rarely do short hops.

It came with a full service history, and after researching the car, I discovered that it hadn't had its chain replaced, but I was prepared to spend money if something went wrong. Because I bought it cheaply, I was happy to take a risk as it is the most beautiful car I have ever owned. Oops, I did own an 1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider which was a joy to drive, but the rust problem was painful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2017

4th Mar 2017, 10:42

In my opinion, along with the Mazda 1500/1800, the most beautiful sedan ever made. You got one with very few kilometres, as manual models of all cars tend to have higher mileage. Have always wanted one of those and I am completely envious! I have also been wary of Alfa reliability. Although it's only one owner, I once chatted to a man who had a 147 and he had zero issues. Happy motoring!!!

20th Jan 2020, 03:16

Update:

1. Power steering hose failed at 185,000km.

2. The chain, guides and cogs need replacing and will be done in a few weeks time.

3. Rocker cover leaked so gasket was replaced.

4. PCV valve needed replacing after rocker cover gasket replaced. It was pulled off by a high end mechanic to replace the gasket so hmmm(?).

5. Boot lid release on the overhead switch doesn't work anymore.

6. Passenger side window drops when you press button, but can be coaxed back after a few minutes. I don't think it's worth fixing for such a cheap car.

BUT, it has covered 192,000kms. I use it everyday and has never left me stranded. Maintenance has been very reasonable, and it still puts a smile on my face every day.

All this for a car that cost me $9000AUD in 2015 when it was 9 years old and depreciated fully.

I think that's great value. Most cars depreciate that much in one year.