Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportswagon Review - Could I Ever Trust Another Alfa? (My Next Daily Pt. 1)
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- My BMW 130i is soon to be gone, and so the hunt begins for my new daily driver. I've got a long list of often conflicting requirements so in this video I am going to be talking about what I am looking for in a car, and where the Alfa 156 fits my needs, but also where it fails.
#AlfaRomeo #156 #GTA
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A boy and an epic battle of head vs. heart vs wallet.
Can be worse than the lambo purchase surely 😂
Had same car for 8 years never missed a beat, 2.0 ltr twinspark engine.
Replace with a black 159 ti 5 years in and all good
@@salvofarnia8046 some people owned Jaguars and Range Rovers without major problems. Being that lucky is not something you can count on beforehand.
Dont know if you guys gives a shit but if you are stoned like me during the covid times then you can watch all the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. I've been binge watching with my gf lately xD
@Noel Dakota yup, I've been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself :)
The sound of the V6 rumbling around while you're just driving around slowly is enough of an excuse to buy one for me lol
What a hot looking estate wagon, it’s looks will last forever.
Sold mine at 14 years old, no rust on body or underside.
And that 2.0 ltr twinspart vvt was a gem
Too bad the rest of it won’t
@@gunnargeroy8406 it will if you take care of it...: )
Beautiful timeless styling. This wagon is probably it's finest form too.
Had my red sportwagon for 8 years and still miss it today.
Got a 159 ti had for 5 years but the 156 was more fun
Had two 2.5 v6 156 , one with more than 250,000 kms on the odo, one of the best cars I have driven. Busso ftw
I ran five Alfa's over 20 years and had one breakdown. The last was a 156 Sportwagon 2.4 jtd which we drove over 130,000 miles. It was brilliant in every way..and 50mpg. It didn't cost that much to maintain. Bad Alfas are usually the badly maintained ones.
Just like with most brands. Most of the people spreading horror stories about Alfas are people who have never owned one. Bought my first Alfa, 159 TI 2.4, half a year ago, and I love it. Yes, it is not as though out or practical as a VW or Volvo, but puts a smile on my face every time I see it again.
Lol statistics say otherwise.. I work in a service in UK .
Japanese petrol cars ,come there just for regular service ,Alfa's come there with the most pathetic, embarrassing and stupid problems you'll ever see on a car 😂😂
@@MG-ce3dx not all Alfas are the same, perhaps older ones have more issues than newer models, t will be a year in January since I have my 159, and nothing embarrassing apart from regular old car problems. Anyhow, you can't measure emotions in an excel spreadsheet - I'd rather own a car that's a joy to drive and to look at.
usually badly maintained because usually impossible to maintain
I am going to miss cars like this. They feel almost like living beings, whereas electric cars feel like appliances. Very fast and totally potent daily drivers, but appliances nonetheless.
Me too ,when everything is electric surely the cars won’t have any identity they will all pretty much use the same motor ,I know there is a lot of sharing at the moment but with engines and components but it’ll be like buying a washing machine....
but you still cannot go around the fact that they'll be all the same because they are basically perfect. you have all the power all the time, perfect control over it, 1 moving part, 10x the efficiency and in 10 years time probably 10% of the maintenance cost, low center of gravity, easily achievable 50/50 weight distribution, way more space, silence, no vibration, no fumes, and on and on and on. basically all the things cars were trying to achieve for 130 years and now we are there, we do not like it. its weird.
BUT! I don't think the electric powertrain is the problem here. I'd like to see a RWD 300 hp low weight electric car with no ESP, ABS, BAS and all that nonsense, put a hydraulic power steering in it and aggressive suspension. trust me, that would feel like a living thing to every petrolhead
That’s what every Alfa 75 owner said when the 155 came out, and the 75 itself was like an appliance next to an early GTV or Sprint.
In reality, every car has gone softer ever since you no longer need to risk a broken arm when starting the engine.
I strongly feel though that parallel to mainstream consumer car development, as long as there is demand, there will always be a supply of analog driver’s cars for us nutters. The rules of capitalism would imply that, at least.
As an Alfa person in the US wish I had the option of getting one of these. The 159 estate is gorgeous but would not want the GM-derived engine in that car. 164 just too old but a huge boot. FWD would not bother me for a daily if I had a Ferrari and Lamborghini in the drive. I daily a Stelvio 2.0, wonderful, with a 4c and classic gtv6 even better. Too bad no Guilia wagon. Used Stelvios in the US are an incredible bargain.
@Bercilak de hautdesert not after but IN ten years. now new electric cars still have its "baby problems" as it is a new tech, but once things are sorted out and mainstream there should be very little problems. when tesla made model s in 2012 they were experimenting with it, they had no experience with batteries but those cars are mostly still going strong. and as time goes by batteries will get better.
and for that £7000...you get that back very fast if you take into account how cheap a mile is compared to a petrol car and you have no maintenance on drivetrain.
please do not get me wrong. I am a petrolhead, I enjoy a good petrol engine but if you look at facts, EVs are far better in pretty much every way, a few years must pass so that we get the infrastructure and more cars to choose from.
I'd almost forgotten just how wonderful the Alfa 6 pot engine was back in the day. So characterful
Absolutely love the 156 GTA, prices are hiking up all the time for a clean one. If you're after an estate I suggest a Volvo 850R 👍
Should have read your comment before posting mine. Good shout.
If not a 156 GTA, the 850R would be my second choice.
Volvo 960/V90 Estate 3,0 would be better choice, RWD and LSD aviable... Bigest boot in class.
@@girtsberzins2970 you never see them big Volvo's in the UK quite a few stretch limo ones
I think some decent 850R's are going over from Japan pretty regularly.
Imagine collecting one of these brand new back in the day !
My Italian friend still has his red 156 GTA which his dad owned from new. 50k or so, and absolutely immaculate. It must be the best one left. Literally picture perfect.
One recently sold with some 12k miles, there will always be a nicer one
I would take the risk. It is almost impossible to find a decent GTA nowadays.
I bought a 156 Sportwagon, 2 litre twin spark as a stop-gap. I needed a wagon and was awaiting the imminent arrival of a Volvo 850 T5.
I kept that car for 2 years! It was, quite simply, magnificent! It loved to tev, really rev: start it up, let it warm a bit; then depress the clutch...into 1st and floor it until the valves came out and danced a tango on the bonnet, then 2nd, and so on - until some grandpa in a Jag got in the way. Drop a cog, hit those Fiamme horns, and leave him in the dust!
It's absolutely true when they say: "You can't be a petrolhead until you've loved an Alfa!"
Love the 156 Gta. I regret selling mine. I have have had my 147 Gta for 12 years now and I still think the 156 Gta drives and feels better.
I had no idea how much I wanted one of these until I watched this!
In Busso we trust!
Your loss
I have as much trust in a Busso as I do in Boris
@@DjDolHaus86 And i bet you have never owned one. I've had two, my current one is 22yo and has over 180,000km - I've owned it five years, and it has never left me stranded.
Alfa content + getting decent results from my uni essay today = a fantastic day. Thanks for all the hard work James.
P.S. WRX WAGON ALL D WAY
Had a couple of 159s. I have been waiting for a 159 TBI Ti Station wagon to pop up on the market. But they are beyond rare here in Australia. Great daily cars that look amazing inside and out.
I have a 159 ti Sportwagon with the 2.4 diesel and its brilliant. That would be a good option for him. I get my Busso fix from my GT V6 😊
@@downesy68 Agreed. I havnt had the diesel myself, but I have heard they are a great allrounder. I had a 2.2 JTS Selespeed sedan and then a manual 1750 TBI TI Sedan. Both great cars. But I didn't have the selespeed long enough for something to go wrong luckily. The 1750 TBI TI Sedan was perfect and I wish I kept it.
My 159 TBI Sportswagon was listed for sale on Carsales for 6 months and not many people gave me an offer.
Are you still looking? Throw me an offer as I will certainly let it go for the right price.
You won't find them come up for sale because there is only 2 in Australia and I know the other guy in Sydney won't sell. He also has a Maserati MC20, and a Brera amongst other things.
@Brian Bradford Ah yeah. I remember seeing it for sale in August last year. Black, 153000kms with lots of modifications. Priced at $32,500.
I sold my black 2011 sedan 159 tbi ti manual. Stock in immaculate condition with only 30,000kms with timing belt service + tyres just done for $20000.
Yes yours is the unicorn 159. But honestly. Modifications are cool, but they kinda don't help to sell the car, probably turn the average 159 buyer off more than anything. Fairly high mileage too. But the price stopped me from contacting you. I know there are only a couple TBI wagons. But the max I would probably want to pay for it would be around $15000. And I am a die-hard 159 fan.
Edit:
I am interested though. I'm just waiting for my 987.2 Manual Cayman to sell on Carsales first before I commit to another car.
@@ForgetfulFoot The 987.2 is a good car. Good luck with your sale.
That's it.
I lowered the price further to 29,9 and there was a bit more interest.
I agree regarding the modifications.
Sadly the TBI has particular issues that need to be addressed to make it a reliable car, and my car suffered these maintenance issues shortly after my purchase, so the modifications were done in effect to address its previous flaws and fix and improve them.
15-20k seems to be the current pricing for examples which haven't had these issues addressed.
Knowing what I know now after my experience, I wouldn't be comfortable buying a TBI without a list of certain things addressed.
As I've already sunk the time, frustration and cost to do all of this, I'll hold on to it longer until I'm ready to sell at the lower price which buyers want to pay. The car may have done considerable km but it has been refreshed to near new, and at 15k, I might as well keep it and enjoy the efforts I've put into it. It's now at over 161,000 kilometres and covered multiple interstate trips under my ownership! 🙂
I've never understood why people see mileage and shy away. I feel it's much more about how he car has been looked after and maintained.
Alfas are all about passion. I've had four. The most unreliable car I ever had was also one of my favorites. An 85 GTV6. I also ran a 71 Spider for 10 years with no real problems and did 150k miles in a 75ts with few issues. I'd buy that GTA.
The GTV6 and 75 (Milano in the US) are my favorite Alfa's.
I had a GTV6 for a while, it was pretty reliable, although you did have to poke the fuse box every once & while. Of course, I don't remember getting everything working. AC never worked, for example. Not particularly fast, but the sound was amazing. Would love to find a nice 75, probably never will. Had a 155 for a while, great car, very fun to drive.
Rubbish the modern ones are reliable ,and old no worse than anything else
My man Jay saying that a 2003 Alfa is old while I'm here having a 2003 Alfa and being happy its the newest car I've ever owned.
of course the fact that i despise everything made after 00 doesn't help my case.
superb video as always
Whenever Jay is complaining, the next cut is showing the exhaust note. Is it a coincidence? :D:D:D
Any V6 156 is simply better than the 159 - lighter, more agile, better looking, and of course it has a proper Alfa Busso engine.
First video in a while I jumped to the end after 15 minutes. Felt you were waffling on a bit. Just giving feedback and keep up the good work. Cars to consider - Range Rover Sport, BMW 540i, E63 AMG, perhaps the fast Jag estate (Sportback?). Maybe an older Porsche Cayenne?
May I suggest a E500 W211 Wagon with M273 power unit. A perfect, reliable daily driver with reasonably good performance, plenty of space and one of the best looking German estates ever, IMHO.
That is also what I would suggest. Just a brilliant car. A luxurious interior, great engine. I would also say the facelift model is preferable because it has less electrical issues.
Or maybe a W212, but in my opinion it is not as good as the W211
“I know I should buy a boring diesel, then I go: ‘Oh look, they do a 5 litre V8!’” That’s why I love this channel. Good on ya James.
2nd Podium position! Bellissma Busso!! Nice shade of red anyway James..
I keep thinking about a 159 Ti wagon. Glorious bit of design. There's something about an alfa. You know its going to be a disaster, but you just have to have it anyway.
Do it 😉 . Obsessed with my 11 plate wagon .
I bought one 2 months ago, just noticed last weekend the coolant level is dropping 🤦
@@Frenchmanik oh dear , yep you have to keep a close eye on everything but a beautiful car to drive and look at .
@@leostreat3573 Thing is I have a saab 9-3 convertible (which I dont use) with the same diesel as the wagon. I know you should really do it properly and buy a v6 but I just know it will go bang within 2 weeks knowing my luck.
I loved my GTA Sportwagon - sounded fantastic with upgraded intake.
Will have to watch this in a bit. I owned a saloon between 08-12 and it's still my favourite car I've ever owned. I loved it. Still miss it 9 years later 😢
Active cruise is a gamechanger for long distance cars - recently did an 850 mile day, and not having to continually adjust distance to car in front definitely made it more bearable. Hard part is finding a manual car with that feature - in the US, top spec Golf R and GTIs have it, also Civic Si and F30 3-series (tho rare). Not sure if any of these are interesting enough for the channel tho. Probably more options in the UK.
I love these, especially in sportswagon form!
You should try the zingy 2.0 Twinspark version of this car:
i) much lighter, and better balanced all-round and more supple suspension and feel due to the reduced front-end weight
ii)a light, fun revvy engine with a sweet, addictive power band from 3500 onwards - much like a two-stroke of old.
iii) better fuel economy - with highway cruising@42km p/g.
iv) easier and less expensive to work on.
v) Bought mine new in 2001. Still lovin’ it!
So a 2.0 Twin spark 156 is better than a 156 GTA...what are you talking about man? You know that front suspension of the GTA models have a different set up right? It's totally different to drive from a 156 2.5 V6 for example. If you buy a Q2 diff then you have the perfect 156 with an engine that is not even comparable to Twin sparks or 2.5 V6.
@@Jack-cv4ke They are different, for sure. I have and love my 147GTA for the aggressive stuff - like windy roads and traffic light Grand Prix. But as an every day car the 147 is too agressive in town as well as too thirsty. Othe expressway the 156 Twinspark is happy to sing at 130-140kmph and still deliver smooth power and reasonably good economy although I do admit the V6 trumps it on sound and performance sometimes I’d rather have the smoother option - especially on the longer 500km+ rides.
And how about maintenance? I do most of mine given the time and everything in the GTA is squashed-in to the limit. I’m gonna change the manifolds next month and I know that’s going to be an awful squeeze! Everything on the 2.0 TS is just so accessible and simple.
I really miss my old 2003 156 3.2 GTA Sportwagon - amazing car - this review doesn't do it justice. Owning is to appreciate.
Alpina B3 touring. Next
Alpina anything lol
Thanks James! SWB Jaguar XJ for me (hoping you can sort the phone for it!);-
1) Enough room (?), good interior, newer cars in budget, V6 or V8 versions, diesel or petrol, sun roof, good for distance or odd blat excitement, 5 doors, possibly ok for mpg, rwd.
2)You are prepared for niggles/issues/gremlins with any car.
3) You've enjoyed your other Jaguar reviews, & your inner 'Terry Thomas' is waiting to get out......
4) AM Rapide's still a bit over budget...
I saw a real Alfa Romeo GTA on a dealer's lot back in the late 1960s, it was priced around $4,000. I really wanted it but at the time the price was what I made in a year so I bought a 101 series Alfa Sprint for $1,500, a decent first car I think. It taught me a few things about rust.... We were told to not lean on the GTA, it would dent the aluminum body.
I accidentally bought a 159 Sportswagon recently (long story) and to my surprise it's been awesome!
I love mine too. Definitely holding up the Alfa stereotype of unreliability but I still love it every time I get in, which engine did you go for?
@@tylerbaker7761 Well I didn't exactly 'go for' anything. This one has the 1.9D, has 250,000km and is just fine. Not a weapon but has enough grunt to get around road trains here in country Oz. Not a single squeak or rattle and absolutely everything still works - sooooo not living up to the Alfa tradition. I'm really impressed with it.
Walter Da Silva’s immortal design... a design masterpiece still actual nowadays: Mercedes Shooting Brake, Porsche Taycan Wagon and Panamera are few modern examples of sportwagons
The GTA is not designed during Walter De Silva time,but by his successor.So was the 147 GTA.
@@AZ-vg6li No he designed the original 156 and the GTA, and I think he did the 147 as well. The next guy did the facelifts (which the GTA never got).
@@BigUriel no..GTA 156 was designed in 1999-2000 and GTA 147 few months later.Walter had left Alfa late 1998.Also the interior,that was lots of work ,very unique seats,were done around that time together with the exterior.Also the iconic rims were part of the same design package.Trust me...I was there.
@@AZ-vg6li Literally every source I can find lists the 156 as Walter's design. He left Alfa in 99, *after* designing the 156. The 156 was actually presented to the public in 1997.
Since you contradict every piece of information I can find on the topic, sorry no I don't trust you.
@@BigUriel if you read my note...it is referring clearly to the GTA versions...design on those started and finished well after W.DS departure...which was not in 99,but Sept-Oct 98.The..”next guy” did not do the 147 facelift,it was done under the...second next guy around 2002-03...mostly at Italdesign,so was the last restyling of the 156.You see,when it comes to design,what you find on line or magazines is many times not very precise...that’s ok.
I've had a 156 GTA. It was great, but tremendously thirsty, 18mpg on short non mway journeys. And in 3 years I never once got a garage bill less than 2.5k
Lovely GTA and I have such a soft spot for the Busso, but a Spec-B Legacy Estate would be a joy. Think of it like a 911 Carrera 4 backwards. You can get single DIN Android Auto head units as well as double DIN units.
I wish I could get my hands on one of those wagons here in the states.
Last year I decided to switch cars. I had a 2011 Buick Regal (your Vauxhall Insignia) for about 6 years and was going to get either an off lease MB C300 or BMW 3 but when I saw the Giulia was in the price range I couldn't say no.
It has its quirks, the fit and finish is not up to the Germans but the looks and the way it drives makes all that disappear.
Forget the 159. Even the 3.2. It won't get a pass because it has a GM (Holden) engine, not a Busso.
the 2.2 JTS is a GM unit too
It's a work of Art
I love the looks of the 156! The 159 TBi is a great car too and more reliable if that's what you're after, but i think it only came in FWD.
Both as reliable as the german crop i know because ive had them all but 156 is more fun than the 159.
This shows how fat cars have gotten during the last 20 years, this is just 2cm longer and 6cm narrower than a current Mercedes A hatchback.
Just compare a 2009 Vauxhall Astra 'J' to a 1978 Range Rover.... Astra, L 4.41m, W 1.81m, Range Rover L 4.45m, W 1.78M.
A Volvo 850 estate is just 30cm longer - but it's also narrower (by cm) and it's a "big Volvo estate" just 30cm longer than a 'small family hatchback': which had the same footprint as a Range Rover. The weight of a Golf is 1.5 tonnes - same as an 850 estate. We need to start charging vehicle tax by emissions and weight.
I agree on the 850 they look strangely tiny on the rare occasion i spot one and follow it.
What is the one alfa everyone should own at some point? Fascinated by these cars and would consider purchasing one in the future
This one!
GTV6 2.5. But good luck finding a clean one now for decent money. Prices for nice ones are getting into classic Porsche 911 territory now. And if you see one that looks good for cheap, it will probably require a rebuild that will cost twice what you paid. Buy the best one you can find, and you will have a legendary car, and fast appreciating classic, despite what this Jayemm character has to say about Alfas..
The Busso engine is very reliable actually if it’s well maintained!
Hahaha sure if you want reliability look non further than VWs.
@@chamade166 if you want reliably go Japanese lol 😆.
@@johnchurch4705 then you have to drive a japanese car.
I would say it is the most reliable engine ever made. If you service it regularly and dont let it overheat they run forever. They love being driven hard.
Fun fact: the 156 berlina has more boot space than the Sportswagon 🤫
Some classic Alfa logic. Nice.
@@rv9990 it made sense at the Alfa Romeo headquarters, albeit after a few bottles of Italian wine as usual.
@@lillexus5589 ofcourse. Isn’t that how all Alfa’s are made 🥴
Yeah that's actually true. When I owned a 156 SW, I used my Peugeot 106 to haul big stuff around. Bootspace is a joke, but who cares when it looks and drives like this. Best car I've ever owned. Best looking Wagon ever made too, in my humble opinion.
I once fitted a chevy 502 (disassembeled longblock) i the boot of a 156 sedan (berlina?). It was possible but the rear suspension wasnt happy.
Wild card... Opel Omega B1/2 MV6 estate
Biggest boot you’ll get outside a van. I think quite good looking. Rear wheel drive and LSD as standard and a great interior.
Man do I miss this car. Handling, sitting position… I had chipped the 1,9 jtd. Best car I've had
You only had to include the music from the chassis 🤣😎
You could look at a Passat R36, a very competent car with around 300bhp and 4wd security plus its built from solid iron. Or if really brave the 4lt W8 would have proper status and is definitely rare enough that you would be known for owning one for sure.
Subaru Legacy 3.0R Estate, with the 6-speed manual. Sounds amazing, a blast to drive, fast, and safe, and reliable.
IT's such a nice ride. I enjoy every day with it as my companion
I rented one of these back in 2003 in Calais and drove around Normandy and Paris in this with four passengers. A little tight, but it was a delight to drive.
Renault Laguna 3 Estate with the 3.5l VQ35 is very good. My dad owns one and has been very reliable and it's pretty quick. It's basically a FWD 350z Estate. Some of them even have 4 wheel steering which is pretty good in tight spaces and corners.
Damn, never knew Renault put that engine into the Laguna aswell, I knew it was in the Avantime and Espace but not the Laguna, proper sleeper
I also was under the impression the Laguna only came with the 2.0T as the most powerful engine. Never knew the 3.5 V6 was also available in the Estate. Nice sleeper in GT trim with the four wheel steering and surprisingly reliable after the disaster with the 2nd Gen Laguna.
Having owned a 2003 156 Sportwagon, but only in JTS spec rather than with the V6 or even better still the GTA spec, for 9 years what I can say is that they make an excellent daily driver. Yes sure they are now getting on a bit but a well sorted one and with low mileage as the example you tested is actually the one to get. Having driven 159s, as much as they look nice, they are bigger still than the 156, less nimble and less characterful. Basically , I found the 159 quite boring to drive in comparison to the 156.
So what did i replace my 156 with when time came to let it go, yes ....a 2007 E90 BMW 323i. Sure it’s RWD and nicely put together. It feels a quality car, but it’s more expensive to maintain than the Alfa and has no where near the looks or character of the Alfa. As to the issue of FWD over RWD from my experience with both cars it really isn’t an issue. I never had any concerns regarding driver feel or handling with the Alfa just because it was FWD. Too much is made of that. If I could have the car you tested in this video instead of my Beemer, I would have it in a heartbeat.
The issue re reliability with Alfa’s is totally wrong in my experience. I have owned 8 Alfa’s (105, 116 and the 156), let alone driven a huge range of Alfa’s over the past 40 years. From my experience and those family members and friends who have owned Alfas as well, they are no worse than many other cars. It’s just a myth perpetuated by ignorant motoring journalists based on fiction, rather than substantiated facts. My Beemer for instance has been less reliable in some ways than the 156 I owned. So stop perpetuating the myth because that is all it is.
On your budget, I’d go for a V70 T5 R preferably a dark colour with the ‘David Dickinson’ seats. Sounds good, dependable, good fun, 4wd for winter, very comfortable, economy ..... not terrible. I’ve seen a lot fitted with aftermarket stereos so it’s probably possible to get the setup you want.
Have you ever reviewed a Skoda Octavia vRS? If not I'd like to see that at some point, I've heard good things
I think a r36 Passat would definitely be an interesting choice as there's not much content about them on CZcams.
Agreed, spacious and sounds mint
@@bigwillyk4012 if you have to ask why a Passat would be dull your on the wrong channel...👍
@@johnennis4586 maybe if you don’t like someone’s suggestion to James you just don’t write your negative bs in comments.
My brother bought one of those about 5 years ago. I thought it was epic, but he didn’t like it and sold it on within a few months.
@@bigwillyk4012 Further agreed. Even better, I don’t think they’re going to lose any money, provided they’re treated right. Very much a Q-car. I always loved that generation of VW “R” cars (R32, R36, R50).
On the Giulia contender. l’m driving a nicely specked Giulia 2,2 diesel 180 hp with a manual. It’s a 2017 model that bought new in 2018. Varning lights - yes. At 250 km. Turned out to be the battery. It had been sitting at the dealership for more than a year. I told the dealer when I test drove it that this will probably be an issue. He promised to sort this before the purchase pick up. Of course- he didn’t! The Christmas tree presented itself the first morning of ownership. But I got the battery replaced on the warranty. With a healthy battery it has been a dream - no issues whatsoever. It has 2100 km on the odo and it’s like knew. I’m still looking forward to every drive. And it is a beauty to look at. From every angle, every time. I’m sure the car itself is as reliable as anything outside of Japan. The dealership I’m not so sure about - but what dealership is? Jay - treat yourself to a Giulia with a fresh battery.
I love the Alfa content. We didn't get any of these in the US or any Alfa for that matter for decades. The only Alfa's we see here in the US is the Gulia and the Stelvio SUV. I hope to get the chance to drive an Alfa some day. Thank you.
Are you going to try a sorted saab 9-5 aero estate?
I know diesel isn't your first choice,but a BMW 535d touring is a real world road warrior
A Vauxhall Cavalier/insignia in drag!
Saab 9-5 troll r...
Mondeo st220 Estate? 3.0V6, great handling, good performance, huge space inside and you will get your money back in the future.
Good car
There is one Alfa 159 3.2 for sale Autotrader now. £8,995. 100k on the clock 🤔
excellent point about digital cars with drive by wire and electric handbrakes......a manual handbrake never says NO
I've said this to you before, sir.....but I have no idea how or why Europeans can and do follow and obey ridiculous laws like the one you mentioned without disobeying and fighting back. Your culture is much more quiet and obedient than ours, and it's refreshing sometimes. I salute you, and your moist island in the North Atlantic, sir!
0:49 Btw, the driver's side windshield (screen) wiper, is installed upside down. The spoiler is supposed to be on the bottom, not on the top side.
I’m so happy to have found all this Alfa content as I’m hunting for a cheap Alfa future classic. I’ve learned so much, thank you.
Thank you James for 156 GTA review, much awaited one. I own a 2L Twin spark manual, really like the engine sound and overall driving feel but reliability is a weak point. Anyways, possible upgrade should be a 2.5 v6 and according to my mechanic, its a more sensible choice than a GTA. Suggestions for wagons, yes Subaru's and SAAB 9-3s?
Mmmmm. Alfa wagon. A “*true*” car enthusiast model!
i'd love to see it again, but my dad used to have 159 3.2 q4 sportswagon in silver with horseshoe wheels and red leather int. nice car.
Saab 9-3 Aero XWD SportCombi?
I really fell I love with this gen of Alfa styling playing Forza but never knew it came in an estate! Super bonus! Actually looks much better than the hatch. Always more of a fan of 4 doors vs 2. Makes life SO much easier.
The alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4 is a very thirsty car and does not redeem itself with good performance due to the fact its a heavy car at 1655 Kg. However you could consider the 1591.8TBI(one on autotrader now) which is much lighter and offer I think better performance especially if you can get a alfa specialist garage to tune the engine to the alfa 4C spec(its basically the same engine) up from 200hp to 250hp. Just one other thing the TI spec comes with lowered suspension which gives it a choppy ride.
I love the 156, whether it is the sedan or the wagon!!
I drive my 156 gta sw q2 daily for years. Now at 370000 km. Judging by this "review" i should have been bancrupted couple of times, ended up married to a mechanic and on some antidepresants..but no. Car is still a pleasure to drive, even with a baby seat in the back. Just don't expect it to be an average minivan, and deal with well known issues on time (which are not mentioned here). Well, at least that is my experiance with these cars. Cheers.
I’ve owned my 156 GTA for six years now. It is a car you can really bond with and as there are a lot of quality aftermarket parts you can tune it very much to your liking. However, it is indeed a very expensive car to run and maintain properly. Your point about space is also true, you cannot compare it to real ‘estate’ cars, it’s more on par with a Golf.
should take a look at the 159 sportwagon Ti 2.4 Q4 ....super rare ,sound lovely for a diesel, goes reasonably well
B7 RS4 Avant it is!
It seems you need either an H6 Legacy, a Mazda 6 MPS, or a Caldina GT-T. Yes, the MPS was only available as a saloon, but it is a slightly bigger and more spacious car than the 156.
Understand it but Its a Busso 😍😚 love my 147 2.0 from 2006 but a Gta pff Yessss
I suggest going to a Manheim or BCA auction or two with a budget in mind knowing you want an estate with fsh. Your budget will buy a car with some manufacturer's warranty left. Film some of it for your channel. I've done it more than once and have been delighted at how modern you can go for so little money. You may have to wait for a few weeks because it seems it's currently a sellers' market.
I no longer watch car reviews but your reviews made me missed my Alfas. Used to own one 156JTS and GT JTS.
How about a nicely specced and coloured 850R estate?
Would love to see you get your hands on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Wagon 👌
"But for that money I could have one of these..." Oh man! How many of your subs have said that to themselves? Terrific video, really can't wait to see what you plump for!
I have a 156 myself, and if you want a practical, but more modern alfa, I would really recommend the 159. The 3.2 q4 is way to heavy in my opinion. My father has the TBI version, which has a punchy 1.75 litre turbo I4 with 200hp, tuned to 250hp. The 2.4 Jtdm also comes with the q4 system, if diesel is your cup of tea.
As petrol heads we always over think as demonstrated in this video when we consider alfa it’s a choice you make with your heart. The flaws have always been a part of their appeal shut and buy one while you can
Just get an IS300 Sportcross. I love mine!!!
Used to be my daily driver for almost 5 years back in the days, before I switched to Mercs. The most reliable car I've owned, but will be tough to find one in decent shape nowadays.
@@richiesorge5099 Mine has 300000km on the clock and honestly...I don't know how Toyota managed to make it so reliable. And I drive like a hooligan. But I have seen many decent examples and besides the sills rotting off, there aren't many things to go wrong
There's a manual B8 S4 Avant going up for sale soon. Check the Pistonheads thread on them.
Edit: will be at Fontain an Audi specialist.
It's up now and bang in the middle of your budget. Manual with sport differential. Rare car!
Volvo V70 2.4 Auto Petrol - Check one of those out.
I picked one up 6 weeks ago. Unexciting but almost endearing. Would rather a T5
I'd rather have the 2.5T or a T5
156 2.5 V6 saloon owner here. The only time it let me down was when the alternator had failed.
Buy a M/T and half of your worries about Alfa's reliability would go away. Keep it well maintained, and it would look after you.
This video brings back memories. I had one of these as a company car. I loved it, however as an estate car, it was no load carier, the rear suspension bushes needed replacing regularly. I also owned a Alfa 75 V6 with the same engine ..... much more fun. Another 👍🏻s up from me.
I had a 159 sportwagon. Best looking estate car ever made in my opinion. There`s definitely more space than in a 156. It`s a heavy car though, so I don`t think JM would like it. The obvious choice for me would be the Jag XF Sportbrake.
Honestly the perfect car is a 159 2.4 JTDm sportwagon think about it
I absolutely agree
Very nice example this one! Compare bodywork to mine and, mine is a 🐕.
The heads being done 4 years ago, means the TBelt is now due again...£700! Wont lose any money on one though, barring any disasters 🙂
Timing belt done 7 months ago
@@lkr8013 mine is in in 3 weeks down at autolusso penrith. Engine out, heads skimmed etc, new clutch, starter, alternator, brake lines etc. KV1s and 330 calipers/discs going on + Anything else it needs which will be revealed when the motor is out. Can't wait to get it back.....👍
@@psircos Always great when cars are being looked after properly with no shortcuts or corners cut. Never been to Autolusso Penrith, but my experience of Autolusso Dunstable was not great, the only time I went there.
A great choice would also be a BMW 5-series F10 Touring - 530i, 535i or maybe a 550i
I've always had a soft spot for the 159ti.
Beautiful car.
Agreed. I had a couple of 159s. The 159 TBI TI Manual I had was a great daily and really looked the part!
For what it's worth, I had a 159 2.2 TI, black on tan for 5 years and it drove way better than any other FWD car I've driven before or since, and was an overall beautiful thing that everybody always thought was worth at least 40k (bought for 5k, sold for 3k). Now I only like RWD though.
How about a Saab 9-3 Aero with the 2.8 litre V6 and the Haldex XWD system? Surely that would stand out from the grey CZcams masses?
This was my immediate thought as well. Here's one for sale: www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102239394973
@@utubesuxbigdonkeybal That looks in good nick as well! Even has built-in handsfree.