Mention Alfa Romeo in conversation and you're sure to get a mixed response. The Italian brand has plenty of admirers willing to wax lyrical about its sensuous styling and fabulous handling, but there are probably as many who would happily condemn it for poor build quality and dodgy reliability.
There's no question that the brand has had its issues over the years and has left many owners disappointed, but it's also fair to say that there's something very appealing about it.
It's beyond argument that Alfas look beautiful with their sleek lines, sexy curves and distinctive grille.
Responsive handling and willing engines makes an Alfa such a joy to drive.
Slip behind the wheel and it's impossible not to be impressed by the responsive handling and willing engines that makes an Alfa such a joy to drive.
Alfa's problems have long been build quality, reliability and back up. They were sloppily built, regularly broke down and when they did there was no one to pick up the pieces. But with improved distribution and the factory backing of Fiat there's every reason to think the ownership experience shouldn't be as frustrating as it once was.
New
The 159 was a mid-sized model sold in sedan and wagon variants with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, manual, automatic and self-shifting manual gearboxes, and the option of an all-wheel drive V6 model.
Inside, the front seats were comfortable and supportive and there was ample head, leg and elbowroom. The rear wasn't quite as generous and it could feel a bit of a squeeze for those out back.
There was a range of diesel and petrol engines on offer. The diesels consisted of a 1.9-litre four and a five-cylinder 2.4-litre, both turbocharged, while the petrol engines were a 2.2-litre four and a 3.2-litre V6.
Depending on the model the transmission choices were a 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto and a 6-speed Selespeed self-shifting manual.
All models with four-cylinder or diesel engines were front-wheel drive, but those with the lusty V6 boasted all-wheel drive. A 1.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine became the entry engine in 2011.
Now
Given the chequered history of the brand it's worth being cautious when buying an Alfa and have a mechanic who is familiar with them check your chosen car for you. That won't guarantee that you won't have any issues, but it should reduce the chances.
You should always ask for a service record to reassure yourself that the car you're about to buy has been looked after by someone who cares about it. If you have the opportunity to talk to the mechanic who has been doing the work grab it.
The feedback we've had from owners is reassuring with virtually all of them heaping praise on their cars, and few reporting any problems with them.
There are things to watch out for though. The electrics regularly crop up in criticism of the 159, so take the time to check that everything is working, the windows, door locks, air, radio etc. Give everything a workout.
Thoroughly check the interior for broken plastic trim parts, they do break and fall apart.
If you're buying a diesel you should be aware that they can have problems with regeneration of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). They don't always do it automatically, as they should, and it can mean a trip to the dealer to have it done.
The petrol engines have timing chains, but the diesel engines have cam belts, which should be changed every 100,000 km or four years, so take note of the need to have it changed and make sure it's done. A broken belt can mean expensive internal engine damage.
Alfa Romeo 159 2006: 2.2 JTS
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.2L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.4L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $4,070 - $6,050 |
Verdict
SMITHY SAYS
Stunning looks can deceive. Wonderful to drive, but not necessarily to own.
Alfa Romeo 159 2006-2012
Price new: $49,990 to $79,990
Engine: 1.9-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 110 kW/320 Nm; 2.2-litre 4-cyl, 136 kW/230 Nm; 2.4-litre 5-cyl turbo-diesel, 147 kW/400 Nm; 3.2-litre V6, 191 kW/322 Nm; 1.7-litre 4-cyl turbo, 147 kW/320 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto, 6-speed man, 6-speed seq. man, FWD, AWD
Economy: 9.4 L/100 km (2.2), 11.5 L/100 km (V6), 6.8 L/100 km (2.4TD), 8.1 L/100 km (1.7TBi)
Body: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Variants: JTD, JTS, V6, V6 Ti, TBi, TBi Ti
Safety: 5-star ANCAP
Expect to pay:
JTS – $8000 to $15,500
JTS Ti – $10,500 to $16,500
JTD – $9000 to $25,000
V6 Ti – 14,500 to $31,000
TBi – $15,000 to $18,000
OWNERS SAY
Roger Clark: I bought a 2011 2.4-litre diesel 159 Ti Auto 12 months ago. It was a one-owner car with 83,000 km on the odometer. The tie-rod ends had to be replaced to get a roadworthy, but I've done 10,000 km since and it has been totally reliable, economical, and a joy to drive.
Matthew Coyle: I own a 2009 JTS Ti manual. Despite my concerns about the frailty of Alfas I have had absolutely no issues with it. It's not the fastest car off the mark, but once I get well into second the engine kicks in and away we go. It is still a very beautiful car and I get people admiring it everywhere I go. The only drawback is the fuel consumption, which is about 10.5 L/100 km, but as it's an Alfa and most of my driving is in the hills I just don't care!
Richard Jamieson: I owned a 159 1.9 JTD when I lived in the UK. I was attracted to the Alfa badge and also the looks. I found the 159 to be a stylish, well-made car, although it was a little heavy and not as fuel efficient as some others. It was beautiful inside with superb seats, leather wheel, and a dash with aluminium trim and sunken triple dials. The problems were a failed electronic steering lock, a power window motor, and high front tyre wear, not bad for a car with the Alfa's reputation.
John McDonald: My 2007 2.2 JTS 159 has now done 120,000 km. It's a great car, it still looks as good as new, and I have no intention of selling it.
Craig Humphrey: I owned an Alfa 159 Ti manual from 2010-2014. I love the look of the 159, it's classically Italian. The engine was the 1750 TBI, which I found to be strong and lively. It loved a rev and the exhaust note in the upper rev range sounded awesome. I loved its ride and handling, although my family was less enthusiastic about the firmness of the ride, and my kids found the rear headroom quite limiting. Luggage space was quite generous for a medium-sized sedan, and the leather sports seats were comfortable and supportive. On the negative side the electrics was a constant bugbear, and I only got 25,000 km out of the tyres. While I look back at the 159 with fondness my new love is a practical swede.
Eddie Stopaynik: I bought my 159 diesel new in 2010. I find it stylish inside and out. Thick leather bolstered seats, chunky steering wheel, old world instrumentation make it special inside. The 2.4-litre diesel engine has good torque, but is pretty mundane, and the economy is more like 13 L/100 km than the officially published 8.0 L/100 km. I've also had some problems with the engine and the dealer appears unable to fix them. Now that it is five years old I'm taking it to an old fashioned independent Italian car specialist who delivers on service, properly repairs the car and charges reasonable prices.
James Panas: My dad and I bought an Alfa 159 diesel in 2008, and it's has been phenomenal. I was initially drawn to the beautiful Italian exterior and stylish, comfortable interior. Additionally, the car has and continues to offer great fuel efficiency and performance. In some circumstances the car's hard steering and wide turning circle is a challenge, but it's these imperfections that makes the 159 a true Alfa Romeo.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
BMW 3-SERIES – 2006-2013 -3.5 stars.
A great driving mid-sized car with the ultimate badge, but can be expensive to own long term. Pay $11,000-$53,000.
LEXUS IS250 – 2006-2013 - 4 stars
Ticks all the boxes. It's well built, safe, drives well and looks quite good. Pay $11,500-$54,000.
SUBARU LIBERTY – 2006-2013 - 4 stars
Doesn't have the style and panache of the Alfa, but it's a good car and reliable to boot. Pay $7500-$40,500.
COMING UP
Do you own a Lexus GS? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.
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