I should be going to look at a 51 plate Alfa 156 2 litre sportwagon over the weekend. I know this is a fiat forum but I thought I'd at least ask if anyone had any tips or things to look out for as I know one or two members have had experience with them.

Cheers,

Jay

Check it as you would a Bravo, they share the same faults lol. Suspension can be more of an issue so listen for knocks.

Not much else to say really.

What matt said.

Suspension is the main thing to look for but check everything is in working order too.

I'd hold out for a late 2002 model with the facelift interior.

Cheers guys, I should be looking at it with a 155 owner as backup. Hopefully our combined knowledge of italian cars should keep us on the straight + narrow!

So basically -
Electrics
Head gasket
Cambelt
suspension knocking etc
Plus all the usual checks

You never know I might have an alfa come monday

There's a few more things to check for;

1. Front tyre wear, this is caused by the front lower wishbone bushes wearing. The bushes are an integral part of the wishbone and cannot be bought separately. Q+H make OEM paterns. Approx a £150 fix.

2. Radiators corrode badly and relatively quickly as the originals are copper based. Again, about £150+

3. Cambelt and the usual bits and bobs is a must at 36k/36 month intervals. Also check that the variator has been replaced as it can only be done with the belts. If it's worn, you'll hear a "diesel knock" on start up for about 3 or 4 seconds.

4. Front stearing "arms" wear badly. Get the car up on ramps and check for free play/latteral movement in the wheels.

5. Aircon hoses split very quickly due to their location - cheap fix but can be fiddly.

6. Rear washer/wiper motors are akin to FIAT.

7. Rocker covers are fragile.

8. Bages fade quickly and are pricey, a small point but one to mention.

9. Keys - check both work and the remote facility for alarm and c/l if fuctioning. No "master key" with later cars - one less thing to fret about.

10. Sce history is vital, especially regular oil changes of at least 10w40 semi synth spec. A lot of owners now go for 10w60 fully synth. If history is missing or sketchy - run a mile.

11. As with point 10 - there's 8 plugs and they're pricey. Make sure they've been replaced.

12. MAF and Lambda - any unevenness in "pull" or flat spots indicates an issue.

13. Tickover can be erratic and is usually a broken throttle body stepper motor. Fragile and pricey (£190+), usually requires a trip to the dealer.

These cars are beautiful, but fragile. There are pleanty about, so choose wisely.

I think that's about it!

I knew this was the right place to ask!

Edit ref earlier and a further think on!

It's the rocker cover gasket (not the actual cover) that tend to leak - cheap fix but annoying none the less.

Check boot lid badge actually swivells and that lock functions as well as magnetic release from the dashboard.

Suspension isn't such an issue as on the GTV's, but it's quite complex none the less.

Head gasket failure is rare but a possibility.

Check for the intake system as the scres holning the air fliter box cover often seize and the airbox intake lid breaks. The engine then breathes unfiltered air. A minor point, but they all add up.

Rear light clusters tend to be problematic, check carefully that all is well.

Bonet release - does it work? Check as they often stick. Commom sense, but be careful.

Dont worry if you see a little mayo on the inside of filler cap, it's common - especially in the colder weather.

Handbreak cable - is all as it should be? The rear calipers sometimes stick and the mechanism can be weak.

Does the alarm ACTUALLY work and is the key code OK?

If there is a panel K+N or a Cone air filter, be very careful as the "cleaning" oil can ruin a MAF if used excessively.

Radio code and locking nut key - easilly forgotten, as is he jack, tool kit and spare tyre.

I hope this helps when you inspect the car and I don't want to put you off in any way at all, but please be judicious and think carefully. If the car has been owned by an enthusiast, all should be well and there should be a very good documented history and a folder of receipts. A neglected car will cost a lottery win to put right - I assure you!

Let us know how you get on?

Sorted?

Ahh yes the old eratic idle problem.

There's some cheap fixes on a few alfa forums for it, does seem to be quite common with TS engines.

Well unfortunately after looking at the car on Saturday (it was in pretty sound condition, only real problem was the rear wiper as far as I could tell) I said I'd have a think about it and come back to him after looking at a couple of other cars.

Gave the guy a ring Sunday and it'd sold!

Cheers for all the help though guys, really helped as I was looking it over. Think I might have made the seller nervous as I was poking and prodding various bits

After I'd found out it had sold I went to look at another car a few miles away in Banbury... and I'm afraid I've turned to the dark side...
I now own a 2002 Seat Toledo V5
I never wanted a VAG car but this one is actually pretty nice!

Thanks again,

Jay