Alfa Romeo 156 Saloon (1997 - 2005) 1.8 TS 16V 4d (2000/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Well, it's an Alfa! It's effortlessly cool, timelessly designed and quite understated - the best looking saloon around, in my opinion. It might say that I'm more of an enthusiast than the average driver, and that my pockets are probably empty!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Almost everyone who has seen it, loves it, but there will always be people who make fun of Alfa's reliability, or "lack of". Interestingly, these people have generally never owned or driven an Alfa. The fact is, if you look after them you won't have any problems - just like any other car!

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'd buy the newer facelift version or a GT.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Alfa!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£900

When did you buy the car?

May 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, I think so. The car was on sale in January, with 3 months left on its NCT, for €1600. I took it for a test-drive and it was spot-on, but the price was a stumbling block. Four months later, the NCT had expired and the price was dropped to €900 - quite a saving for a car I was sure would fly through again. It also had only 90,000 miles on the clock, and came with four new tyres. Bargain!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was looking for a particular 156 for a while, and finally found one at the right price. It was in "Africa" grey, a really nice colour, and had the Twin Spark engine in its intended form.

What was the dealer like?

Above all, honest. He told it like it was - the car also needed a timing belt change, the wishbone rubbers on the front axle weren't great and the rear brake pads and discs needed changing. The dealer recommended a Gates timing belt kit, which apparently lasts for 40k miles, instead of the usual 36k miles, so I went with that.

What's it like to drive?

The Alfa really likes to rev! The power kicks in at 3,000rpm, and is nice and even all the way to the redline. The gear ratios are closer than the 2.0 version, and it is pretty quick in a straight line. At 75mph in 5th gear, you'll be right in the power band - so overtaking is never a problem. The Alfa makes the nicest noise I've heard from a 4-cylinder, and the handling is super-sharp for a FWD. It's a big car, but is still extremely responsive.

What's it like to park?

The quick steering rack, just 2 turns lock to lock, can make it difficult to park - but you get used to it. Visibility is good, but there are no protective plastic mouldings on the doors - so you may damage the paint if you're not careful.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Since I've bought it, I've replaced the starter motor, air-flow meter, brake pads and discs on all four wheels, wishbones drop-links and anti-roll bar rubbers. It passed the NCT on its first try, which is always a good sign for a 10 year-old car. I try to keep the Alfa away from the extortionate dealer network, and instead use knowledgeable mechanics.

What's most practical about your car?

The rear seats don't fold or split at all, but the boot is a decent size for the Alfa's car class. The driving position is excellent, although that the brake and throttle pedals seem a bit too close together. Rear headroom is good, but legroom suffers if the driver or front passenger are tall.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

My car has little in the way of "gadgets", with only electric windows and mirrors, central locking and an immobiliser. There's ABS on all four wheels, but no traction control system - which doesn't bother me at all, really!