Alfa Romeo 156 Saloon (1997 - 2005) 1.8 TS 16V S1+C/C 4d (1999/T) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Gullible, bitten more than once.

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

Novelty car

Would you buy this car again and why?

Never unless, I was coerced into an Alfa dealers with a spare million pound in my bank, a spare Saab on my driveway and a soft mate who wants to look good by ferrying it back and forth to the dealers for me.

What are you likely to buy next?

Already bought a Frontera and the Auto box is destroyed after pulling a caravan, Dealers top quote was £4,200 more than the car is worth.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,400

When did you buy the car?

December 2003

Did you get a good deal and why?

It seemed like a good deal it was the latest model only 3 year old with full service History, low mileage and £12,000 off its original price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I bought this car purely on a whim due to its outstanding good Looks after taking a Troublesome Astra Diesel Estate back to the same dealer after 3 months for a full trade in refund of any car on his Forecourt.

What was the dealer like?

There all OK initially, else you wouldn't buy off them? saying that they did bend over backwards after a lot of persistent almost stalking behaviour by myself.

What's it like to drive?

fantastic when its right, steering very quick a 1/4 inch turn and your across the three lanes, not good if you lapse in concentration? I have recently hear-ed a tale where a driver wrote one of these off turning over his shoulder to check if his briefcase was on the back seat, if you take a shortcut make sure there is no speed bumps under tray 2 1/2 inches from the road.

What's it like to park?

Depends on the driver. Crap turning circle, terrible & almost impossible to u turn in even the widest of roads and very embarrassing at the supermarket

Have you had any problems with the car?

Oh Yes! a nice low mileage car 1)New Steering rack 30000 miles, 2) Full clutch assembly x 2 first fitted incorrectly by main agent at 30000 miles 3) Actuator? (variator), 30000 miles, 4) Cam belt replaced worn at 28000 miles, 5) 2nd gear synchro 30000 miles 6) Front discs warped @28000 miles, 7) Whole new wiper motor and assembly 52000 miles, 8) Track control arm? 9) 2x tyres costing £250 due to main agent not tracking the car after steering rack replacement, 10)Front engine and gearbox mounting, possibly replaced in error by dealer due to instability of car 28000 miles, 11) 3x services within 12 months due to crappy warranty cover and so many early problems from purchase frightened not to abide by warranty rules of 6 monthly intervals. 12) Front exhaust

What's most practical about your car?

Nothing

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Its good looks due to its skirt and factory lowered suspension.