Alfa Romeo 156 Saloon 2.5 V6 24V S3 4d (1998/S) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
A lot better now than when I got mine, but always better than the Geman opposition.
Costs
Very high fuel consumption and initial low servicing costs more than made up for from 60k miles.
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On the road
Driving
I love the engine note, rev-happy characterisitcs, handling and cabin/controls. Superb.
Performance
Excellent - 0-60 (as usual) is not a good indicator, with six gears and a superb top end it comes into its own at higher speeds. Compare the 0-100 times with similar cars.
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Living with it
Reliability
Always very reliable - only two niggly issues in 65k miles and no proper ones - but suspension bushed needed replacing at 60k miles and cost a lot!
Image
When new (and rarer) it got loads of looks. Image for the money is still better than most cars, and better than the characterless German opposition.
Comfort
Even with sport pack suspension, suprisingly good at speed. Worse in town/country lanes at slow speeds. Simple moral here...
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Security and Service
Security
Who knows? I'm not a car thief. It has never been stolen despite often being left in a multi-storey in Orpington, does that make it secure? (Probably!)
Service
Useless initially but have a specific Alfa Romeo servicing dept which is a lot better now.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Wheel bearing failed around first service. Suspension bushes all shot after 60K miles.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes