Alfa Romeo 2003 156 Sportwagon

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not selling it - joins the Mk2 Golf GTI on the grounds of a fun to drive car that doesn't need to be breaking the speed limit to give real driving pleasure.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Average - dealer average in some respects, better in others - (see reliability!).

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Great car on twisting roads where the direct steering allows you to caress it through the bends. Hold it down in the gears and it'll fly or changeup early (albeit still 4k to get any response) and it's an easy driver too.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Only a 1.6, but spins and pulls like an average 1.8 - must be the twin spark head. Sounds good too, though you do need to rev it (no GTI 8V torque to haul you out of danger here).

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Quite good, few problems but nothing too expensive. Early niggle was a ignition switch that developed a problem in France that stopped you starting the engine. A bit of a nightmare in St Malo - had to park in the queue with the engine running for and hour

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    It still looks class - I think - money no object I'd have a Maserati Quatraporte but failing that I'd consider a GTA Alfa - will wait on the 159.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Seats are great - albeit a 6 footer will leave no leg room in the back. I'm 5-8 so room for kids or small adults you can try before you buy!

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Seems OK.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Ignition switch was taken apart and rebuilt by the dealer, now called Simonstone in Bristol, to save 2 week order from Italy and replacing all the locks to keep one key.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Variator required changing.

    Other

    Likes brake linings - maybe the way it's driven. Can bottom out only undulating roads.

    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