V6 High mileage....

Hi all, Just a quick question. I am currently looking at a 1999 156 V6, with 89K miles on it. Does anyone have experience of the V6 with high mileage. Is it liable to die on me. I only do 10K miles average, maybe even less than that. Any obvious probs?
Thanks,

Providing the cambelt has been done, together with all the usual servicing with good oils 89000miles for a 5-6year old car isn't too high a mileage.
Expect the rad to need replacement soon though as they usually loose all the fins at about that age (they don’t leak they just stop cooling).

Mines an old V6 with 150K on the clock and funnily enough has had a new rad - although that was because the original had a stone through it at high speed I know of people with 166 V6s that have 250 on the clock (and on the original clutch too).

Apart from that, its a workhorse and a damn fine car. I would recommend it as second hand buy to anyone as a reliable car at a relatively cheap price

Its understandable that people are worried about high milers but a properly serviced 'V' engine of most makes is usually a good bet.

That is all good to hear. Don't know if the place is open tomorrow, but will head over and take a look.

buy it. my year 2000 V6 has 116000kms on the clock and doesnt consume a single drop of any fluid/oil between service. a well maintained alfa V6 will not give u any problems.

redd

OK, spoke to the chap and saw the car very briefly. Should I be worried. It is an ex-company car, and had a new engine put in last year at a cost of about 9K. He could not tell me specifically why a new engine went in, was not through belt failure though. I am going back tomorrow morning to take a proper look and bring it for a spin. BTW, what way does the engine sound on idle, and what rpm does it idle at?

Thank you again.

Hmmmm spose it could have been oil starvation. Difficult one to judge. May have been driven into the ground being a company car but you'd have to really, really try to kill a V6. You may be getting a good thing or you may be getting a dog that someone has neglected. Should idle around 800 and sound quiet with a slight rumble. Be really thorough with your checks. ensure its had its belts done, a new water pump and radiator and ensure it revs cleanly from 5000rpm (AFM).

My *guess* at engine replacement would also be oil starvation. You have to keep an eye on all alfa oil levels and charging down the motorway always uses more oil than tootling around town. CXompany car drivers are not always careful about cars that are not their own.

89K miles are not enough to worry about for most other car areas so a new engine is probably not all that bad actually as you might have got a new clutch at the same time Check for proof that the milage is genuine though (old MOTs, sevice book milage and date stamps etc). Check that the engine is a genuine alfa replacment and if it is warrentied. Personally I think you buy a non-alfa recon engine at your own peril.

Chuck it around some bends to get an idea if the suspension is taught enough. Any odd knocking or shifts in the back end in these manuvours can be suspension bushes failing. Be fair though, at 89K miles the shocks will be getting a bit worn and bear in mind that a V6 is nose heavy.

In fact you can assume a worst case scenario (unless you have documentation to the contrary) that a number of rear bushes (there are loads on a 156) will need replacing, front upper and lower wishbones will be getting worn, brake discs will be getting worn, exaust will be getting rusty, AFM is failing. It could easily cost you £500 for some of that lot in your first year. It doesn`t sound good but its best to be aware of the worst case and money to keep in reserve.
That all assumes that the engine is good

The good side is that its all worth it Its a terrific car to own.