Alfa 159 Driverpower result 2008/9

[Squadrone Rosso]

Here's the result.

From my perspective and looking at the list of what needing sorting / still needs sorting, it's pretty fair really

[alfared159]

Look at the link and I don't quite understand, Auto Express has the 159 at position 29, on the top 100 list the Alfa does not apear, position 29 is occupied by Suburu.

If you take the 85.95% score there are several cars whilst perceived as being 'better' by the sheep*, Audi A4, Merc C class, Passat and Jag are all behind the Alfa, so using that as a benchmark it has fared well.

I also notice in the test categories there is nothing about looks, interesting that one, no contest perhaps?

* This is the first time I have used the term sheep in a post on here, what I mean by sheep is the people who go out buy a German car (doesnt matter which, all dull and grey or black) just to blend in on the M25,4,6 whatever. Sheep are dull, boring, all look the same and follow each other, much like the buyers of ordinary cars.

read between the lies.
alfa rocks.

[Alfamack]

I think Alfa as a whole are at 29, down 10 places on last year. While the 159 comes in at 60.

[Viking Dad]

I don't care what others say I know I have the best car in the world

[Squadrone Rosso]

Originally Posted by Alfamack

I think Alfa as a whole are at 29, down 10 places on last year. While the 159 comes in at 60.

That's correct, which isn't good but is also not really surprising, sorry

Re. the 159, mine has had lots of little niggly items (quite a list) and two major niggly problems (gearbox 2nd to 3rd change and the hesitation) and one complete failure (battery).

Most on here have had similar or worse.

Saying that, I'd still have one over the competition

[johns159]

Looks a fair result to me, mine is back and forth to dealer once a month on average for something minor, in today for a wiper motor and odd squeak and rattle which is still not resolved after my 12 months of ownership.

Always seems reliable (touch MDF) though, its just sometimes the squeeks, creaks and rattles spoil the pleasure....

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Squadrone Rosso

Most on here have had similar or worse.

Most? Look at the survey results on the sticky in the poll lounge - only 12% appear to have been unhappy with their cars (yes, I know the rumours about dealers posting spurious results).

Anyway, I guess that's what this part of AO is for - to report problems.

TBH I don't think the result's too bad given that the survey will be based on the first 2006/07 cars. Should see a significant improvement in the results next year.

[JoeO]

Greetings. Quite honestly guys I couldn't give a damn about these survey results. I didn't buy my car for it to get good survey scores and I don't care if anyone is put off by them. Their loss.

Today I drove the car across Salisbury Plain - I call it the tank-crossing road. Those of you who don't know it should try it some time. In an Alfa. Great fun and I don't care if it came 69th or 169th. Bests.

Joe

[alfistanbul]

the result: sell your alfa, buy a skoda.

[jamieboy]

Originally Posted by Fraser

TBH I don't think the result's too bad

You make me sick, you cheerleading, rose-tinted-spectacle-wearing fanboy!*

After all, the 159 only scored 85% in a satisfaction survey.

Which is pathetic, given that the top placed car scored 91%.

-sighs- Oh, if only my car was 6% more satisfactory...





* I'm sure I don't have to spell it out to Fraser, but for anyone else reading - don't take that bit seriously.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by jamieboy

You make me sick, you cheerleading, rose-tinted-spectacle-wearing fanboy!*

After all, the 159 only scored 85% in a satisfaction survey.

Which is pathetic, given that the top placed car scored 91%.

-sighs- Oh, if only my car was 6% more satisfactory...





* I'm sure I don't have to spell it out to Fraser, but for anyone else reading - don't take that bit seriously.

Originally Posted by Fraser

Most? Look at the survey results on the sticky in the poll lounge - only 12% appear to have been unhappy with their cars (yes, I know the rumours about dealers posting spurious results).

Anyway, I guess that's what this part of AO is for - to report problems.

TBH I don't think the result's too bad given that the survey will be based on the first 2006/07 cars. Should see a significant improvement in the results next year.

today new alfa is very good car.
fraser, very smart man.

[twissler]

I'd like to know who thinks a 159 has poor build quality, what are they used to driving...60 ft £50 million private yachts!

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by FUGAZI

today new alfa is very good car.
fraser, very smart man.

Why thankyou

Originally Posted by twissler

I'd like to know who thinks a 159 has poor build quality, what are they used to driving...60 ft £50 million private yachts!

The same question did occur to me.

[Squadrone Rosso]

Originally Posted by twissler

I'd like to know who thinks a 159 has poor build quality, what are they used to driving...60 ft £50 million private yachts!

It could be better, there's no doubt abot that. IIRC, there were twenty of so "trivial" things needing resolving on mine

I've classed the wiper arm gouging the bonnet as trivial but this could be major if you think about it.

Yes, the material quality is good (and better that the new A4 & 3 series) but the actual build quality isn't - sorry.

Also, even minor common faults never seem to get rectified on the first visit to a dealer (mostly) and if you need a courtesy car, you pay to insure it

Saying that, I bought mine with my own money & would buy another.

I guess this makes a whack job

Originally Posted by twissler

I'd like to know who thinks a 159 has poor build quality, what are they used to driving...60 ft £50 million private yachts!

i must buy 50 million dollar yacht and compare to fathers brera.

[gregch]

That would be ridiculous. You can get a yacht at least as well made, and beautiful, as a Brera for only £16 million....

118

[alfared159]

Originally Posted by gregch

That would be ridiculous. You can get a yacht at least as well made, and beautiful, as a Brera for only £16 million....

118

A real Wally has a mast and sails!

[166lover]

Originally Posted by Squadrone Rosso

Here's the result.

From my perspective and looking at the list of what needing sorting / still needs sorting, it's pretty fair really

Simon,

I agree. The car is a step change in build quality from the GT, 156 and 147 and is safe and generally well put together. However, IMO there are still too many squeaks and rattles (screen creak, etc.).....even from MY08 cars. When Fiat can make a 500 which is silent (may be because they are made in Poland) I don't know why Alfa can't make a car that is twice the price rattle free.

Overall I would not have any other car....witnessed by the fact that I am about one of 10 159 drivers in the whole UAE.

The 3.2 is sensational and GTLeigh was right about that

[K9d]

Originally Posted by JoeO

Greetings. Quite honestly guys I couldn't give a damn about these survey results. I didn't buy my car for it to get good survey scores and I don't care if anyone is put off by them. Their loss.

Today I drove the car across Salisbury Plain - I call it the tank-crossing road. Those of you who don't know it should try it some time. In an Alfa. Great fun and I don't care if it came 69th or 169th. Bests.

Joe

Agree it is a very good road, usually quiet as well which helps.

I must be lucky because my Alfas are both very good and worth every penny I paid for them.
I prefer it if others (sheep ) didn't buy them because I want something different.
I have a friend who has a Skoda and is looking at another Skoda I understand brand loyalty but a Skoda FFS.

[mojo_jojo]

Lots of people just buy a car to get from A to B and don't care what it looks like - as long as it has low running costs and good fuel economy and won't break down that will do them.

Skodas are quite reliable these days. a couple of decades they were a laughing stock. Now look how high they are up the survey. I bet Alfa would love to get where Skoda are!

[telfordsteve]

Who wants reliablity when you can appear to be windswept and interesting

[nav18tor]

Can't find the 159 anywhere on any list.....

Had mine for 2 weeks, has not broken down and only has one really bad rattle/resonance from behind the dash

08/08 159 Sportwagon Lusso with 14,000 miles

[GCDBONES123]

Love my 159, looks like nothing else, brilliant interior and isnt a sheeps choice. Its also a pretty good drivers tool and to be frank theres nothing else I would want. That said it has been a pretty poor ownership experience even compared to my old 156's. Its at the delaers every month for something new and although they are much better absolutely nothing gets sorted 1st time and they seem to think owning an Alfa is my hobby and dropping by a weekly pleasure
I agree that these surveys mean little or nothing and touch wood ive had no main faults with the 159 but based on my experience they have a long way to go both on build quality and dealer service.
That said I still love it