156 GTA Buying Guide?

Is there a definitive guide to buying a 156 GTA - has someone ever posted a top tips/things to watch out for/questions to ask specifically for one of these beasts.

I'm inquiring about one that I've seen, but I'm aiming to go with as much info as possible.

Any advice would be appreciated very much.

Yes, on this great site:

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-...ers-guide.html
(the search facility is quite good..... )

Chris really seems to know his stuff and has posted lots of good advice on this forum. Jamie Porter also has a 156 buyers guide here:

Alfa Romeo 156 Buyer's Guide

which includes some stuff on the GTA.

Are you thinking of getting one? There are some nice examples around at good prices.

Cheers,

Nigel

I like what you're thinking Steve


Good luck

There was a GTA used buyer piece in EVO about a year(?) ago. Maybe you can get a copy off their website?

Good luck with it.

Originally Posted by 73GTVJim

There was a GTA used buyer piece in EVO about a year(?) ago. Maybe you can get a copy off their website?

Good luck with it.

Which was based on what Chris155 wrote in the link above, so no need to go to Evo, AO is the source of all knowledge! I am constantly impressed by the level of knowledge on this site.

If you have any specific qs, just ask - there's plenty of folks that will help.

Cheers,

Nigel

Just had a quick re-scan through the post Ferryman linked to, and I don't think Chris has added this info yet:

Give all the wheel arches a very thorough checking for rust bubbles. This is definitely a pretty common issue with GTA's. Look for very small (<5p) areas of paint bubbling, in my experience they appear on the flat vertical (outer) surface of the arch.
If you're buying privately, I'd consider avoiding, if from a dealer make sure they'll fix it.

Great point Bazza. This is rust issue is just surfacing on a lot of GTAs (pun intended...). Check the "sticky" GTA rust epidemic thread to see pics of what to look for.

Cheers,

Nigel

cheers guys, I'd seen the rust epidemic post, thanks. Still looking - rang a dealer who was getting one in yesterday, he emailed me to say he was just picking it up, soon as it was home he would take a few snaps and send through with a bit more detail. 6 hrs later got an email to say "sold" - well, at least he emailed (more than some would). Shame - will keep on looking (dealers only, as px required).

ta everyone

Originally Posted by steveisfrowning

cheers guys, I'd seen the rust epidemic post, thanks.* Still looking - rang a dealer who was getting one in yesterday, he emailed me to say he was just picking it up, soon as it was home he would take a few snaps and send through with a bit more detail.* 6 hrs later got an email to say "sold" - well, at least he emailed (more than some would).* Shame - will keep on looking (dealers only, as px required).ta everyone

Haha sorry Steve, I think I might be the guy that beat you to it... Blue one by any chance? Traded the old TS on it. Really is hard to believe they are related they are so different. Loving every moment...well the bills haven't started rolling in yet!

Before driving up from London, he did say that someone was looking to trade another 156 on it, so I had to get up there really fast!

Ps no rust

Originally Posted by 240z

Haha sorry Steve, I think I might be the guy that beat you to it... Blue one by any chance? Traded the old TS on it. Really is hard to believe they are related they are so different. Loving every moment...well the bills haven't started rolling in yet!

Before driving up from London, he did say that someone was looking to trade another 156 on it, so I had to get up there really fast!

Ps no rust

That's the one. You were quicker on the draw, mate. Hope she looks after you.

Originally Posted by steveisfrowning

That's the one. You were quicker on the draw, mate. Hope she looks after you.

I hope so too! I reckon it was a bit of a bargain, mind you, the cam belt hasn't been done (top of the list!) and neither has the diff, so I guess I'll be parting with another grand before long

I'm sure you'll find that baby soon enough, just hold out for a good one at the right price

Just one other thing to watch out for, the clutch. This is a very expensive item to replace (over 7 hrs labour). Mine was faulty and you could feel a 'notch' during it's travel. When removed the release bearing had worn into the fingers by about 1mm, and also there was hardly any life left in it(44K).
All the V6 clutches are heavy (mines still nice and light at the moment but I'm sure it will soon go heavy again) but they should travel smoothly.
Don't let the clutch put you off, just negotiate a discount to reflect the cost of replacement if there are any problems.