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used 156 v6...

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156
1K views 17 replies 4 participants last post by  sinisa cuk 
#1 ·
After a long period of time and years spent behind a steering wheel of an 150 bhp Calibra, I've finally managed to solve the financial crisis and I'm now in a final phase of getting a "new" car.

Since the late 1997, I was in a doubt whether to
choose GTV or to settle for a "less" sporty 156.
My final decision is to buy a 156 Alfa.

The only thing which bothers me is to choose ( or to find ) for which engine should I go for.

2.0ts or 2.5v6?

I know, this two engines should not be compared, but I'm a little bit scared whether I'll find the "right" 2.5v6 with the decent price.

What is the average fuel consumption on a v6? My current car goes around 12-13L/100km, mainly in driving through the city.

How is the suspension of a sport packed v6? Is the car still to heavy for the factory fitted sport pack?

Any advice will be helpful.

thanks,

sinisa
 
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#3 ·
Welcome to the forum Sinisa :)
Ok bone of contention here the 2.0 and the V6 both have their strengths and weaknesses.The 2.0 is light uses less fuel sounds lovely and is a little less to insure.The V6 uses more fuel (19-25mpg)is heavier and costs more to insure but the sound and feel of the engine is
intoxicating.Drive them both and you will see what I mean.Believe me I agonised over this one but in the end I opted for the V6 because if I had bought a 2.0 I would have always wished I had bought a V6.Flish will bear me out here as we both have been looking for a V6 for some time, but unless you are prepared to spend at least £7k you will find it difficult to buy a nice one.There are cars for £4-£5k but my advice would be to stay away.A nice 2.0 will set you back around £6k.Final piece of advice if you are worried about fuel consumption buy a JTD. wink
Almost forgot the sport suspension really comes into its own on the open road but it is firm around town.I love it myself its a trade off you see you cant have both.One thing you have to remember is the Sportrack steering which is I think 2 turns lock to lock.Remember this in tight spaces but brill on the road. :D
 
#4 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by macp:
<strong> buy a JTD. wink </strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Now I didn't want to mention that, in case you V6 boys got a bit tetchy about your lack of low down grunt...
:p :p :p :p :p
 
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#5 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Now I didn't want to mention that, in case you V6 boys got a bit tetchy about your lack of low down grunt...
<hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well your mother is......an astronaut and your father sniffs elderberry`s. :confused:
 
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#7 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">macp!
I keep telling you, your missis just loves all that low down grunt....
<hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You`ve been suckin on the diesel again or it`s those diesel fumes they`re bad for you dont you know. :D :D
Where is Flish anyway ?
 
#8 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> What is the average fuel consumption on a v6? <hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think the quoted best figure is 24mpg, I've yet to get my V6 so don't know any *real* figures.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">How is the suspension of a sport packed v6? Is the car still to heavy for the factory fitted sport pack? <hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I didn't think so, I thought it was about right, although to be honest I'm only taking the specs word for it had the sports suspension. My only correlation was a 1.8 TSpark, and the V6 seemed stiffer, yet nicer at the same time.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> 2.0ts or 2.5v6? <hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Don't know, I suspect that if you've been looking at GTV's you'd probably be happiest with the V6, that block and the sound it makes really raises the profile of the car. Also the V6 sports packs really change the appearance from the off, give it that much more aggression.

I agree with MacP about pricing though, I've just paid £7k for a 98S with 72k miles and 12 months warranty. Private prices start at atound £5k and rise. Approved Alfas seem to be £8k and upwards from similar age, and maybe less miles. Try a V6, I don't think you'll want anything less!
 
#9 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by sinisa cuk:
<strong>Is the car still to heavy for the factory fitted sport pack?
</strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think the JTD and V6 are very similar weight engines. The car feels very stable on the motorways, but can feel nose heavy on the twisty bits, but not enough to be unpleasant. However, this is on a Sportwagon which also have more weight at the back which helps counteract the front. All you can do is drive it and see!!
As for fuel consumption, that all depends on how you drive, and your typical journeys. I get 23mpg from a 2.0 145QV and 34mpg from my JTD....
:rolleyes:
 
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#10 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Try a V6, I don't think you'll want anything less! <hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I just cant get it outta my head
`Miss Kylie Minogue`

About time Flish wondered where you were :D
 
#12 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by macp:
<strong>Welcome to the forum Sinisa :)
Ok bone of contention here the 2.0 and the V6 both have their strengths and weaknesses.The 2.0 is light uses less fuel sounds lovely and is a little less to insure.The V6 uses more fuel (19-25mpg)is heavier and costs more to insure but the sound and feel of the engine is
intoxicating.Drive them both and you will see what I mean.Believe me I agonised over this one but in the end I opted for the V6 because if I had bought a 2.0 I would have always wished I had bought a V6.Flish will bear me out here as we both have been looking for a V6 for some time, but unless you are prepared to spend at least £7k you will find it difficult to buy a nice one.There are cars for £4-£5k but my advice would be to stay away.A nice 2.0 will set you back around £6k.Final piece of advice if you are worried about fuel consumption buy a JTD. wink
Almost forgot the sport suspension really comes into its own on the open road but it is firm around town.I love it myself its a trade off you see you cant have both.One thing you have to remember is the Sportrack steering which is I think 2 turns lock to lock.Remember this in tight spaces but brill on the road. :D </strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Thanks for the warm welcome. :)

I drove the 156 back in late 1997, when I got the chance to test drive it. Since then I was behind the wheel of an 1.8 ts, 2.0 ts and 2.0 selespeed.

I posted my question here, mainly because I want to hear some real answers to the facts that bother me.

I have no problems about the costs of insurance because I have saved all my insurance bonuses to put them on the 156, so that's not bothering me.

I have read many things about the fuel consumption of 2.5 v6, and I wanted just to get the real data from you.
Of course, I'm not worried about the consumption, because my current car, in the city, consumes a little less than your v6.

I want to buy 156 with a 2.5 V6 motor. :) but I'm not sure whether I will be able to find the right one, since I live in a country with no consumer protections and in a place where many cars which cannot be sold in the EU, end up.

The money limit is around £9k, and I want to be sure to spend the money right.

I was thinking the same when I compared 2.0 and 2.5.... if I choose the 2.0, in a long term, I wont be satisfied.... because i want the 2.5, and I don't want to settle for less. :) )

One more thing, last time when I was buying the car in Germany, they tricked me and, two months later, the engine failed. This time, I have taken ALL measures to be sure the same thing doesn't happen again.

once again, thanks
 
#13 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by flish:
<strong>
I think the quoted best figure is 24mpg, I've yet to get my V6 so don't know any *real* figures.<hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">OK

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> I didn't think so, I thought it was about right, although to be honest I'm only taking the specs word for it had the sports suspension. My only correlation was a 1.8 TSpark, and the V6 seemed stiffer, yet nicer at the same time. <hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">OK. I know that the car is lowered 3 or 4 cm, and the shocks are stiffer, but I also wanted to know if there were any differences due to the heavier v6 motor.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Don't know, I suspect that if you've been looking at GTV's you'd probably be happiest with the V6, that block and the sound it makes really raises the profile of the car. Also the V6 sports packs really change the appearance from the off, give it that much more aggression.

I agree with MacP about pricing though, I've just paid £7k for a 98S with 72k miles and 12 months warranty. Private prices start at atound £5k and rise. Approved Alfas seem to be £8k and upwards from similar age, and maybe less miles. Try a V6, I don't think you'll want anything less!</strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Earlier, I was looking for the GTV, but finally I came to the decision that the 156 would be the better choice.

This week I started to search for the car, so if I find something interesting I will post it here to hear your thoughts on the car.

Today I saw an 2.0 ts, 2001., 55k km, new engine, 15k Euros. Little bit too expensive and with a doubtful history.
 
#14 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by RicksAlfas:
<strong> <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by sinisa cuk:
<strong>Is the car still to heavy for the factory fitted sport pack?
</strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think the JTD and V6 are very similar weight engines. The car feels very stable on the motorways, but can feel nose heavy on the twisty bits, but not enough to be unpleasant. However, this is on a Sportwagon which also have more weight at the back which helps counteract the front. All you can do is drive it and see!!
As for fuel consumption, that all depends on how you drive, and your typical journeys. I get 23mpg from a 2.0 145QV and 34mpg from my JTD....
:rolleyes: </strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I read about the heavy front of an v6, but I think that was the problem for the ones without the sport pack.

Fortunately, the test drive is not a problem here, because we have a road that was used for motorcycle races in the 60ies and 70ies, that goes along the sea, and is famous in the Europe.
 
#15 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">OK. I know that the car is lowered 3 or 4 cm, and the shocks are stiffer, but I also wanted to know if there were any differences due to the heavier v6 motor.<hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Are you shure that shocks are stiffer. If you check 156 service manual, there is no data of stiffer shock, there is only data of stiffer springs.
 
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#16 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> I read about the heavy front of an v6, but I think that was the problem for the ones without the sport pack.
<hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I have heard of this but it is only that the front shock absorbers have been known to become tired sooner due to the extra weight of the V6.
Go for the V6 if that is what you desire you have to go for it :)
 
#17 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by sinisa cuk:
<strong>I read about the heavy front of an v6, but I think that was the problem for the ones without the sport pack.
</strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">No - it is a problem for any car with a great big heavy lump at one end, and a boot full of fresh air at the other!
No matter what suspension you have, if a car's weight distribution is not 50:50, you are beginning to compromise. Try balancing a hammer across your finger - same problem!! However, unless you are a real purist, you probably will not worry.
wink
 
#18 ·
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by RicksAlfas:
<strong> <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:<hr /><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by sinisa cuk:
<strong>I read about the heavy front of an v6, but I think that was the problem for the ones without the sport pack.
</strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">No - it is a problem for any car with a great big heavy lump at one end, and a boot full of fresh air at the other!
No matter what suspension you have, if a car's weight distribution is not 50:50, you are beginning to compromise. Try balancing a hammer across your finger - same problem!! However, unless you are a real purist, you probably will not worry.
wink </strong><hr /></blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I own the car with the same pack of fresh air in the boot. :) ( it's calibra ) and I've always put some weight in the spare tyre department just to make the back end a little bit heavier...

I came to conclusion.

156 v6, 2000. or 2001., sport pack, leather is optional.

thanks 4 all
 
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