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Buying wisdom needed 156

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775 views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  mossawi 
#1 ·
Hi all, I'm new to this forum and totally new to Alfa's...well, I say new but I havn't got one yet. This week I'm going to look at a few 05 156 1.9 150bhp Mjet jtds and would like to know what to look for, common problems etc. I'm a little nervous about all the reliability horror stories and guess I need a little reassurance that i'm not about to buy a beautiful bottomless money pit!
 
#2 ·
The mjet is a good diesel engine. I have one myself. watch out for knocking suspension. It can be a whole range of bushes from bottom ball joint to anti roll bar links. Oh and look at the water pump thread at the top of the 156 tech section. 50,000 miles on average before faliure so cambelt would need doing at the same time as it has to come off to do the work.
 
G
#5 ·
dont be put off by what you hear others say about Alfa's, many times its hearsay and rumour....

As has already been said l would check for service history and cambelt changes, but don't just look at the service book, is there are receipt to support it, having worked in the trade i can tell you there are many people who would stamp a book for 'beer money' ;)

Have a good look round the car, does it look and feel right, if its a private seller always be aware if they are trying to usher you away from a particular area of the car or wont be direct about a specific item.

Push and pull every button, make sure that everything works as it should, rear electric windows seem to give up the ghost quicker than the fronts, i wonder if that's because they dont get as much use

Suspension is a biggie on the 156, listen for squeaks and knocks, much of it will be bushes or ball joints

good luck and if you do buy one post some piccys
 
#6 ·
Bought one! A grey 156 JTD Sport (which I was told is rare?) very clean with full history and what appears to be a very solid pokey engine.
Has a very occasional squeak which didn't happen on the test drive and can't tell if it's bushes that's been mentioned or a trim rattle. Driven over some bumpy roads and repeatedly over some train tracks since I got it home and it still only does it occassionally. Sounds high pitched like trainers that screech on an indoor 5 aside game (best way I can describe it?). That said it is a very firm ride, feels tight and handles like it's on rails. May get it checked a local specialist whilst it's under warranty for piece of mind. Overall very chuffed though, will post some pics soon.
 
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