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2.2jts review please

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22jts review
27K views 22 replies 14 participants last post by  DavidVarela 
#1 ·
hi everyone, I've been thinking to get a 159 2.2jts for my better half as she drives a 3dr 147 and with a little baby she's founding hard work getting in and out off the back seats. She would prefer a giulietta or an audi of some kind,but both of them would be lot more expencive compare to a similar specs. Am I going in the right direction here,i'm looking at one that has covered just shy of 60k? Anything I should know? Thanks:confused:
 
#2 ·
Well it's build like a preverbial so you won't have to worry about the missus in that respect...looks wise a no brainier. It's probably a good call...isofix etc...the SW does have better clearance on the rear passenger door when getting the little one in and out of the baby/booster seat. You'll get a 2.2 for a good price now.
 
#3 ·
Low speed hesitation aside, the engine has character & loves being thrashed.

It's V6 thirsty then though.

Do oil changes more often than Alfa say 10 - 12 k miles or every year.

159 is a fine car. Very safe so ideal for your family. Still uber good looking too:cool:
 
#4 ·
I was told by an alfa man that the 2.2 can run a bit ill and soffers with sensors problems. He was talking me out of it really,he said that the diesel once are better. Shame because I love the look of it and with the Ti specs looks even better. I know that the one to have is the 1750,but still to expencive. So still confuse
 
#8 · (Edited)
Sensor problems and chain problems are rare compared to the problems diesels run into with clogging DPFs (soot filter) and EGR (exhaust valve), which most modern diesels experience, especially if used for town journeys.

Sensor problems are not difficult or expensive to fix and the rarer chain problems are not catastrophic like on the previous TS engines.

Having owned both 2.2 JTS (5 years trouble free) and the diesel 2.0JTDM (works fine apart from DPF and EGR clogging fairly regularly) I'd say your more likely to have smooth trouble free running on the 2.2JTS. That said, if you do loads of out of town runs the diesel would be better as the DPF will get cleaned out regularly and the economy will be an advantage. If you do a fair amount of town journeys, don't get a diesel as the DPF and EGR will soot up - stick to the 2.2 for town running.

PS sounds like the dealer wants to sell you a more expensive car. The 2.2 is the cheapest (and arguably the most reliable save for the 3.2) so he'll make the least money if you buy it.
 
#20 ·
OK Myke in that case, definitely DO NOT buy one of the diesels. With that kind of driving a diesel is just going to get blocked DPFs and EGRs and be a nuisance. It also won't spend much time at operating temperature so the fuel economy will be poor for a diesel. All in all you're better off with a petrol then.

You should be fine with a 2.2, to avoid the timing chain issue (which isn't that common), buy a car which has had regular oil changes, say every 12 months/12,000 miles, rather than the manufacturer schedule of 18 months/18,000 miles. It is the long intervals between oil changes that cause sludging which in turn cause the timing chain issues.

I had mine for 5 years/29,000 miles and it was totally fine. I suspect that the JTS engines are actually the most reliable in the 159/Brera/Spider range (and I now own a 2.0JTDM).
 
#15 ·
Not really.

Not everyone like to drive around with a cast iron arga under the bonnet
contributing to the rise in asthma.





2.2 needs the remap to clear the hesitation.

Check the steering pump reservoir for signs of frothing (Replacement reservoir required)

Check steering for graunching/possible track rod ends issues.

Make sure there's no engine warning light which could be as simple as a sensor issue or highlight the possible cam-chain issue.


Other than that just wait for another to come along. ;)
 
#17 ·
I've got a 2006, 56 plate 2.2JTS with 90k miles which I have had for a year now and I've had no problems at all. I need to replace the battery but that could happen on any car. I don't think you'll get a better car for the money. If you look for horror stories, you will find them but you would on just about any car.

If it is going to be a family car, I would make sure that you get one with folding rear seats. I didn't even think to look when I got mine and only found out last month that they didn't fold which is apparently an optional extra. A bit annoying but not the end of the world.

The fuel economy isn't great but its good enough. I probably average just over 30mpg.
 
#19 ·
Four general issues that come to mind are hesitation, power steering fluid, timing chain stretch, and fuel economy. There is a sticky at the top wrt hesitation, and suffice to say it can make the car feel lumpy to drive from a standing start. You do get used to it after a while and learn to compensate. The steering fluid issue has been well discussed, and the worst case scenario is that a new steering rack will be required. That said, some of us have the red steering fluid from new and have had no issues with our cars. The timing chain issue has affected some cars with as little as 20K on the clock, whereas others with 80-100K are still on their original chain. Finally, fuel economy is poor but if your mileage is low then spending a little extra on fuel is a small concern. An equivalent diesel will cost more to buy and run, and will be more problematic if you primarily do short journeys. These are only potential concerns, and there is nothing to say they afflict all 159s out there.

We have two young kids, a 159 and Qashqai, and my wife previously owned a 147, so I'll give you my impressions on a 159 as a family vehicle. I think you can manage fine with a 159 as a family car. However interior space, particularly in the back, is a little tight. To be honest, after fitting the car seats, I don't think the back is much more spacious than our old 5-door 147 in terms of legroom, or getting the kids in and out. A travel system will occupy a good portion of the boot, but the size is adequate. It's worth taking your car seat and child on a test drive and checking out the space for yourself. Some taller drivers have found it can be a tight squeeze in the front if there is a car seat fitted in the back.

You will find space tight if you plan weekends away (visiting family etc) where you need to pack a lot of stuff. I suppose most people use their family car for a lot of short trips, and the longer trips are an exception. You can always pack light, but sometimes it is nice to be able to throw a load of things in the car. This is one area where our Qashqai beats a 159 hands down. Dynamically, and looks wise, it is the polar opposite of a 159 though.

FWIW, I think the 159 is a cracking car. For the price, there's nothing close. Mine has done over 100K and there is no hint of a rattle or squeak. The engine loves to be driven, and the car handles well. The looks are still exquisite, nothing in the same sector comes close. Buy on condition and history. The 2.2 petrols tend not to shift quickly, so give yourself time to look around. Lusso spec vehicles are cheaper than Ti spec, but the latter has a host of extras as standard, including folding rear seats. The suggestion of a 5-door 147 is also a good one. But you are looking at regular cambelt changes versus a chain driven engine in the 2.2 JTS. All the best with your search!
 
#21 ·
Can tall as from the Siberia. It is a great car! I have no problems with it during the winters - nobody from our AR-Club does here in Tyumen. By the way - you don`t have such winters as we do :) Consumption - doesn`t matter. It`s OK for the 185 hp car with such a dynamic and handling. So my opinion - just buy it! No doubt.
 
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