159, Brera & new Spider Experiences

Originally Posted by sward29

Hi everyone,

As the company new boy, is there enough evidence to suggest that I won't be sticking my head on the block by asking the powers that be to let me get a 159. I know that the factory has only just reopended after a significant investment in staff training and quality control but how good can it get overnight?


Sorry for such a long winded first post and thanks in advance for any advice.

Was in a similar situation about 2 years ago, had done the German car bit to death and wanted something with style.

Went to the launch, bought the sales pitch, got the boss to agree to one, paying the price ever since....

If you get one like mine you'll be putting front tyres on every 5k miles! amongst a whole list of other items.

Dont think this is indicative of all 159's, but i would not recommend one to anyone, especially if you are going out on a limb to get it.

john

Originally Posted by mannerj

If you get one like mine you'll be putting front tyres on every 5k miles! amongst a whole list of other items.
john

You must drive like a looney - even mine lasted 9,500 miles and I'm no lightfoot in a roundabout infested town. Some are getting quite a bit more than that.

Try this link

How reliable is your car? - Alfa Romeo to BMW - What Car?

and that relates to the time before the 159 and shows how dubious Audi's reputation is.

To be fair Fraser, had I not gone to have 4 wheel alignment on my 159, I doubt my tyres would have lasted more than 9k miles.

It is ESSENTIAL for 159 drivers to get their cars laser aligned.

6% of cars rejected, jeez, there's something wrong with quality control somewhere.

You would need to look at the dates GD. Many of the rejections were posted when the thread was started.

Hunter, you make a fair point, although my treads wear evenly.

Originally Posted by Fraser

You must drive like a looney - even mine lasted 9,500 miles and I'm no lightfoot in a roundabout infested town. Some are getting quite a bit more than that.

Its the inside 2inch edge that goes, my first set lasted until 6K until the metal was showing through, there was still 4mm across the rest of the tyre.

two dealers have done a 4 wheel alignment and there are 'no problems', tell that to my boss who has to sign off my tyre bill.

john

Have a 159 1.9JTDm SW since May 2007, has done about 11000 miles / 18000 km, mostly in mountain roads.

The only major event was to feed the engine 1L of oil. Had a little noise issue on from the windscreen, which was resolved by the garage in Cascais.

Superb driving experience; good quality interiors; as beautiful as when I got it delivered.

Haven't regreted my choice for one second. Only wish I could afford the 2.4 engine.

I'm on 43,000 miles now. Car's 2 years old in June. After a terrible start when I bought the car in April last year with 20,000 on the clock(airflow valve failure and a litany of other more minor issues that Desira Norwich should have ironed out - it was the MD's care after all!!) it has settled down nicely after some TLC from Northgate Canterbury. Capable car, dependable and thoroughly recommendable.

Peeling paint protection film on lower front n/s wing & o/s rear of side skirt. Rusty screws / bolts around rear door lock mechanism and inside fuel flap

Only had my one year old 159 a month but so far very impressed. No it's not as economical as my old 156 was and there was a really annoying rattle on the dash when I collected it but Mangoletsi fixed it straight away while I waited.
I'd give it 8/10 so far plus I have the pleasure of driving one of the best looking cars on the road that knocks the German opposition for six and, unlike most German cars I ever follow, has indicators that work when overtaking/turning even with Alfa electrics!!!!!

24,000 miles into this 2nd 159 and things now much, much better.

No rattles, very little wind noise (compared to last 159) and brakes are good

Paint finish generally much better too.

Tyre wear also much better since I had the laser alignment done.

Still surging on full boost and crunching from 2nd to 3rd gear but these are fairly small annoyances compared to the issues with teh 1st 159. They'll get looked at during the next service in a few thousand miles.

Glad your enjoying this one Mr. H!

Oh, forgot to mention my bloody wheel nuts have rusted up again.....
That's every single Alfa we've had with rusty nuts.
Fiat Spa's supply should be shot.

Originally Posted by Hunter

Oh, forgot to mention my bloody wheel nuts have rusted up again.....
That's every single Alfa we've had with rusty nuts.
Fiat Spa's supply should be shot.

Are you using alloy wheel cleaner or other such nasties?

I haven't had rusty nuts since the 145!

Nothing nasty Rick - just the normal hydrochloric high-strength acid

Seriously though, just normal autoglym products
The same stuff that our other works vehicles get washed with and they dont get rusty nuts Just me and my Alfas

I'm cheating adding to this poll really but the dealer lent me a Brera for the week while my 156 had some work done and it was fantastic!! (Three cheers for Allams!!)

Originally Posted by dpat

Just picked my 159 2.4JTDm Lusso on Friday.

All was well, nothing to report

Today however: peeling front bonnet Alfa badge, squeeking front LH brake and rattle at low speed over bumps from either B pillar, door or seat on the drivers side - the drivers seat does move more laterally than the passenger one (I checked) so it could be this

Other than that it is great. Well the fuel economy is rubbish after 5 days - 31mpg - my old 1.8TS 156 would give 33-34 over a week.

The car has done 14000 miles and had swirl valves checked before I got it.

I get the b pilar rattle whist going over bummps too. Did you have it looked at yet?
Steve.

New b pillar trim fitted - rattle still there (unless it wasn''t fitted...............)

Anyway 6 months in and I am thinking of parting with my 159. Why? Well the fuel economy is lets face it not very good - I am still only getting 31-33mpg from a tank, mostly 31.5 mpg. Plus my wife now feels the car is too big for her and TBH with just me driving it to and from work everyday it is a little silly. I still love the car -although after driving a 147 Q2 today - (see my review) I have realised how big and heavy the 159 really is. Don't get me wrong I like the cosseted feeling but there is just some little thing missing for me - maybe I moved to the car too early

I am looking at moving to a 159 1.9 JTDm saloon or else I will have to leave Alfa altogether as the 147 won't do the job (Q2 is excellent however ). Drove a 156 SW as well and TBH I couldn't go back - this is the second time I have driven one and compared to the 156 saloon I had it felt 'loose'.........

Anyway I hope I can get a deal to stay in an Alfa

B-pillar "rattle" is cured by silicon lubing the door seals (it's the seal rubbing in the frame). I used a synthetic teflon cycle grease and it works a treat.