Before I start this conversation, please bear in mind that I love Alfa Romeo's - I think my current 159 is my 6th Alfa. However, I'm also a practical and sensible when it comes to making decisions on viability.
So, here's the situation. I have a 2010, 159 ti, 2.0. It's done 110,000m it's probably worth circa 4k.
At this mileage, it will 'soon' need a clutch and DMF. This will likely set me back £1200 or more. From what I see on Autotrader, there are dozens and dozens of 159's in this situation.
The question is simply this. Does this clutch/dmf issue make this car economically viable? Does the second hand value of these cars, vs the price of these wear parts, push them into scrap yards?
(Also note, I'm not drawing a comparison, but there are thousands of Vectras in scrap yards across the country that are only there for want of a clutch/dmf)
I'm of the opinion that I'll keep mine running as long as I can, to buy something new or 2nd hand with anywhere near the level of equipment or styling will cost far more than £1200 a year
Guess it depends on how long you expect to keep it? Whats the car like underneath for rust etc? Look it at another way... keep the car another say 2-3 years at three years that £1200 cost is fairly negligible compared to the costs of changing the car and if the replacement is 2nd hand the potential gremlins you might have with that. If you have had your current car for a while and keep on top of the maintenance then better the devil you know IMHO.
Personally wouldn't worry about its second hand value and concentrate on what value the car has to you.
My DMF is at 148,000 miles as far as I can tell. Its had a clutch (previous owner) but he did not do the DMF looking at the bill..... personally I think these should have a DMF with EVERY clutch. But so far so good. No rattles or problems with it....touch wood! If and when it goes I will replace it...with a solid flywheel...as I've done on every DMP failed car I've owned. Much cheaper, more reliable, longer life.....and despite what you might read online...no difference at all in the feel of the clutch, vibration or harshness of gearchange!!
Thanks for everyone's input. I've cared for the car very well in its life, so I'll probably get the work done and try to keep the car on the road for more years to come.
I did speak to QSP in Ferryhill about a single mass flywheel, and they weren't aware of that option for the 2.0 159. I'm not sure if it's at the upper end of the power and torque that you could reasonably expect to 'get-by' with on a diesel car, but then I'm absolutely not an expert here.
If that's the case, isn't there a much much cheaper clutch and DMF available for an Insignia which could be used to save several hundreds from the job I'm considering?
I had a 'cream crackered' DMF" on my replaced at 115k. The çlutch was £100, The DMF was £384. Now 161k. Should last to 235k. 2.4 engine btw.
Keep it. The DMF is available at a discount from a few suppliers.
My 2.0 has the F40...I know there are C635 equipped 2.0 JTDm 159s out there but I've never seen one..most of those went in Giuliettas. I'm not sure the M32 was ever used in the 2.0 CDTi equipped Insignias...but not 100% on that. Can't last long if they were!
From what I've seen, there a no 'good' deals to be had on any clutch or DMF's for the Fiat 2.0/F40 combination. So the work is likely to cost £1200 to £1300 when the time comes.
I'll probably foot the cost rather than change the car, as the rest of the car has been well maintained.
From what I've seen, there a no 'good' deals to be had on any clutch or DMF's for the Fiat 2.0/F40 combination. So the work is likely to cost £1200 to £1300 when the time comes.
I'll probably foot the cost rather than change the car, as the rest of the car has been well maintained.
Sounds wise to me, I've just had MOT, new front brake pads, two new tyres and handbrake cables, it'll come to a few hundred quid but it's part of owning an older car, at least I'm not paying £300 a month to not own a dull car that looks like a clone of every other car
The way you have to look at it is that your current car is a known quantity.
What other car could you get for £1200 that is as stylish and has a new clutch and DMF?
Most cars at that sort of price will be on their last legs, especially diesels.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Alfa Romeo Forum
7.1M posts
216.5K members
Since 2001
The friendly Alfa Romeo Club - If you are looking to buy or you are already an Alfa Romeo owner, join alfaowner.com today to get the most from your ownership