Not sure about 'reliability'. I do know that the series 1 cars 2006-08 were heavier, and consequently will be thirstier. MY08 on models are not only 'lighter' (by about 100kg I believe) but a number of other improvements were made.

Plus also the dreaded incorrect PAS fluid in the earlier 159s. These were given the wrong 'red' PAS fluid from the factory - the correct fluid should be a 'lime green' colour. This has led to steering rack failures - not cheap.

 

Hi,
I have test driven a 159 today and I do like it compared to the competition (a4, 320d).

I'm considering jumping in an buying a second hand (2006/07) 159 1.9 JTD saloon.

But would like to get advice to quantify the truth of the rumours that alfas are unreliable.

I am finding it hard to see if 159 is reliable (lots of reviewers hint it is now reliable).

Please could you reply with:

1. the most common issues you have had
2. whether it was major or minor
3. specifying rough costs to fix.
4. how long you have owned car.
5. year of car.

If you havn't had any issues, please do reply saying so.

Maybe then i (and other newbies) can see a quantifiable answer to 'reliability'? ;-)

I got my 159 1.9Jtdm when it was 1 year old with 20k on the clock. It now has 55k and is 4 years old (06 plate). I've always followed the service schedule.

Only major problem was power steering started to whine and groan. This seems a common 159 fault. It has something to do with the PAS fluid reservoir, and there is some unresolved discussion that the "red fluid" should be replaced with green fluid. Anyway, my dealer replaced the resevoir and I've had no problems since. Cost about £120 I think.

Windscreen wipers didn't fit flush to the screen so would smear water, but I just bent the wiper arm and it was fine. Also got annoying rattling at 70 mph from the back of the car. After a month of blue-tacking everything possible in the boot, I realised the rear wheel arch liner had come loose. Once I re-fixed it the noise stopped.

Not many problems really and I love it. I don't normally keep a car for more than 3 years, but I can see myself keeping this one for a long time to come, provided it doesn't suddenly develop alfa-itis and need to go to the garage more in the future.

So much nicer than driving the run of the mill bmw/audi alternatives. I just don't get bored of the Alfa.

 

It has something to do with the PAS fluid reservoir, and there is some unresolved discussion that the "red fluid" should be replaced with green fluid.

Not sure if it's 'unresolved'. Situation seems plain to me. The correct spec PAS fluid is actually provided on the spec list under the bonnet. The fact that the factory put the completely wrong PAS fluid in the reservoir is an 'open and shut' case.

Plenty of threads on this. Quite staggered really this issue hasn't been made a 'sticky'.

 

I've had mine just over a month, bought 2nd hand, 2006 model - only problem so far was the PAS reservoir, replaced under warranty. Car is a great drive, get it on a windy road and it's really fun, nicely weighted steering and a great long distance tourer too. My local service centre tells me they are much more reliable than the 156/147 series - and the styling is fantastic to boot!

 

had mine a year at 40K purchased the AlfaCare warranty (£369) had the steering rack changed under warranty also they changed the clutch master cylinder due to noisy clutch. otherwise no other majors.regularly get average of 41 mpg .
dealer offered to get gearbox changed (again under warranty ) as they thought there was a whine from 5th and on overrun, I wasn't too bothered by it but it's gonna get done now so heyho. fantastic looks ooodles of power once its at 2500 rpm it flies! total cost incurred so far £40 for MOT, and £180 for service (4th) plus tyres - 4!! £460 !!

 

Had mine from new. 36,000 miles now. No issues whatsoever so far. Previously had a Volvo S60 and a Passat before that - both were less reliable!! So far, anyway!

 

Well mines an absolute pig, hate the bloody thing

3 years old, 65K miles and the following replaced.
Steering rack.
EGR, DPF and all that gubbins
Glow plugs
inlet manifold
Handbrake cable
battery
air con system replaced
PAS system completely replaced

Tyres and brakes like they are going out of fashion.

Still chin up - by the time I'm finished I'll have a new car :thumbs:

 

Oh yeh forgot about the battery! AA man said they only last around 4 yrs on 159 diesels? when did it go? 2 weeks before it's 4th birthday! :wow::cheese::cheese:

 

I've had three. They are/were all great.

One of them had a steering rack done, and also had an issue with the inlet manifold. All fixed under warranty.

The red one has lots of stone ships But I can live with that given it looks so awesome.

No problems, get in there and get one, they are superb :thumbs:

 

I bought an 07 1.9 a couple of months ago; ex fleet car, 68k which has been a real pleasure to own. I recently replaced a noisy front upper wishbone (£200 supplied & fitted) but otherwise no problems.

I had a 1.9 GT before the 159 which was faultless in terms of reliability so strongly influenced the purchase of another 1.9.

The 159 is one of the most comfortable cars I've ever owned with a great seating position. The handling is very good considering its size and weight but not hugely involving (in my view) The engine offers a good balance of performance v economy (plus cheap tax and insurance) I regularly see mid 40's.

One of my very few gripes is that the dash and some of the interior plastics creak and crack over bumps when cold which seems to be a fairly common (minor) irritant amongst owners.

You'll read a lot about problematic EGR Valves / solenoids. I took mine off at 69k to give it a precautionary clean and whilst a fair amount of soot was evident everything was working perfectly.

A4's, 320d's .. the only thing I'd consider changing mine for is a newer 159 Ti ..

 

Just for interest I got mine at end of 3rd yr bought the 4th yr warranty after had car few months seemed the sensible thing to do, sorry but I doubted the new reliability, lucky I did too or i'd be out by about £3k!! £2k for parts £1k for labour!!


I do love her tho she's a quarter new now so will get some more new bits then keep her:lol:

 

Mine is an 07 plate 1.9jtdm, bought with 62K on the clock, now has 82K in 15 months of ownership.
I had issues with the air con system, had to replace a few parts, but had a good local indie that helped me out.
The DPF caused me a bit of grief a few miles ago, but was an easy DIY clean and refit.
There was an upper suspension arm replaced under warranty at 79K.

Apart from that, it has been as good as gold. I am desperately wanting a newer car as I always get itchy feet after 12 months! But there is nothing wrong with this one.

As a first time Alfa owner, it has made my mind up to have another one next time.
As long as the service is upto date and either main dealer of specialist, and the schedule is right, buy, buy, buy!!!

 

Look at this http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/poll-room/80734-159-brera-and-new-spider-experiences.html

Mine has been great. The second most reliable (and 1st most enjoyable) car I have owned in 30 years of motoring. When the three year lease is up next year I will either get another 159 or keep this one.