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Alfa Romeo Alfa 159

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Alfa Romeo 159: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide

The Alfa Romeo 159, produced from 2005 to 2011, is a compact executive car that replaced the much-loved Alfa Romeo 156. Positioned to compete with rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, the 159 offered a stylish alternative with distinctive Italian flair. While not without its quirks, the 159 holds a special place in the hearts of Alfa enthusiasts for its design and driving characteristics.

Generations

  • First Generation (2005-2011): The 159 remained largely unchanged throughout its production run. Key updates primarily involved engine refinements and trim level adjustments. Notable model variations included the saloon/sedan, the Sportwagon (estate/wagon), and various limited-edition models. No major facelift occurred during its production.

Reliability & Common Issues

The Alfa Romeo 159, while beautiful, isn't renowned for bulletproof reliability. Thorough research and a pre-purchase inspection are crucial. Here's a breakdown of common issues:

Engines

Petrol Engines

  • 2.2 JTS (Direct Injection): This engine is notorious for carbon build-up on the intake valves due to its direct injection design. This can lead to rough running, misfires, and reduced performance. Regular Italian tune-ups (high-revving drives) and occasional walnut blasting of the intake valves are recommended to mitigate this. Also, they can suffer from timing chain issues, so listen for rattling on startup.
  • 1.9 JTS: Similar to the 2.2 JTS, this engine also suffers from carbon build-up issues.
  • 3.2 JTS V6 (Holden-sourced): While powerful and generally more reliable than the smaller JTS engines, the 3.2 V6 is known for high fuel consumption. Check for oil leaks, especially around the valve covers. Timing chain stretch can also occur, listen for telltale rattles. Servicing costs are generally higher due to the V6 configuration.

Diesel Engines

  • 1.9 JTDm & 2.0 JTDm: These diesel engines are generally more robust than the petrol engines, but they are not without their problems. Common issues include:
    • Swirl Flaps: The swirl flaps in the intake manifold can become loose and break, potentially causing engine damage. Many owners choose to remove or disable the swirl flaps as a preventative measure.
    • EGR Valve: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve can become clogged with carbon, leading to poor performance and error codes. Regular cleaning or replacement may be necessary.
    • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): The DPF can become clogged, especially with short journeys. Forced regeneration or replacement may be required.
    • Injectors: Diesel injectors can fail, causing rough running and poor fuel economy.
  • 2.4 JTDm: Similar issues to the 1.9 & 2.0 JTDm engines, but also potentially more prone to injector failure.

Suspension & Steering

  • Front Suspension: The 159's front suspension is complex and prone to wear, especially on rough roads. Check for worn lower wishbone bushes, ball joints, and anti-roll bar links. Replacing the entire wishbone is often more cost-effective than replacing individual bushes. Listen for knocking noises over bumps.
  • Power Steering: The power steering pump can fail, resulting in heavy steering. Check for leaks and listen for whining noises.
  • Alignment: Ensure the car has a proper wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment can lead to premature tire wear and handling issues.

Electrical

  • Dashboard Electronics: Some 159s experience electrical gremlins with the dashboard, including flickering lights and warning messages. Check all instruments and displays are working correctly.
  • Central Locking: Issues with the central locking system are relatively common.

Other Issues

  • Rust: While generally better than some older Alfas, rust can still be a problem, especially on early models. Check the wheel arches, sills, and underbody for signs of corrosion.
  • Interior Trim: Some interior trim pieces can be fragile and prone to breaking. Check for damaged or missing parts.
  • Gearbox: Both manual and automatic gearboxes can experience issues. Check for smooth gear changes and listen for any unusual noises. The GM-sourced automatic gearbox found in some models can be slow to respond.

Driving Experience

The Alfa Romeo 159 excels in the driving experience department. It's a car that encourages you to take the long way home. However, it's important to be aware of its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

  • Stylish Design: The 159 is undeniably a beautiful car, with its aggressive front end and elegant lines.
  • Engaging Handling: The 159 offers a sporty and engaging driving experience, with sharp steering and a well-balanced chassis.
  • Comfortable Ride: Despite its sporty handling, the 159 provides a relatively comfortable ride, especially on well-maintained roads.
  • Distinctive Interior: The interior design is typically Alfa Romeo, with stylish dials and a driver-focused layout.

Cons:

  • Reliability Issues: As detailed above, the 159 can be prone to reliability problems, which can be expensive to fix.
  • Weight: The 159 is a relatively heavy car, which can impact performance and fuel economy.
  • Fuel Economy: Fuel economy, particularly with the petrol engines, can be disappointing.
  • Interior Space: Rear passenger space is somewhat limited compared to rivals.

Buying Advice

If you're considering buying an Alfa Romeo 159, here's some advice:

Years to Look For:

  • Later Models (2008-2011): Generally, later models tend to be more refined and may have had some of the earlier issues addressed.
  • Sportwagon: The Sportwagon offers practicality without sacrificing style.

What to Avoid:

  • Neglected Examples: Avoid cars that have been poorly maintained or show signs of neglect. A full service history is essential.
  • Engines with Known Issues: While attractive, the 2.2 JTS petrol engine warrants extra scrutiny due to carbon build-up problems. If considering this engine, ensure the car has been well-maintained and the issue has been addressed.
  • Cars with Obvious Rust: Walk away from cars with significant rust, as repairs can be costly.

Key Checks Before Buying:

  • Full Service History: A complete service history is crucial.
  • Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the car before you buy it. An Alfa Romeo specialist is preferred.
  • Engine Check: Listen for any unusual noises from the engine, such as rattling or ticking. Check for oil leaks.
  • Suspension Check: Test drive the car over bumps and listen for any knocking noises from the suspension.
  • Electrical Check: Ensure all electrical components are working correctly.
  • Rust Check: Thoroughly inspect the car for signs of rust, especially in the wheel arches, sills, and underbody.
  • Negotiate Based on Known Issues: Factor in the potential cost of repairs when negotiating the price.

In conclusion, the Alfa Romeo 159 is a beautiful and engaging car that can provide a rewarding driving experience. However, it's important to be aware of its potential reliability issues and to choose carefully. With thorough research, a pre-purchase inspection, and a realistic budget for maintenance, you can enjoy the pleasures of Alfa ownership.

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