New Alfa Romeo 159

[vanswan]

So you've got about 20k in your pocket for a new car but don't know what you want, I asked myself this question when I went to Goodwood last month, then I saw the Alfa Romeo tent and lined up next to the new Brera was the class of car I wanted. The new Alfa 159, I took a seat inside, loads of space, smooth curves, looked expensive in leather and still something I can take the kids out in, what surprised me most was the huge 3.2 V6 engine with four wheel drive.

The Italians seem to have finally cracked the balance between a durable family car and a car that looks luxurious, not something I've seen in a car in that price range.

What do you think?

[spi-ti-tout]

Originally Posted by vanswan

The Italians seem to have finally cracked the balance between a durable family car and a car that looks luxurious, not something I’ve seen in a car in that price range.

Now check reliability and service maintainance costs

[henk4]

Originally Posted by spi-ti-tout

Now check reliability and service maintainance costs

those should not differ too much from anything popular in this market segment. Depreciation is probably going to be more of a problem, but if you don't change cars every two or three years that is manageable too, because the German depreciation wonders you have to buy first at an excessive price.

It is a car I would consider, but then with the most powerful JTD engine available.

[McReis]

Originally Posted by henk4

those should not differ too much from anything popular in this market segment. Depreciation is probably going to be more of a problem, but if you don't change cars every two or three years that is manageable too, because the German depreciation wonders you have to buy first at an excessive price.

It is a car I would consider, but then with the most powerful JTD engine available.

I totally agree. I have a friend who clocked more than 200.000kms in 156 1.9JTD and was happy enough to buy a GT 2.4 JTD last month, passing the 156 to his son...
On the other hand, my girfriends father has a Bora (Jetta) TDI with 150.000kms which has allready gone through an engine rebuild that included pistons, valves, etc..

Things are not always what they look like.

Besides that, the lines of an Alfa can make any VW blush with shame. Specially the Boras.

[Sauc3]

Pictures always help . Alfa Romeo 159

I must say the car is very appealing, I certainly wouldn't mind one if I was in the market for this type of car and had 19k pounds to spend. Did you end up buying it? If so I'd love to hear what you thought about it.

Then again if I was in the market with that amount of money I'd rather a second hand Elise S2 .

[VtecMini]

I've picked up a nasty habit of hankering for the new Passat lately. I think I'd [probably take one of those instead. Don't get me wrong though, the 159 certainly pulls hard at the heart strings.

[kennyknoxville]

ya its a nice car. 159>passat imo

[lightweight]

I'd go for the Diesel too. With 30+ Nm of torque, it's like driving the 3,2 V6 and shortshifting it at 3500 rpm. Ok, I admit you don't have the top end power, but then a family car isn't gonna get revved up that many times.
Anyone who wants revs can get an RX8...

[kennyknoxville]

Originally Posted by lightweight

Anyone who wants revs can get an RX8...

or an s2k. im a honda fanboy

[lightweight]

Originally Posted by kennyknoxville

or an s2k. im a honda fanboy

I like the S2000 also. I just mentioned the RX8 because the 159 is a saloon

[dave_fonz_164]

i did hear that the 159 will have free maintenance for the first 2 or 3 yrs.

for all of u with the savy reliability jokes, drive a current german car and they wont be lexus proof.

[SPN:DOC]

yes and an alfa wont be German proof... what your point... german cars are still very Reliable...

[sunk]

I say a Mazda RX-8 would be pretty cool. Or try a Impreza STI WRX.
Alfas are still italians.

[dave_fonz_164]

Originally Posted by SPN:DOC

yes and an alfa wont be German proof... what your point... german cars are still very Reliable...

thats the point, german cars, especially the new current ones are far from being reliable, bmw, mercedec and audi are all plagued with glitches, some serious and some not. Modern alfas are actually better off then modern german cars, still not up to japanese standards though.Were not in the 70's anymore.

if u do some research, you will findout out that most electrical components found on alfas are german like fuel pumps, steering racks, starters, stepper gears, wiper motors, coil packs, switiches etc... mostly come from Bosch or other suppliers.These are pieces that fail just like they would on a VW or Benz.....From my experience, German cars have been no more reliable, if less reliable than an italian cars but japanese being the best.

im just stating facts and trying to disprove these narrow minded stereotypes from the 70's............

[2ndclasscitizen]

i'd love one, Alfa V6's have some of the best sounds around, and with AWD you'd be able to better exploit it without having to buy new tyres on the way home