That's a lot of car for only £5k. I wouldn't have thought that there'd be much difference between this model and ti spec. But, I'm no expert. Given the limited opportunities to enjoy a 3.2 in this country, I think the 1.8 TBi engined ti might be a more balanced choice. Just thinking out loud
Pretty sure TI spec swaps out the alloys for bigger ones (lots say they ruin the ride) adds side skirts, and silver wing mirror caps.
The interior is slightly different. Seats have different stitching pattern and red Alfa logos (on black leather) and I think all TI 159s have folding rear seats - which apparently is a different chassis or something mad like that - mine don't have folding rear seats, and they can't be retrofitted. I think they get (boring...) black dials instead of the lovely silver ones in a normal 159 (perhaps I'm biased...)
Not sure how the addition of 4WD would affect the handling, with the extra weight in an already heavy car. Similarly the V6 up front.
Perhaps the addition of the driveshaft etc. balances it out somewhat, but the 159 (and presumably Brera) are pretty nose heavy.
As for reliability, I've had my 1.9 jtdm for over 5 years now and it's barely skipped a beat.
/finds something wooden touch..
The only problem is my wife seems to park it in places where other cars want to get to closely acquainted with it, and it has white paint transfer on 3 or 4 different panels.
Also, the reversing sensors don't work.
Depending on how picky you are..
The auto wipers are terrible.
The CD auto changer has a connection that seems to disconnect on some bumps (but mine has a USB port for music so I don't care)
If you get the later model with the USB port, it's a bit picky - doesn't like some USB sticks, and always seems to have 1 song that crashes it - it then plays 15 seconds of the CD in the slot, or the radio, then goes back to the crash song
They are quite fond of front tyres.
They are beautiful cars though