Trev Latter
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Enjoy - they're not as bad as people make out. Get yourself a registered version of MultiECUscan. It'll prove invaluable.
Alfa 159 - seeking those with knowledge
- Thread starter MAF260
- Start date
dunnah01
Member
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- 648
Forgot to mention that the 3200GTA will probably be up for sale in the nes t few weeks so if anybody is interested pm me. 65k, part service history + regular fettling, bottom end rebuilt by Marios at 54k to cure endfloat, etc - much more detail to follow when i get around to it.
I spoke to Ned at Autolusso today. I trust him to tell me the truth as he really knows his Alfas and did a great job of looking after my old GT. My first question was "should I buy a 159 ti?" His answer was "yes". We then discussed engines and his recommendation is a 2.4 diesel (with EGR delete and swirl flaps removed). Apparently they hold their value well and will be a decent wagon for my needs. So, I'm looking for the right car - 10 plate or newer and less than 40k miles, I'm flexible on the rest.
Andyk
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What a lovely looking 3200.....
mjheathcote
Centenary Club
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I wanted a 159Ti Sportwagon as my next company car 2 years ago.
Found one, all within budget, so asked my MD for approval.
He said no...'too sporty, I know I authorised a 146Ti when you first started with us, and it was reliable (it was!), but no'
Gutted.
He was okay with the MSport BMW 3 series Touring though I got instead, he didn't see that as 'sporty'!
Found one, all within budget, so asked my MD for approval.
He said no...'too sporty, I know I authorised a 146Ti when you first started with us, and it was reliable (it was!), but no'
Gutted.
He was okay with the MSport BMW 3 series Touring though I got instead, he didn't see that as 'sporty'!
conaero
Forum Owner
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Good choice MAF, keep an eye on copart, easy repairs come up all the time at silly prices just remember if the dash airbag has fires it'd a new dash, but Ti spec is leather covered so can be repaired.
If you see any you pass on, do post it here, as I might consider it.
Update: Been looking for a few weeks and there aren't many cars out there that fit my criteria. There are no 2010 onwards 2.4s as they stopped making them a bit before that. I have had some initial conversations on a late 59 plate though...
I drove the 2.0 diesel and it was OK. Just that, OK. It stacks up well from an economical point of view - lowest emissions/road tax, best mpg and the power and torque aren't massively far behind the 2.4. It would definitely be the lowest cost car to run. I've been offered a very late 2.0 for a steal, but I'm not jumping at the deal. I want a 2.4, preferably in Alfa red!
I drove the 2.0 diesel and it was OK. Just that, OK. It stacks up well from an economical point of view - lowest emissions/road tax, best mpg and the power and torque aren't massively far behind the 2.4. It would definitely be the lowest cost car to run. I've been offered a very late 2.0 for a steal, but I'm not jumping at the deal. I want a 2.4, preferably in Alfa red!
dickygrace
www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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I've had both, the 2.4JTDm is a far superior car and doesn't sound quite as bad as the 1.9. Hold out, there'll be one somewhere.
Thanks Dicky, always good to hear of others' experiences. I was warned off the 1.9 cars due to their weak gearboxes and being a bit underpowered. I had that engine in my GT Blackline and it was great for the size/weight of car. Different gearbox though. The 2.0 litre is more powerful (170bhp) has more torque and is better on emissions etc. It drove fine but still felt a bit bland. If I was basing my decision purely on running costs I would buy a 2.0 straight away. Actually that's not true, I'd be buying a bland euro box that I would hate every time I went near it. The Alfa will do the same job, cost a bit more to run but will be so much prettier whilst doing it!
Well, things move quickly. I had a call this evening from the dealer who I've been talking to about a car. He's seen sense and has agreed to my offer. So I'm now about to own a very late (2010) 159 2.4 ti in Alfa red with touch screen sat nav etc. Very happy, although I haven't even seen it yet! They'll prep it and I'll collect in a week or so when I've got some time.
one piece of car buying advice that will work in your favour - find out when the dealer's year end is. This knowledge got me another grand off the car
one piece of car buying advice that will work in your favour - find out when the dealer's year end is. This knowledge got me another grand off the car
G
Guest 1678
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So having had a 147 GTA, Alfa GTV 3.0 and a Brera 3.2 I can unequivocally say the Brera was the slowest. Never tracked them, but having driven them down the same roads for ten years the conclusion of what was quickest:
Straight line - 147GTA
Twisty stuff - GTV
Trade-in - Brera
Brera felt turgid and heavy on its wheels. There was no involvement. The engine was a bitsa - part Holden with bits from all over the GM empire (including Teksil in Mexico - need to check). It sounded bloody awful in comparison to a Busso.
However, the proposed Brera GTA looked a little more like it with a certain 4.2 V8 lump. I saw one photo from a press conference. I would have been tempted.
Mission accomplished. Just got back from collecting her and am very pleased so far. The torque from the 2.4 turbo engine is immense, the car launches at all sorts of speeds and just keeps going! Lots of toys to play with and work out what the h3ll they all do. Better than expected so far and also much, much prettier in the flesh. Here's a **** pic taken from inside a shop. Better pics later.
