Page 1 of 2

Alfa 159 jtdm

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 1:21 pm
by drifter
Anybody got any comments on this car? Not for me, but for a bloke at work

http://www.adamwalterscars.co.uk/used-c ... 3482262901

I'm no good with Alfas :D

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:15 pm
by Ben
Jason Bunn would probably be the best person to ask - he works at the alfa dealership :)

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 4:05 pm
by Stuart
Looks nice enough but 6.5k for an Alfa with 75k on the clock? Is he set on an Alfa or would he consider other brands mate?

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 4:17 pm
by Daniel
My friend Jean has one of these, she loves it to bits. It's actually a pretty tidy looking motor. :nod: But as Stu says ^ that is a bit much.

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 4:18 pm
by drifter
I've not looked into the price tbh so don't if that's expensive?

I think he'd be up for something similar so suggestions welcome :) No beemers though.

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:59 pm
by Danny@APT
Pick away at the Alfa logo's long enough and you'll find GM badges underneath- I seem to remember even the original exhaust system having 'GM' stamped over it, while the chassis is used by the Insignia, I believe.

The 1.9 16v engine is pretty reliable, but:

GM version (as used here) has swirl flaps IIRC, which tend to seize/stick
Water pumps can seize at mileages as low as 36k, taking out the cambelt. If it's had a belt and not had a water pump at the same time, budget for redoing the job,
Usual diesel issues with EGR valves clogging,
Probably has a DPF- bare it in mind if to be used around town.

Pre '08 models were known for being excessively heavy, later cars had 45kg lobbed out of the chassis/seats/etc. This has a bearing on....

Front tyres- the 159 eats them. Many people struggled to reach the 18k service intervals within two sets, and at the time that I left Desira, they weren't cheap. The larger sizes fitted to alloys were only available from Bridgstone (and possibly Michelin) and were stupid money and hard to get hold of.

A quick look on AutoTrader shows some '09 models at

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:21 am
by drifter
Cheers Dan, I'll pass all that on :)

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:39 am
by Rob S
How about the Saab diesel sport? Same issues, but might be cheaper and maybe better built?

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:08 am
by Stuart
My money would be something like an Audi A4 on a similar age. Bound to be cheaper, better built, less nasty surprises and name someone that makes a better turbo diesel engine (that isn't BMW :) )

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:39 am
by drifter
Stuart wrote:My money would be something like an Audi A4 on a similar age. Bound to be cheaper, better built, less nasty surprises and name someone that makes a better turbo diesel engine (that isn't BMW :) )
Agreed :D I did give him a lift home the day and seemed to like it :)