Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 159 (2006-2012)

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Just because you want an executive car you don't have to buy something sober and Germanic - instead you could opt for something Italian, with much more flair. Don't be put off by Alfa's reputation for shoddy build quality; the 159 is from a newer breed of cars which are better built than ever before. But reliability can still be variable, so while you must check very carefully before buying, get the right car and you'll love driving something that bit different.

Key Dates

1/06: The 159 saloon replaces the 156, in 1.9, 2.2 or 3.2 V6 JTS (petrol) forms; there are also 1.9 or 2.4-litre JTDm (turbodiesel) options.

5/07: The entry-level 1.8MPi petrl-engined 159 debuts, along with the Sportwagon five-door estate, with the same engine options as the saloon.

10/07: The Q-Tronic automatic transmission appears, with the 3.2 V6, 1.9JTDm and 2.4JTDm. Also, the latter engine gets a power boost to 210bhp (previously 200bhp).

8/09: Two new engines appear; the 200bhp 1750i turbo petrol and the 170bhp 2.0JTDm.

4/11: A facelift brings a revised interior, extra equipment and a 136bhp 2.0JTDm engine option.

Alfa Romeo 159 (2006-2012) Checklist

  • Big wheels easily suffer from kerbing or pothole damage.
  • On the 1.9JTD engine, the waterpump fails, throwing the timing belt off, wrecking the powerplant.
  • A rattling 1.9JTD engine signals that the dual-mass flywheel needs replacing; they typically last 80,000 miles.
  • Clutch pedals can get sticky and squeaky; a shot of silicone grease is the cure.
  • Uneven and rapid tyre wear is a trait of 159s fitted with 19-inch wheels.
  • Steering racks can wear out in just 60,000 miles, yet still feel OK. Put the car through an MoT.
  • Some 159s suffer from a notchy gearchange, for which there's no cure. The transmission itself is strong though.

We Like

  • Exterior styling
  • Dynamics
  • Engines
  • Value
  • Cabin design

We Don't Like

  • Below-par reliability
  • So-so dealers
  • Cabin build quality

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Brera (2005-2011)

Tony Orsi ·

 

Jaw-dropping looks normally come with a massive price tag, but buy an Alfa Romeo Brera and you get one of the most distinctive cars on the road, for peanuts. Even better, running costs needn’t be high and the interior looks almost as good as the exterior – even if it offers limited practicality. Best of all though, as a Brera owner you shouldn’t dread every drive, as this is an Alfa of the new generation, and it’s all the better for it. There was a time when you’d buy an Alfa Romeo only with your heart; with the Brera you can buy with your head.

Key Dates

4/06: The Brera arrives with a choice of 2.2 or 3.2-litre petrol engines, the latter a V6 unit available in front-drive or Q4 (four-wheel drive) forms. There's also a 2.4 turbodiesel. 

10/07: A semi-auto transmission is introduced on the Brera 3.2 V6; the 2.4 JTD becomes the JTDm, with an extra 10bhp (now 210bhp). 

5/08: The Brera S, developed with Prodrive, features a chassis tailored to UK roads. Limited to just 500 examples, it's available with 2.2 or 3.2 petrol engines only.

Alfa Romeo Brera (2005-2011) Checklist

  • Uneven front tyre wear is common; a four-wheel alignment is essential if problems aren't to crop up.
  • Water pumps fail on diesels; a new one is recommended every 60,000 miles.
  • Petrol-engines are chain-driven; diesels have a belt.
  • The rear seats are very cramped.
  • Electrics and electronics can be temperamental, so check the central locking, stereo and boot release.
  • All Breras come with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard; watch for kerbed wheels as repairs can be expensive.

We Like

  • Distinctive looks
  • Image
  • Great engines

We Don't Like

  • Limited practicality
  • Thirsty (but characterful) V6

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo GT (2004-2010)

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You can always count on Alfa Romeo to serve a hefty slice of style, and that's exactly what the GT provides. Far more characterful than rivals like the BMW 3-Series or Audi A5, the front-wheel drive GT is one of the most distinctive sporting coupés around, with eye-catching lines courtesy of Bertone. Based on the Alfa Romeo 156, the GT is a genuine four-seater that's more reliable than you might think and great value too.

Key Dates

4/04: The GT arrives, with 2.0 or 3.2 V6 petrol engines, or a 1.9 turbodiesel.

1/07: The 2.0 JTS appears with direct injection. The limited edition Blackline features 18-inch alloys, metallic black paint and a sportier interior. The 1.9 JTDm gets Multijet injection and is available with a Q2 limited-slip diff.

7/08: The special edition Cloverleaf (in 2.0 JTS or 1.9 JTDm guises) has 18-inch alloys, sporty exterior highlights plus a leather-trimmed interior.

Alfa Romeo GT (2004-2010) Checklist

  • Electrics and electronics can be temperamental; the central locking, stereo and boot release are the most commonly affected areas. They can also be tricky to fix too.
  • All GTs get alloy wheels as standard, measuring up to 18 inches in diameter; watch out for kerbing damage as repairs can be expensive.
  • Uneven front tyre wear is common; a four-wheel alignment is essential if problems aren't to crop up.
  • Water pumps fail on diesels; a new one is recommended every 60,000 miles.
  • The GT can struggle to put its power down, so go for a car with the Q2 limited-slip diff.

We Like

  • Looks
  • Image
  • Interior
  • Value
  • Great diesel engine
  • Space for four

We Don't Like

  • Poor visibility
  • 3.2 V6 is thirsty

Tags: GT

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 166 (1999-2005)

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If you’re after an executive car but you also want to be an individual, nothing will mark you out like a 166 on your drive. More charismatic than any of its rivals, the Alfa is also good to drive and well-specced. But sometimes that equipment stops working and rigid adherence to the service schedule is essential if the car isn’t to fall apart altogether. So while the 166 is great value for money, you must tread very carefully before buying.

Key Dates

1/99: 166 replaces 164

4/00: There’s now a Lusso trim available

4/04: Car gets a facelift with new nose and tail plus more equipment; at the same time, the 3.2 V6 replaces the 3.0 edition

Alfa Romeo 166 (1999-2005) Checklist

  • Suspension bushes deteriorate, to the point where the tyres start to wear unevenly; check for odd tread wear patterns
  • The rear suspension may also be out, due to poor quality control on the production line. Look for evidence of them scrubbing
  • Xenon lights fail, and replacements are big money
  • The brightwork can pit badly so check it's all in good condition
  • The four-cylinder twin spark engines need a fresh cam belt and tensioners every 36,000 miles or three years; it's often left much longer
  • The 2.0 litre Twin Spark engine's oil pump fails, leading to the bottom end disintegrating; listen for knocking on start up
  • If you're buying a manual, make sure the clutch pedal is okay; they often develop significant play

We Like

  • Value
  • Driving experience
  • Design - inside and out
  • Equipment

We Don't Like

  • Patchy reliability
  • Fidgety Ride
  • Thirsty VS