Been looking for an oil burner for my new car as the long commute is killing me on fuel as i currently run a Mondeo ST24.

Was looking for a MK4 Golf TDi 130, but there doesnt seem to be many around for the money I want to spend, same with the Seat Leon really.

Went to look a some cars for my Nan on saturday and saw a Diesel Alfa 156 and thought it maybe an option. A similar age and milage 156 is at least 2k cheaper than the equivelant Golf. Seen some lovely 53 plate 1.9 JTDs which is the post facelift model.

Of course I know about Alfas reliability, but are the newer ones any better? Anyone driven the 1.9 JTD powered cars? I was really impressed with the VW TDi 130 engine and the Alfa has 10 - 20 more bhp depending on the spec.

I drive an alfa GT 1.9 JTD and I really like it. You can have the engine remapped up to about 180BHP if you want

The golf is probably better on fuel economy, but it won't stir the blood like an alfa does

Once you've had an alfa other cars won't seem the same any more.

Go for it

Cheers

Mark

No problems with reliability so far then Mark?

I have a 147 JTD and love it Not had any problems with it and the dealer service is fantastic

don't underestimate the value of a bora over a golf. I have a pd115 which is remapped (to about 140 bhp and 270lb/ft)and certainly felt quicker than a standard a4 130 sport I test drove recently. No experience of alfa's though I'm afraid.

Ned.

I have a 156 2.0TS and I bought it with a busted timing belt. Despite the horror stories, it fixed no probs and although the Selespeed gearbox fluffed up, it only took a new relay to fix it. If I'd listened to the guys on Alfaowners.com, I'd have fitted a new pump and spent a fortune at the dealers!!

1.9jtd is ok but the 2.4jtd is a dream. As with all Alfas you need to check the service history is complete and the oil is checked monthly if not weekly. I owned an Alfa for 9 years and it never failed me once, jut be prepared to care about it more than the mondeo cos Alfas hate being neglected.

Maybe taking a look at AlfaOwner.com or other alfa sites, might help put any fears out of you head, and will point out what to look for when your buying one.

Hope you enjoy it if you get it. Owning an Alfa is an expierence that I will never regret.

I love the look of basically most Alfa's, but the stories regarding reliability have totally put me off wanting to own one... my company have recently taken Alfa's off the select list due to previous reliability issues (which were experienced from other rep's owning 156's). It's such a shame that passionate cars built with such flair and soul, seem to lack any sort of credibility.

I'd love one, but sadly I don't think I will...

Steve

Another VERY satisfied 156 2.0TS owner here. Had it 8 months so far, and nothing has gone wrong. Mines one of the last Mkls - still got older dash - but I like the CF inset and red dials. The only thing I don't like is the lack of practicality, the rear seats don't fold, so going to the tip with a fridge is off. I'd have another tomorrow, but prob. a 1.9JTd Sportwagon.

I have a 2.4 jtd... love it

youre more than welcome to a drive at the next meet

What are the differences between the 2.4 5 pot and 1.9 4 pot (except from what I just said!) They both seem to be similar power and similar MPG. I was leaning towards the 1.9 as its better fuel economy, but there does seem to be quite a few 2.4s out there.

Powerwise I think the standard 2.4 is similar to the 1.9, i think the 2.4 multijet is something like 175bhp.

Any of you satisfied 2.0TS owners want to donate your engine to a worthy cause (me )? Other half just blew up her 147, it's now running on three with a biiiiiiig smokescreen out of the exhaust