5 reasons to buy or not to buy an Alfa Romeo 156

The best car in the world, which cannot be compared with any other - neither in beauty, nor in behavior on the road. The most fragile car that completely empties the pockets of its owner. These two extremes of definitions refer to the same model - the Alfa Romeo 156, which was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997. The business class car (segment D) replaced the successful and popular (especially in Italy) model 155.

Alfa Romeo 156

The success of the new car was determined by a number of technical innovations, the main of which was the modern engines of the Alfa Romeo Twin Spark family with two liners per cylinder. This technology, together with variable valve timing, ensured decent power per liter of displacement.

Under the hood of the Alfa Romeo 156, inline engines with 4 cylinders were placed - 1,6 liters (118 hp), 1,8 liters (142 hp), which were reduced in 2001 when switching to Euro 3 power up to 138 hp) and a 2,0-liter for 153 or 163 hp. Above them is a 2,5-liter V6 (189 hp), while the 156 GTA and 156 Sportwagon GTA versions received a 3,2-liter V6 with 247 hp. There are also diesels with a volume of 1,9 liters (from 104 to 148 hp) and 2,4 liters (from 134 to 173 hp).

The engines work with a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission, and the 2,5-litre V6 is mated to a 4-speed hydro-mechanical Q-system (designed by Aisin), but the main innovation is the Selespeed robotic gearbox. Sports suspension - two-point front and multi-point rear. In 2000, the 156 Sportwagon appeared, which many consider more elegant than the sedan, and this is the work of maestro Giorgio Giugiaro.

Alfa Romeo 156

Following him - in 2004, 156 Sportwagon Q4 and the "almost crossover" Crosswagon Q4 were released, and these two options remain the longest in production - until 2007. The sedan remained on the assembly line until 2005, the total circulation of the Alfa Romeo 156 was 680 units.

Should you buy this model now? However, he is already at a serious age, which can be seen from his price, which is determined mainly by the condition of the car. Car owners point out 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses, respectively, that can help you.

Weakness number 5 - a car for good roads and good weather.

This car is designed for good European roads and dry weather (in Italy, severe winters occur only in the north). There, a clearance of 140-150 mm is quite enough. If you have a villa that can be reached via a dirt road, or if you like fishing, forget about this car and go to the crossover. Even in the city, you have to be very careful when passing speed bumps, even tram rails can be a problem.

Winter also does not suit Alpha 156, and here the reasons are not only in the small clearance and sports suspension. Locks, for example, often freeze, so car owners recommend always having clean alcohol on hand for defrosting. Cold also affects the ignition system, and sometimes affects the operation of the on-board computer.

Weakness number 4 - the complexity of maintenance.

Over the years, the Alfa Romeo 156 has become increasingly rare, which in turn increases the cost of parts and makes maintenance more difficult and expensive. The situation is better in large cities, as some of the problems that have arisen can only be solved in workshops with specialized equipment. Since this is already a sum, this car is also quite technically complicated - its engine has 2 spark plugs per cylinder, and the Selespeed gearbox is also difficult to maintain. The model is also quite capricious. The gear oil must belong to Tutela and no one else, so the owner simply has no choice. The instructions for the Twin Spark engine say that you need to use only Selenia oil and that's it, and changing the brake disc, for example, is a nightmare.

Weakness #3 – Selespeed engines and gearbox.

Twin Spark engines and the Selespeed robotic transmission are the main technical innovations in the Alfa Romeo 156, as they give the car a sporty character. However, they are the cause of a large number of problems faced by owners of older vehicles.
Let's start with engines - they are powerful and have impressive dynamics, but over time they begin to use oil. Standard procedures for a problem such as replacing valve seals do not help. A liter of oil runs per 1000 km, which is already a serious problem. And the overhaul of the engine is not cheap. Other issues include the timing belt, which needs to be changed frequently. The air flow sensor also quickly fails.

The Selespeed robotic gearbox also proves to be quite cranky, with oil leaks and power issues. Repair is quite complicated, so the best option is a replacement, but the unit itself is quite expensive and hard to find. In general, the owners are unhappy with this box and recommend avoiding its use.

Weakness number 2 - stiff and sensitive suspension.

Some people like the stiff suspension, while others consider it a huge minus for the car. Passing even the smallest bumps in the road leaves a very unpleasant feeling that leads many to say: "This is the worst car I have ever driven." The brakes are also too harsh, and if you add the operation of the robotic gearbox, which is incomprehensible to many, it becomes clear why people do not like it. Worse, in this case, the Alfa Romeo 156 suspension is completely unbearable, and its repair is expensive. Anti-roll bars wear out quickly and need to be replaced frequently. This also applies to other basic elements that cover no more than 40 - 000 kilometers. “The suspension is comfortable, but soft, and something needs to be changed every year,” the owners of this car are adamant.

Weakness #1 is reliability.

This parameter is actually quite controversial, especially when it comes to sports cars. According to hardened Alfists, 156 is a car that will never let you down and will deliver from the place where you left off. However, that was 10 years ago when the car was relatively new. Then everything changes, and the problems become many and varied. It starts at the ignition, passes through the mass air flow sensor and reaches the high pressure hose of the robotic gearbox.

With this machine absolutely everything breaks down. A manual transmission, for example, should be more reliable than a robotic one, but it also fails. This also applies to other base units, which in turn affects the price of the vehicle. It falls quickly, which is somewhat good for those who thought it was their car.

Advantage number 5 - design and durable housing.

Alfa Romeo 156 belongs to the category of cars that fall in love at first sight. It is often bought according to the scheme “I didn’t even think about it, but I accidentally saw it, lit it and bought it” or “20 years ago I fell in love and finally found the right car.” This is due to interesting details - such as, for example, hidden handles on the rear doors and a front end with an impressive bumper.
Another advantage of the model is that its body is made of thick enough metal and is completely galvanized. Rust protection at a high level, which is a serious plus, because the car is still at a serious age.

Advantage number 4 - a great interior.

Both externally and internally this is a great car. All dishes in the cabin are focused on the driver. The front panel is soft, the materials and workmanship are top notch. The owners are very "chic" (according to the owners), with good lateral support and the ability to adjust. They are covered with trolley leather, which retains its high quality even after 20 years. The buttons are not very high quality, but they are easy to swallow.

The ergonomics of the cabin are also appreciated, as everything is arranged so that the driver is comfortable. Some details are unfamiliar, but that doesn't mean it's inconvenient. Sometimes claims also arise for the second row of seats, where it is difficult to fit three adults, and getting in and out of the car is not very pleasant for them. Trunk volume is not the largest - the sedan has 378 liters, but it's still not a truck.

Benefit #3 - manageability.

Alfa fans are adamant that the deciding factor in choosing the 156 is not beauty, leather interior or comfortable seats. For them, the most important thing is the first feeling after driving a car. The handling of the car is fantastic. It stands like on rails, and this is especially felt when cornering at high speeds. You think you're driving on the edge, but you keep accelerating, and the car continues on its intended path without the slightest hint of skidding. Another feature of the Alfa Romeo 156 is an extremely sensitive steering wheel. The driver can only control with his fingers, slightly adjusting the direction of movement. The car reacts quickly to any movement and can take the driver out of a critical situation. Perfectly overcomes obstacles at high speeds. However, you will have to get used to such a steering wheel, because when switching to a high gear, the driver sometimes inadvertently turns a few more degrees, and this can be dangerous.

Advantage number 2 - acceleration and stop.

Everything can be said about the Alfa Romeo 156, but even the biggest critics of the model admit: "This car has come a long way." Acceleration performance is not particularly impressive - the version with the most powerful 2,0-liter engine accelerates 100 km / h from standstill in 8,6 seconds. But it happens in a wonderful way - 1st gear - 60 km / h, 2nd - 120 km / h, and so on up to 210 km / h. Each gear is a blow to the back, a pedal to a sheet of metal and a feeling of taking off an airplane. The engine spins up to 7200 rpm, which is also liked by true connoisseurs.
Many argue that this car is a real "provocateur" because it simply refills the gas. And it's very nice when you see the astonished face of a BMW X5 driver at a traffic light with a big motorcycle, which remains far behind after you have given full throttle and rushed forward.

Fortunately, the brakes of the Alfa Romeo 156 are perfectly matched to the acceleration. They are sensitive and effective, which can sometimes be a problem. However, it quickly gets used to it, as the brakes, along with the responsive steering wheel and responsive engine, create a quore sport feel, which is why the car has so many fans.

Advantage number 1 - emotions.

This is a typical men's car and the owners treat it like a woman. According to some, it is necessary to constantly look after and look after her, while loving the "firm hand". Many people part with her to get her back in a few months. Or, as a last resort, get the same model.
What makes the Alfa Romeo 156 so unique? Great interior, impressive performance and steering. Behind the wheel of this car, a person is transferred to another world and is ready to forget all the troubles that he caused him. That is why love for the brand is the first and most important thing for purchasing this car.

To buy or not?

The most accurate definition of Alfa Romeo 156 is an unusual car, and the most important thing when choosing is the condition of a particular instance. There are a lot of cars on the market that are simply not worth looking at, even though getting them right might spoil the buyer. However, there are things that are worth it. And they quickly become a favorite toy, parted only as a last resort.