Sad days...

My 156 2.0JTS is nearly 10 years old now (Oct 2002). 106k miles. Original
exhaust. 1 careful owner, but we need an estate for the growing family + now
a dog. I'm looking at a 3 yr old 159 1.9 JTDM 16v sportwagon, but have to
decide what to do with my 156.

What's the group concensus: Do I trade in the 156 for the £500 they offered
me, stick it on ebay or send it for auction myself. I can't be bothered with
the hassle of a private (normal) sale (I realise this is my best option
fincially).

Anyone know what it might fetch at auction?

Condition is mechanically good, cosmetically average - wing mirror
triangular mount points are corroded, but only cosmetic. Tyres all pretty
new, 3/4 tread remains all round. 2 small scuffs on rear bumpers and a
whiney noised from the aircon unit, but its mechanically good.

"SteveH" > wrote in message
...
> GT > wrote:
>
>> My 156 2.0JTS is nearly 10 years old now (Oct 2002). 106k miles. Original
>> exhaust. 1 careful owner, but we need an estate for the growing family +
>> now
>> a dog. I'm looking at a 3 yr old 159 1.9 JTDM 16v sportwagon, but have to
>> decide what to do with my 156.
>>
>> What's the group concensus: Do I trade in the 156 for the £500 they
>> offered
>> me, stick it on ebay or send it for auction myself. I can't be bothered
>> with
>> the hassle of a private (normal) sale (I realise this is my best option
>> fincially).
>>
>> Anyone know what it might fetch at auction?
>>
>> Condition is mechanically good, cosmetically average - wing mirror
>> triangular mount points are corroded, but only cosmetic. Tyres all pretty
>> new, 3/4 tread remains all round. 2 small scuffs on rear bumpers and a
>> whiney noised from the aircon unit, but its mechanically good.
>
> eBay.
>
> No reserve, £1 start.
>
> The market will decide how much it's worth - but I'd be hoping for
> double what the trade-in offer was.
> --
> SteveH

I had considered it, but looking at completed sales for cars like mine. Went
for £266, £510, £560. I got £500 as a trade and there is no come-back on me
and no hassle of people coming to see it etc etc.

Deal is done. Collect the 159 sw on friday (hopefully). I've insisted that
they change the timing belt and water pump for me as it would be due at the
next service anyway. Got a little money off the price as well (through a
friend in the group), so I'm fairly happy with the deal. Getting a '58 plate
2009 159, facelift version 1.9 JTDM 16v 150 Lusso sport wagon. Must say
though, the price and internal space in the Skoda Superb really was starting
to persuade me, but I just couldn't manage without an Alfa on the drive!

On 06/03/2012 11:51, GT wrote:
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> My 156 2.0JTS is nearly 10 years old now (Oct 2002). 106k miles. Original
>>> exhaust. 1 careful owner, but we need an estate for the growing family +
>>> now
>>> a dog. I'm looking at a 3 yr old 159 1.9 JTDM 16v sportwagon, but have to
>>> decide what to do with my 156.
>>>
>>> What's the group concensus: Do I trade in the 156 for the £500 they
>>> offered
>>> me, stick it on ebay or send it for auction myself. I can't be bothered
>>> with
>>> the hassle of a private (normal) sale (I realise this is my best option
>>> fincially).
>>>
>>> Anyone know what it might fetch at auction?
>>>
>>> Condition is mechanically good, cosmetically average - wing mirror
>>> triangular mount points are corroded, but only cosmetic. Tyres all pretty
>>> new, 3/4 tread remains all round. 2 small scuffs on rear bumpers and a
>>> whiney noised from the aircon unit, but its mechanically good.
>>
>> eBay.
>>
>> No reserve, £1 start.
>>
>> The market will decide how much it's worth - but I'd be hoping for
>> double what the trade-in offer was.
>> --
>> SteveH
>
> I had considered it, but looking at completed sales for cars like mine. Went
> for £266, £510, £560. I got £500 as a trade and there is no come-back on me
> and no hassle of people coming to see it etc etc.
>
> Deal is done. Collect the 159 sw on friday (hopefully). I've insisted that
> they change the timing belt and water pump for me as it would be due at the
> next service anyway. Got a little money off the price as well (through a
> friend in the group), so I'm fairly happy with the deal. Getting a '58 plate
> 2009 159, facelift version 1.9 JTDM 16v 150 Lusso sport wagon. Must say
> though, the price and internal space in the Skoda Superb really was starting
> to persuade me, but I just couldn't manage without an Alfa on the drive!
>
>
I've had a sad day too.

Mine is slightly different though. I had a 156 1.9 JTD 2005 facelift
50,000 miles & a 159 SW 1.9JTD 16V 2008 22,000 miles.

I kept the 156!

I liked the look of the 159 and the leather seats and lots more besides.
I COULDN'T come to terms with 36 mpg, extortionate 225 50 r17 tyres. The
car was sold to me promising 47 mpg combined and 39 mpg was the best I
could do driving conservatively. The 156 I can drive like a nutter and
get the 47 mpg. And the 156 feels like an Alfa while the nice looking
159 feels like a Vauxhall.

I am ashamed to say I have replaced the 159 with an Audi A4 Avant. I was
stuck in motorway traffic at 60 mph for a 45 mile trip and returned 58
mpg......couldn't dream about that in the 159.

I hope you have more luck with your 159 but I'm sticking with my 156 for
my fun. I think Alfa is finished. I think I have had my last one. I
managed 6 from the Alfa Junior of the 70's.....all were true Alfa's
except the 159.

Adios amigo

"Jim" > wrote in message
eb.com...
> On 06/03/2012 11:51, GT wrote:
>> > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> My 156 2.0JTS is nearly 10 years old now (Oct 2002). 106k miles.
>>>> Original
>>>> exhaust. 1 careful owner, but we need an estate for the growing family
>>>> +
>>>> now
>>>> a dog. I'm looking at a 3 yr old 159 1.9 JTDM 16v sportwagon, but have
>>>> to
>>>> decide what to do with my 156.
>>>>
>>>> What's the group concensus: Do I trade in the 156 for the £500 they
>>>> offered
>>>> me, stick it on ebay or send it for auction myself. I can't be bothered
>>>> with
>>>> the hassle of a private (normal) sale (I realise this is my best option
>>>> fincially).
>>>>
>>>> Anyone know what it might fetch at auction?
>>>>
>>>> Condition is mechanically good, cosmetically average - wing mirror
>>>> triangular mount points are corroded, but only cosmetic. Tyres all
>>>> pretty
>>>> new, 3/4 tread remains all round. 2 small scuffs on rear bumpers and a
>>>> whiney noised from the aircon unit, but its mechanically good.
>>>
>>> eBay.
>>>
>>> No reserve, £1 start.
>>>
>>> The market will decide how much it's worth - but I'd be hoping for
>>> double what the trade-in offer was.
>>> --
>>> SteveH
>>
>> I had considered it, but looking at completed sales for cars like mine.
>> Went
>> for £266, £510, £560. I got £500 as a trade and there is no come-back on
>> me
>> and no hassle of people coming to see it etc etc.
>>
>> Deal is done. Collect the 159 sw on friday (hopefully). I've insisted
>> that
>> they change the timing belt and water pump for me as it would be due at
>> the
>> next service anyway. Got a little money off the price as well (through a
>> friend in the group), so I'm fairly happy with the deal. Getting a '58
>> plate
>> 2009 159, facelift version 1.9 JTDM 16v 150 Lusso sport wagon. Must say
>> though, the price and internal space in the Skoda Superb really was
>> starting
>> to persuade me, but I just couldn't manage without an Alfa on the drive!
>>
>>
> I've had a sad day too.
>
> Mine is slightly different though. I had a 156 1.9 JTD 2005 facelift
> 50,000 miles & a 159 SW 1.9JTD 16V 2008 22,000 miles.
>
> I kept the 156!
>
> I liked the look of the 159 and the leather seats and lots more besides. I
> COULDN'T come to terms with 36 mpg, extortionate 225 50 r17 tyres. The car
> was sold to me promising 47 mpg combined and 39 mpg was the best I could
> do driving conservatively. The 156 I can drive like a nutter and get the
> 47 mpg. And the 156 feels like an Alfa while the nice looking 159 feels
> like a Vauxhall.
>
> I am ashamed to say I have replaced the 159 with an Audi A4 Avant. I was
> stuck in motorway traffic at 60 mph for a 45 mile trip and returned 58
> mpg......couldn't dream about that in the 159.
>
> I hope you have more luck with your 159 but I'm sticking with my 156 for
> my fun. I think Alfa is finished. I think I have had my last one. I
> managed 6 from the Alfa Junior of the 70's.....all were true Alfa's except
> the 159.
>
> Adios amigo

That's a shame - I got similar consumption from my 156 2.0 JTS petrol
engine. Not sure why your 159 1.9D was so low!

"GT" > wrote in message
eb.com...
> "Jim" > wrote in message
> eb.com...
>> On 06/03/2012 11:51, GT wrote:
>>> > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> My 156 2.0JTS is nearly 10 years old now (Oct 2002). 106k miles.
>>>>> Original
>>>>> exhaust. 1 careful owner, but we need an estate for the growing family
>>>>> +
>>>>> now
>>>>> a dog. I'm looking at a 3 yr old 159 1.9 JTDM 16v sportwagon, but have
>>>>> to
>>>>> decide what to do with my 156.
>>>>>
>>>>> What's the group concensus: Do I trade in the 156 for the £500 they
>>>>> offered
>>>>> me, stick it on ebay or send it for auction myself. I can't be
>>>>> bothered
>>>>> with
>>>>> the hassle of a private (normal) sale (I realise this is my best
>>>>> option
>>>>> fincially).
>>>>>
>>>>> Anyone know what it might fetch at auction?
>>>>>
>>>>> Condition is mechanically good, cosmetically average - wing mirror
>>>>> triangular mount points are corroded, but only cosmetic. Tyres all
>>>>> pretty
>>>>> new, 3/4 tread remains all round. 2 small scuffs on rear bumpers and a
>>>>> whiney noised from the aircon unit, but its mechanically good.
>>>>
>>>> eBay.
>>>>
>>>> No reserve, £1 start.
>>>>
>>>> The market will decide how much it's worth - but I'd be hoping for
>>>> double what the trade-in offer was.
>>>> --
>>>> SteveH
>>>
>>> I had considered it, but looking at completed sales for cars like mine.
>>> Went
>>> for £266, £510, £560. I got £500 as a trade and there is no come-back on
>>> me
>>> and no hassle of people coming to see it etc etc.
>>>
>>> Deal is done. Collect the 159 sw on friday (hopefully). I've insisted
>>> that
>>> they change the timing belt and water pump for me as it would be due at
>>> the
>>> next service anyway. Got a little money off the price as well (through a
>>> friend in the group), so I'm fairly happy with the deal. Getting a '58
>>> plate
>>> 2009 159, facelift version 1.9 JTDM 16v 150 Lusso sport wagon. Must say
>>> though, the price and internal space in the Skoda Superb really was
>>> starting
>>> to persuade me, but I just couldn't manage without an Alfa on the drive!
>>>
>>>
>> I've had a sad day too.
>>
>> Mine is slightly different though. I had a 156 1.9 JTD 2005 facelift
>> 50,000 miles & a 159 SW 1.9JTD 16V 2008 22,000 miles.
>>
>> I kept the 156!
>>
>> I liked the look of the 159 and the leather seats and lots more besides.
>> I COULDN'T come to terms with 36 mpg, extortionate 225 50 r17 tyres. The
>> car was sold to me promising 47 mpg combined and 39 mpg was the best I
>> could do driving conservatively. The 156 I can drive like a nutter and
>> get the 47 mpg. And the 156 feels like an Alfa while the nice looking 159
>> feels like a Vauxhall.
>>
>> I am ashamed to say I have replaced the 159 with an Audi A4 Avant. I was
>> stuck in motorway traffic at 60 mph for a 45 mile trip and returned 58
>> mpg......couldn't dream about that in the 159.
>>
>> I hope you have more luck with your 159 but I'm sticking with my 156 for
>> my fun. I think Alfa is finished. I think I have had my last one. I
>> managed 6 from the Alfa Junior of the 70's.....all were true Alfa's
>> except the 159.
>>
>> Adios amigo
>
> That's a shame - I got similar consumption from my 156 2.0 JTS petrol
> engine. Not sure why your 159 1.9D was so low!

In fact, your Audi isn't doing too well either - I got 50mpg on a 60mph run
in my 2.0 petrol 156!

On 07/03/2012 16:23, GT wrote:
> > wrote in message
> eb.com...
>> > wrote in message
>> eb.com...
>>> On 06/03/2012 11:51, GT wrote:
>>>> > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> My 156 2.0JTS is nearly 10 years old now (Oct 2002). 106k miles.
>>>>>> Original
>>>>>> exhaust. 1 careful owner, but we need an estate for the growing family
>>>>>> +
>>>>>> now
>>>>>> a dog. I'm looking at a 3 yr old 159 1.9 JTDM 16v sportwagon, but have
>>>>>> to
>>>>>> decide what to do with my 156.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What's the group concensus: Do I trade in the 156 for the £500 they
>>>>>> offered
>>>>>> me, stick it on ebay or send it for auction myself. I can't be
>>>>>> bothered
>>>>>> with
>>>>>> the hassle of a private (normal) sale (I realise this is my best
>>>>>> option
>>>>>> fincially).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Anyone know what it might fetch at auction?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Condition is mechanically good, cosmetically average - wing mirror
>>>>>> triangular mount points are corroded, but only cosmetic. Tyres all
>>>>>> pretty
>>>>>> new, 3/4 tread remains all round. 2 small scuffs on rear bumpers and a
>>>>>> whiney noised from the aircon unit, but its mechanically good.
>>>>>
>>>>> eBay.
>>>>>
>>>>> No reserve, £1 start.
>>>>>
>>>>> The market will decide how much it's worth - but I'd be hoping for
>>>>> double what the trade-in offer was.
>>>>> --
>>>>> SteveH
>>>>
>>>> I had considered it, but looking at completed sales for cars like mine.
>>>> Went
>>>> for £266, £510, £560. I got £500 as a trade and there is no come-back on
>>>> me
>>>> and no hassle of people coming to see it etc etc.
>>>>
>>>> Deal is done. Collect the 159 sw on friday (hopefully). I've insisted
>>>> that
>>>> they change the timing belt and water pump for me as it would be due at
>>>> the
>>>> next service anyway. Got a little money off the price as well (through a
>>>> friend in the group), so I'm fairly happy with the deal. Getting a '58
>>>> plate
>>>> 2009 159, facelift version 1.9 JTDM 16v 150 Lusso sport wagon. Must say
>>>> though, the price and internal space in the Skoda Superb really was
>>>> starting
>>>> to persuade me, but I just couldn't manage without an Alfa on the drive!
>>>>
>>>>
>>> I've had a sad day too.
>>>
>>> Mine is slightly different though. I had a 156 1.9 JTD 2005 facelift
>>> 50,000 miles& a 159 SW 1.9JTD 16V 2008 22,000 miles.
>>>
>>> I kept the 156!
>>>
>>> I liked the look of the 159 and the leather seats and lots more besides.
>>> I COULDN'T come to terms with 36 mpg, extortionate 225 50 r17 tyres. The
>>> car was sold to me promising 47 mpg combined and 39 mpg was the best I
>>> could do driving conservatively. The 156 I can drive like a nutter and
>>> get the 47 mpg. And the 156 feels like an Alfa while the nice looking 159
>>> feels like a Vauxhall.
>>>
>>> I am ashamed to say I have replaced the 159 with an Audi A4 Avant. I was
>>> stuck in motorway traffic at 60 mph for a 45 mile trip and returned 58
>>> mpg......couldn't dream about that in the 159.
>>>
>>> I hope you have more luck with your 159 but I'm sticking with my 156 for
>>> my fun. I think Alfa is finished. I think I have had my last one. I
>>> managed 6 from the Alfa Junior of the 70's.....all were true Alfa's
>>> except the 159.
>>>
>>> Adios amigo
>>
>> That's a shame - I got similar consumption from my 156 2.0 JTS petrol
>> engine. Not sure why your 159 1.9D was so low!
>
> In fact, your Audi isn't doing too well either - I got 50mpg on a 60mph run
> in my 2.0 petrol 156!
>
>



All I wanted to get over was, I wish I had had a meaningful test drive.
I wouldn't have bought the 159. Whereas the 156 is nimble and Alfa like,
the 159 was unexciting and Vauxhall like. If it's not too late, take a
good long drive. Hopefully my dislike might be attributed to the diesel
engine.

Very best of luck.

"Jim" > wrote in message
b.com...
> On 07/03/2012 16:23, GT wrote:
>> > wrote in message
>> eb.com...
>>> > wrote in message
>>> eb.com...
>>>> On 06/03/2012 11:51, GT wrote:
>>>>> > wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>> > wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> My 156 2.0JTS is nearly 10 years old now (Oct 2002). 106k miles.
>>>>>>> Original
>>>>>>> exhaust. 1 careful owner, but we need an estate for the growing
>>>>>>> family
>>>>>>> +
>>>>>>> now
>>>>>>> a dog. I'm looking at a 3 yr old 159 1.9 JTDM 16v sportwagon, but
>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> decide what to do with my 156.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> What's the group concensus: Do I trade in the 156 for the £500 they
>>>>>>> offered
>>>>>>> me, stick it on ebay or send it for auction myself. I can't be
>>>>>>> bothered
>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>> the hassle of a private (normal) sale (I realise this is my best
>>>>>>> option
>>>>>>> fincially).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Anyone know what it might fetch at auction?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Condition is mechanically good, cosmetically average - wing mirror
>>>>>>> triangular mount points are corroded, but only cosmetic. Tyres all
>>>>>>> pretty
>>>>>>> new, 3/4 tread remains all round. 2 small scuffs on rear bumpers and
>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>> whiney noised from the aircon unit, but its mechanically good.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> eBay.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> No reserve, £1 start.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The market will decide how much it's worth - but I'd be hoping for
>>>>>> double what the trade-in offer was.
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> SteveH
>>>>>
>>>>> I had considered it, but looking at completed sales for cars like
>>>>> mine.
>>>>> Went
>>>>> for £266, £510, £560. I got £500 as a trade and there is no come-back
>>>>> on
>>>>> me
>>>>> and no hassle of people coming to see it etc etc.
>>>>>
>>>>> Deal is done. Collect the 159 sw on friday (hopefully). I've insisted
>>>>> that
>>>>> they change the timing belt and water pump for me as it would be due
>>>>> at
>>>>> the
>>>>> next service anyway. Got a little money off the price as well (through
>>>>> a
>>>>> friend in the group), so I'm fairly happy with the deal. Getting a '58
>>>>> plate
>>>>> 2009 159, facelift version 1.9 JTDM 16v 150 Lusso sport wagon. Must
>>>>> say
>>>>> though, the price and internal space in the Skoda Superb really was
>>>>> starting
>>>>> to persuade me, but I just couldn't manage without an Alfa on the
>>>>> drive!
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> I've had a sad day too.
>>>>
>>>> Mine is slightly different though. I had a 156 1.9 JTD 2005 facelift
>>>> 50,000 miles& a 159 SW 1.9JTD 16V 2008 22,000 miles.
>>>>
>>>> I kept the 156!
>>>>
>>>> I liked the look of the 159 and the leather seats and lots more
>>>> besides.
>>>> I COULDN'T come to terms with 36 mpg, extortionate 225 50 r17 tyres.
>>>> The
>>>> car was sold to me promising 47 mpg combined and 39 mpg was the best I
>>>> could do driving conservatively. The 156 I can drive like a nutter and
>>>> get the 47 mpg. And the 156 feels like an Alfa while the nice looking
>>>> 159
>>>> feels like a Vauxhall.
>>>>
>>>> I am ashamed to say I have replaced the 159 with an Audi A4 Avant. I
>>>> was
>>>> stuck in motorway traffic at 60 mph for a 45 mile trip and returned 58
>>>> mpg......couldn't dream about that in the 159.
>>>>
>>>> I hope you have more luck with your 159 but I'm sticking with my 156
>>>> for
>>>> my fun. I think Alfa is finished. I think I have had my last one. I
>>>> managed 6 from the Alfa Junior of the 70's.....all were true Alfa's
>>>> except the 159.
>>>>
>>>> Adios amigo
>>>
>>> That's a shame - I got similar consumption from my 156 2.0 JTS petrol
>>> engine. Not sure why your 159 1.9D was so low!
>>
>> In fact, your Audi isn't doing too well either - I got 50mpg on a 60mph
>> run
>> in my 2.0 petrol 156!
>>
>>
>
> All I wanted to get over was, I wish I had had a meaningful test drive. I
> wouldn't have bought the 159. Whereas the 156 is nimble and Alfa like, the
> 159 was unexciting and Vauxhall like. If it's not too late, take a good
> long drive. Hopefully my dislike might be attributed to the diesel engine.
>
> Very best of luck.

I took it for a test drive - town driving + dual carriageway. Not as quick,
nimble or flexible in the gears as my 156 (20mph still pulls in 5th in the
petrol), but I have a family and a labrador to transport around these days,
so its the sensible choice!

On 08/03/2012 09:41, GT wrote:
> > wrote in message
> b.com...
>> On 07/03/2012 16:23, GT wrote:
>>> > wrote in message
>>> eb.com...
>>>> > wrote in message
>>>> eb.com...
>>>>> On 06/03/2012 11:51, GT wrote:
>>>>>> > wrote in message
>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>> > wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> My 156 2.0JTS is nearly 10 years old now (Oct 2002). 106k miles.
>>>>>>>> Original
>>>>>>>> exhaust. 1 careful owner, but we need an estate for the growing
>>>>>>>> family
>>>>>>>> +
>>>>>>>> now
>>>>>>>> a dog. I'm looking at a 3 yr old 159 1.9 JTDM 16v sportwagon, but
>>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>> decide what to do with my 156.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> What's the group concensus: Do I trade in the 156 for the £500 they
>>>>>>>> offered
>>>>>>>> me, stick it on ebay or send it for auction myself. I can't be
>>>>>>>> bothered
>>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>>> the hassle of a private (normal) sale (I realise this is my best
>>>>>>>> option
>>>>>>>> fincially).
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Anyone know what it might fetch at auction?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Condition is mechanically good, cosmetically average - wing mirror
>>>>>>>> triangular mount points are corroded, but only cosmetic. Tyres all
>>>>>>>> pretty
>>>>>>>> new, 3/4 tread remains all round. 2 small scuffs on rear bumpers and
>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>> whiney noised from the aircon unit, but its mechanically good.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> eBay.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> No reserve, £1 start.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The market will decide how much it's worth - but I'd be hoping for
>>>>>>> double what the trade-in offer was.
>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>> SteveH
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I had considered it, but looking at completed sales for cars like
>>>>>> mine.
>>>>>> Went
>>>>>> for £266, £510, £560. I got £500 as a trade and there is no come-back
>>>>>> on
>>>>>> me
>>>>>> and no hassle of people coming to see it etc etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Deal is done. Collect the 159 sw on friday (hopefully). I've insisted
>>>>>> that
>>>>>> they change the timing belt and water pump for me as it would be due
>>>>>> at
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> next service anyway. Got a little money off the price as well (through
>>>>>> a
>>>>>> friend in the group), so I'm fairly happy with the deal. Getting a '58
>>>>>> plate
>>>>>> 2009 159, facelift version 1.9 JTDM 16v 150 Lusso sport wagon. Must
>>>>>> say
>>>>>> though, the price and internal space in the Skoda Superb really was
>>>>>> starting
>>>>>> to persuade me, but I just couldn't manage without an Alfa on the
>>>>>> drive!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>> I've had a sad day too.
>>>>>
>>>>> Mine is slightly different though. I had a 156 1.9 JTD 2005 facelift
>>>>> 50,000 miles& a 159 SW 1.9JTD 16V 2008 22,000 miles.
>>>>>
>>>>> I kept the 156!
>>>>>
>>>>> I liked the look of the 159 and the leather seats and lots more
>>>>> besides.
>>>>> I COULDN'T come to terms with 36 mpg, extortionate 225 50 r17 tyres.
>>>>> The
>>>>> car was sold to me promising 47 mpg combined and 39 mpg was the best I
>>>>> could do driving conservatively. The 156 I can drive like a nutter and
>>>>> get the 47 mpg. And the 156 feels like an Alfa while the nice looking
>>>>> 159
>>>>> feels like a Vauxhall.
>>>>>
>>>>> I am ashamed to say I have replaced the 159 with an Audi A4 Avant. I
>>>>> was
>>>>> stuck in motorway traffic at 60 mph for a 45 mile trip and returned 58
>>>>> mpg......couldn't dream about that in the 159.
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope you have more luck with your 159 but I'm sticking with my 156
>>>>> for
>>>>> my fun. I think Alfa is finished. I think I have had my last one. I
>>>>> managed 6 from the Alfa Junior of the 70's.....all were true Alfa's
>>>>> except the 159.
>>>>>
>>>>> Adios amigo
>>>>
>>>> That's a shame - I got similar consumption from my 156 2.0 JTS petrol
>>>> engine. Not sure why your 159 1.9D was so low!
>>>
>>> In fact, your Audi isn't doing too well either - I got 50mpg on a 60mph
>>> run
>>> in my 2.0 petrol 156!
>>>
>>>
>>
>> All I wanted to get over was, I wish I had had a meaningful test drive. I
>> wouldn't have bought the 159. Whereas the 156 is nimble and Alfa like, the
>> 159 was unexciting and Vauxhall like. If it's not too late, take a good
>> long drive. Hopefully my dislike might be attributed to the diesel engine.
>>
>> Very best of luck.
>
> I took it for a test drive - town driving + dual carriageway. Not as quick,
> nimble or flexible in the gears as my 156 (20mph still pulls in 5th in the
> petrol), but I have a family and a labrador to transport around these days,
> so its the sensible choice!
>
>

Great. It sounds like it doesn't suffer like the diesel. I always
preferred the petrol Alfas, just found it hard to justify the expense.
But with the problems of the DPF looming, it's probably more economical
overall these days.

Good luck and happy driving. I remain envious of Alfa drivers when
sitting in anything but my 156.....most of my miles are in a Fiat Doblo
van.....very similar engine....very different feeling!

"SteveH" > wrote in message
...
> Jim > wrote:
>
>> Great. It sounds like it doesn't suffer like the diesel. I always
>> preferred the petrol Alfas, just found it hard to justify the expense.
>> But with the problems of the DPF looming, it's probably more economical
>> overall these days.
>>
>> Good luck and happy driving. I remain envious of Alfa drivers when
>> sitting in anything but my 156.....most of my miles are in a Fiat Doblo
>> van.....very similar engine....very different feeling!
>
> If I were buying a 159 right now, it would be the 1750TBi.

For fun, yes. But for the wallet??

Jim spoke:
> I liked the look of the 159 and the leather seats and lots more besides.
> I COULDN'T come to terms with 36 mpg, extortionate 225 50 r17 tyres. The
> car was sold to me promising 47 mpg combined and 39 mpg was the best I
> could do driving conservatively. The 156 I can drive like a nutter and
> get the 47 mpg. And the 156 feels like an Alfa while the nice looking
> 159 feels like a Vauxhall.

My 156 1.9jtd consistently returns 40mpg - that's over a tankfull with
mixed pootling around, short runs to the shops, and balls to the world or
stop driving.

IKWYM about the 159 - from the outside it looks good (although if I could
swap the headlights on my 156 facelift for the 159's you would be hard
pressed to tell the difference) but from the drivers seat it just does not
scream ALFA! as older models do.

--
Rob Pearson
156 1.9jtd sportwagon (now)
164 V6 Lusso (gone)
147 2.0TS lusso (Hers)