Tech Question - Anyone had dealings with an Alfa 159?

[Dan Le Moignan]

Guys, I'm still on the hunt for a car, got a fiesta 1.25 at the moment as can't find anything I like!
Criteria
Saloon 4 door, leather/ heated seats, diesel 2ltr ish and auto.
Max budget 10k. Max mileage 70k.
I don't have enough for a decent 320d BMW or 520d, lexus can't find a auto diesel, don't like mercs.
Was thinking a freelander but just don't think I need a 4x4, but I do want to tow a small trailer from time to time.
Tonight I stumbled on an Alfa 159, they look awesome and do 40mpg, leather/ auto box etc and about 10k gets a low mileage one.
Are Alfas still as bad as they used to be?
This is the one I'm intrested in;


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...?atmobcid=soc4

Thanks for any input, got cash burning a hole!!

[AGAR]

I'm surprised you can't find a decent 320d for less than £10K? My mate just bought a 320d SE with full service history and 80,000 miles for around £8K. I used to be all for the MSport models, but having been in it a few times, I can hoenstly say I'd be more than happy with the SE spec. His was an automatic and the box really suited to engine which I also found surprising given it wasn't a 6 cylinder.

[Dan Le Moignan]

They all seem to be high mileage or mega miles away from me!
It would have to have an M sport as I just don't like the styling of the se's.
Looked at Audi A4's but the non quattros have the problematic CVT gearbox, so looked for a quattro but the 2.7/3ltrs that most are will be back in late 20's early 30's mpg wise.

[kev 3dr]

brother has a dolphin grey 520d se he has lowered it and spaced the wheels and its totally transformed the way it looks so dont write of a se version

[Dan Le Moignan]

Problem is Kev if they are not spec'd with m sport interior you also get horrible steering wheel etc!
M sport is just a nice little package although I admit the se rides better with the softer suspension.
Think I will view the Alfa as its only in slough about 1hr 45 mins from me

[Dan Le Moignan]

Other personal problem with getting another 5 series is I would always be gutted that I sold the M5.

[russellsmith]

So the M5 wasn't for you then Dan?

My mate bought a black 2.0 tdi 2009 audi a4 s-line avant 80k odds on clock,quite nice spec with the l.e.d xenon lights at the front and full leather,sat nav etc...was a manual but he paid 10k for that,worth a look at those maybe

Although a think he got a bit of a bargain the way he was speaking,but you never know you might find one at that money.

[DrewWrc]

I always liked the look of the 159's&still do but tried a ti version&soon as I shut the door& started the Diesel engine you notice the quality between them&the BMW,you get what you pay for I suppose,pity cos they look
Wayne

[Darren]

Bad to say re alfa's. they're definitely not what they were but my mate has one and he's had nothing but trouble with it. Mainly electrics with problems ranging from minor niggles to complete electronic failure in the 3rd lane of the motorway at speed.

Having said that I'm sure there are lots of horror stories about all sorts of cars.

As has been said though I'm surprised you can't get a decent BMW for your budget. Is a 1 series too small ? Not sure how much they are now but a 123d is pretty fast and good mpg

[Dan Le Moignan]

Russ I loved the M5, best car I have owned, and sadly best car I will own for a little while now.
I'm sat in a house with no double glazing and no gas central heating and tbh mate I'm pee'd off with being cold and miserable!
Probably selfish that I got the M5 but I always rather look back and say I had what I wanted when I wanted rather wish I had bought x y z!.
So in short I wanted to release about 6k of funds to do the cave up or else I would have needed to sell some shares which I don't want to do.
Saying that the M5 was also costing 1k a month in fuel which looking back was excessive.
So what I'm trying to achieve is a nice looking car which is safe/ and fairly economical.
Ideally 5 star n cap as I have to drive on forest roads to get to work with deer/ horses/ pigs and donkeys and trees to hit!
In some ways the alfa appeals as its different to the bmw's etc.
Your mate got a bargain on the audi, plus I would have loads to choose from if I could have a manual, but truth is I'm too lazy to change gear!

[Dan Le Moignan]

I like the 1 series, I would have a 118d but they are just to small.
My friend had an alfa gt black line and loved it, no issues mechanically but did have paint issues, he bought it new so was all sorted.
He did say he prefered it to the merc cls he has now.
I've read up on some forums now and they have no glaring issues, so think I need to drive one and see how bad it is compared to my dads 320d that we will drive up in.

[russellsmith]

Ah i see mate,least you got it out of your system and ticked the M5 box,im the same as you great to have owned one but sickening going through so much fuel

At least you will be warm now with the new windows and that

Yeah the audi sounded cheap i've not actually seen it yet but sounds the right thing,think he was just in the right place at right time and got himself a bargain,and agree a car like that i'd really want it be auto as well

[DrewWrc]

1k a month on fuelhow many miles a week was you doing?

[Dan Le Moignan]

Not loads, but was filling it up at least twice a week, was getting about 200 miles to a tank I think, still loved every drive though, nothing round here even came close to getting past!