Used Alfa Romeo 156

What to know before buying: Alfa Romeo 156

From 3 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Owners praise the 156 for its distinctive styling and elegance—one of the model’s main attractions.[1][2]156
• Reviews highlight enjoyable handling, comfort and brisk acceleration, although the firm suspension makes potholes clearly felt.[1][2]156
• The 2.0 Twin Spark is described as smooth, eager to rev and strong in acceleration, but it demands disciplined maintenance.[1][3]156

Typical faults

• Twin Spark and JTS engines can suffer variable-timing faults, signalled by diesel-like rattling, uneven idle, harder starting or timing errors.[1][3][4]156

  Twin Spark, JTS

• The Twin Spark timing drive is delicate: overdue replacement or cheap tensioners can cause belt failure and expensive engine damage.[1][3]156

  Twin Spark

• Front control arms, especially the upper ones, and anti-roll-bar bushes wear; rear hub-carrier bushes may also need regular attention.[1][3]156
• Rust typically begins at the sill seams and may spread along body seams from underneath; extensive corrosion suggests a severely tired car.[3]one source156
• Reported electrical faults include broken window switches, ABS, airbag and wiper issues, plus the immobiliser failing to recognise the key.[2][3]156
• On 1.9 and 2.4 JTD versions, inspect the intake, EGR, DPF, clutch and dual-mass flywheel from about 120,000 km; warning signs include power loss, errors and take-off vibration.[4]one source156

  120 000+ km · 1.9 JTD, 2.4 JTD

• The Selespeed automated manual requires full computer diagnostics, though even reassuring results cannot guarantee trouble-free ownership.[3]one source156

  2.0 Twin Spark

Which engine and version to take

• The 1.8 Twin Spark is recommended as the more sensible TS: it gives up little to the 2.0 but is regarded as less troublesome and longer-lived.[3]one source156
• The 1.9 JTD is described as a mechanically straightforward, reliable diesel; it is lighter than the 2.4 JTD and listed among the recommended choices.[3]one source156
• The 2.5 V6 is more reliable than the Twin Spark and has no variator, but servicing and potential repairs are considerably more expensive.[1][3]156

What to avoid

• The 2.0 Twin Spark is strong but carries warnings about shorter life, a delicate timing drive and costly failures; consider it only with convincing service history.[1][3]156
• Avoid a 2.0 Twin Spark with Selespeed unless it has undergone thorough specialist diagnostics; forum experience regards the combination as risky.[3]one source156

What to check at the inspection

• Start the engine fully cold, assess the idle and listen for rattling; then run full diagnostics and verify the service history.[3][4]156
• A metallic knock tied to engine speed or worsening under acceleration may indicate piston or bearing damage—walk away from such a car.[3]one source156
• Inspect the coolant: it should have a clear colour, not resemble brown sludge or contain floating oil patches. Open a hot system only with extreme care.[3]one source156
• Inspect the sill seams and entire underside for rust; extensive seam corrosion is a strong reason to reject the car.[3]one source156
• During the test drive, listen for suspension knocks and check wheel alignment; inability to align it may reveal previous crash damage.[2][3]156
• Test every electrical function, especially the windows, ABS, airbags, wipers and whether the immobiliser reliably recognises both keys.[3]one source156
• On a JTD, use diagnostics to inspect intake and DPF data and confirm a clear turbo surge on the road; weak, noisy, vibrating acceleration is a warning.[3][4]156

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Alfa Romeo 156 1998.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum
2. [2]auto.jautajums.lv — Alfa Romeo atsauksmes, modeļi, remonts | jautajums.lv · forum
3. [3]alfisti.by — Alfa Romeo 156 покупка - Форум Alfa Romeo · forum
4. [4]autoradars.lv — Alfa Romeo 156 156 (1997 - 2007): problēmas un riski · press

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