147 or 156

[Easyplan66]

now I have got my maserati I need a run around car. looking at alfa of course.
I am afraid it will have to be a diesel because of work miles.
Any suggestions I am thinking of a 147 with about 2.5k to spend

 

[BigFoot]

I used to have a 147, albeit a petrol version, and loved it. Better in all respects than the 156, but then I might be biased

 

[Easyplan66]

I also had a 156 from new but only 1.6 petrol.
tan leather interior and red, fantastic interior but very underpowered

 

[Andyk]

147 is the more modern car and a lovely looker...A friend had one and it was never out of the garage...but then I think he had a lemon....For me I think 156 with the face lift...Always loved the 156 and still a pretty car today...Such a lovely shape.

 

[davidhowson]

My wife has just bought herself a 147 2.0 Lusso selespeed and it is really well equiped and the Momo leather is fab.
Sadly, broke down last night on the way back from the airport - crank sensor has gone which I'm told is a common fault.
But I guess it wouldn't be Italian if it didn't come home on the back of a lorry occasionally!
Apart from that, she loves it!
-David-

 

[DaveT]

147 is nice car although I prefered the original look before they facelifted the front.
I've had a couple of 156's and a 147 - both great cars but I had petrols. Have to say I thought the 147 was slightly better screwed together inside.

If your budget is £2500 maybe not but how about best of both - a GT?

I had the 1.9 diesel a few years back and it was a belter.

Room in the back and a decent sized boot.

Cheers

Dave

 

[Andyk]

Just drive both and see which fits best....They both have the old Italian flare unlike the new stuff.

 

[reservoirfrog]

I had a 156 selespeed, loved it despite all the problems with it.
important to ckeck the oil on a regular basis, like every sat. morning.
gave it to my son who didn't & we scrapped it late last year. I would have another one if I need a run around car.

 

[Andyk]

How did you get on with the selespeed...Drove one and didn't like it as much as the manual...It was back in the day when these gear boxes were just coming out and I think they just didn't have it right.

 

[dem maser]

i dont like buying these cars with a low budget, i think you need 4k to get a decent alfa diesel or i agree with dave get a gt, i love the 147 but it will be problematic with it being a 10 year old italian

 

[dem maser]

to answer your question i prefer a 147 to a 156, get a diesel and get the gta alloys

 

[Andyk]

Can you get a GT for that sort of money?

 

[conaero]

GT is a fair call, but your looking at £5k starting for a ropy one. As for 156 over 147, it has to be the 156. I have had GTVs, 156's and test drove a TS 147 and hated it, it had none of the feel of the 156 and GTV and also felt heavy or underpowered. I dont know about the reliability of of the 147, but its all the same parts as the 156. I have the Sportwagon and would strongly recommend it.

The only problem with the GT (which is the best car our of the three by a country mile) is that is shares the same horrid dash as the 147, where the 156's dash is just pure art.

 

[reservoirfrog]

GT is a fair call, but your looking at £5k starting for a ropy one. As for 156 over 147, it has to be the 156. I have had GTVs, 156's and test drove a TS 147 and hated it, it had none of the feel of the 156 and GTV and also felt heavy or underpowered. I dont know about the reliability of of the 147, but its all the same parts as the 156. I have the Sportwagon and would strongly recommend it.

The only problem with the GT (which is the best car our of the three by a country mile) is that is shares the same horrid dash as the 147, where the 156's dash is just pure art.

I agree.
and with regards to the low budget on a previous post, sometimes thats all youv'e got. just remember that what you dont fork out at the front end will probable cost more in the back end.

 

[GhostyDog]

If you can get a facelift 156 1.9 jtdm for that money then that's probably the one, less fidgety on poor roads and in Ti spec lots of toys but your probably looking at a high miler although that's not a terrible thing the engine is bombproof.

 

[reservoirfrog]

and the good thing about a 156 is that when it finally gives up the ghost, the parts are worth more than the whole car.

 

[Andyk]

Got to agree with Matt..156 every time...I test drove a GTA version and loved it even though front wheel drive. 3.2 V6 last of the great Alfa engines.

 

[conaero]

Yes, the 156 phase 2 1.9 jtdm are the most desirable, but unfortunately its reflected in the price. I have been looking for this as a Sportwagon for over a year as a cat D salvage project, no luck yet.

 

[GhostyDog]

Yes, the 156 phase 2 1.9 jtdm are the most desirable, but unfortunately its reflected in the price. I have been looking for this as a Sportwagon for over a year as a cat D salvage project, no luck yet.

Don't quote me but I think it's phase 3, some later prefacelift cars had the facelift interior before the facelift came out.

 

[bounty_hunter78]

personally i would say a facelift 156. i had a TI JTD 2.4 facelift and loved it!

this one looks good http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1878063.htm

One of the reasons i have bought Alfa for the last 15 years is the fact they represent excellent value for money!

Have a look on alfaowners.com for useful info and advise, i'm a memeber and i think Ghosty is too