The 156 is a compact class executive car by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo, produced from 1997 until 2007, the car has been famous for appearing in numerous Hollywood films and being a particular favorite on BBC’s Top Gear. It is a general consensus among the automotive press that one cannot be a true “petrol-head” until he’s driven an Alfa Romeo.
The car is available as both a 4-door saloon as well as a proper station wagon, and the range has over 7 different engine configurations; you can choose to have 5 petrol engines spanning displacements of 1.6 through 3.2 liters, while the 2 diesels are 1.9 and 2.4 liter respectively. The Alfa Romeo 3.2 liter V6 is the highly coveted model of the range and there are plenty out there that can be had for a bargain.
Buying One second Hand:
You would imagine that a car as gorgeous as the Alfa Romeo 156 and a car that drives so well would be a posh choice even in the second hand market. You’d be wrong! Alfa Romeos aren’t exactly famous for their build quality, and their legendary lack of any sort of reliability is a real value killer. In fact, the depreciation on these cars is so bad that it loses two thirds of its value in just over 3 years. So essentially, you’re paying bottom-end bucks for something that is almost brand new. Despite Alfa’s terrible customer service, you can’t really complain on a car that costs so little in the first place.
What To Look Out For:
Alfas have been known to have the worst kind of electrics ever put on a vehicle, though this happens across all cars manufactured in Italy… Fiat, Lamborghini, Maserati, you name it. Another thing to look out for is the suspension and interiors; the suspension has been known to collapse after a few years, and the interior fittings will rattle and drop off any day! But this being an Alfa, it doesn’t matter.
Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon Performance:
This is the category where the Alfa Romeo 156 ticks all boxes. The engine (if maintained properly) is a real treat, it is always eager to rev hard, and makes the most melodic tune we’ve ever heard in a family car. Forget BMW, forget Mercedes, forget everything! When you’re behind the wheel of a 156 nothing else matters. The suspension is lively, corners very precisely, and (we can’t figure out how) very, very, comfortable. The interior is soothing too, and the overall design philosophy looks to be somewhat of a designer item.
Verdict:
“Alfa makes cars to be the absolute best that a car can be, briefly”. Alfas have always been about romance. When it comes to sheer driving pleasure, no car in the world offers a better experience for the money. Yes there are some petty faults here and there, and yes, the depreciation is a concern, and yes I suppose, maintenance can be tricky… But there is so much more that you gain from a 156 in terms of psychological satisfaction. The rarity, the novelty, and the idea that you’re driving something made by a company that has serious racing credentials second only to Ferrari will definitely put a smile to your face.