About

156-   1996-2007

Engines-1.6 TS petrol

              1.8 TS petrol

              2.0 TS petrol

              2.0 JTS petrol

              2.5 V6 petrol

              3.2 V6 petrol

              1.9 JTD diesel

              2.4 JTD diesel

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If you decide to buy 156 first thing you need to check is  gaps between the body panels,that's may be first sign that car had an accident.

With an age 156 can have  corrosion in the base of the front arches and at the bottom of the trunk lid, where water accumulates.Alfa Romeo doesn't have many problems with rust, but it's worth check the bottom.

Petrol or Diesel?Thats the Question

In diesel engines compression ratio more higher and load on materials is also high. Here the contribution of the high-pressure pump, and possible formation of cracks on the cylinder head,which is not repairable.

Its not a secret that alfa romeo requires  service and regularly oil checks.If you buying 156 ask what mark oil is filled (recommended Synthetic).156 engines are prone to use more oil,check the oil on cold engine and if it on lower or under lower level my suggestion would be, don't buy.Check service history,when timing belt was changed (recommended 40.000miles)and you should worry if its still wasn't changed at recommended limits. Do not warm up engine before the check, because many malfunction signs  is going away on warm engine.For  example- If you hear a diesel sound at startup and its not going away after few seconds the reason may be in the variator,and it needs replacement .On hot engine you may not to hear it.

Gearbox is reliable on this model(manual).Selespeed can have a problems,feedback's is not very good.

It is worth to pay attention on  suspension,especially front shocks, if you hear some noises when driving thru bumps or pits that means you have a problem, an its expensive to repair.

Check all electric system -windows,mirrors... etc.Before you buy the car