Why does the battery on my Alfa Romeo 159 TI discharge after two weeks without use?

Last year I purchased an Alfa Romeo 159 TI from new. I was travelling 50 miles to and from work each day. Initially the car was near perfect and I certainly had no complaints. In January this year I changed...

Is the Alfa Romeo GT's new 170hp engine reliable?

I have been looking at the Alfa GT last special edition. If I kept it for a few years, the costs of buying a soon-to-be-replaced model would lessen and the car is packed with features and remains a thing...

Is it safe to buy an Alfa Romeo Giulietta pre-reg from an online company?

I'm considering selling my W-reg Alfa Romeo 156 Selespeed (owned from new and a sheer joy) for a new Giulietta. There's a firm on the web which is offering more than £2000 off dealer list price, and although...

Can you recommend a small, 'premium' car with more space than a BMW MINI?

My mother currently has a BMW MINI (her second) and she really likes the quality, quirkiness and reliability of the car. However it is now used as an only car for her and my dad, and is not big enough...

Should I buy a petrol or diesel Alfa Romeo 159, Volvo S40 or Saab 9-3 for short trips?

I have a 10-year-old petrol Volkswagen Passat which I'd like to replace with something newer, no more than six years old. I have been looking at diesel Alfa Romeos, Volvos and Saabs but I'm beginning to...

Midlife carsis

At the moment I'm driving a VW Golf 1.6 and am planning to buy a new car but can't decide what. I'm nearly 53, the kids don't live at home and the dog's gone to the happy hunting ground in the sky so for...

Heavy breather

Could you tell me if you think the new FIAT (I think it is called a Ventiguila or something like that) coming on the market in July with a 1,400cc engine might be a good idea? Would the Toyota Prius be...

Which sensible but fun car could I buy to replace my Subaru Impreza WRX?

I currently own an '08 plate Subaru Impreza WRX which I love dearly but, having been caught speeding (39 in a 30 zone!) earlier this year, I now have three points on my licence and my insurance premium...

Do you recommend any paint finishes for bodywork that preserve the condition?

I have just bought an Alfa 159, and I want to keep its bodywork in tip top condition. I've heard about finishes that can be applied after external valeting that protect the finished surface and keep the...

The sin of lus

Recently I purchased an Alfa 159 Lusso JTDM 1.9 SportWagon. Its lovely to drive in every respect, except after 600 miles (3 motorway journeys) all at normal speeds mostly 4-5 and 6th gear, the car only...