Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011) Review

Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011) At A Glance

4/5

+Stunning looks, good handling. Five-star crash test rating. 2.4 JTDM is a great diesel. 200PS 1750 TBi petrol from 2010.

-No spare wheel as standard. Problems with 1.9 diesel.

Insurance Groups are between 18–30
On average it achieves 85% of the official MPG figure

There's no doubt the Alfa Romeo 159 is a looker. Just like the Alfa 156 put the BMW 3 Series in the shade, the 159 does the same. But the 159 is styled by the master, Giorgetto Giugiaro, not Walter d'Silva who left and went to SEAT. All through my life my blood has been stirred by Giugiaro designs, starting with the 105 Series Giulia GT when he worked for Bertone. That was the poster on m bedroom wall and I eventually owned one in the 1970s. Whether the 159 quite does it in the same way as d'Silva's 156 is a vexed question. It's certainly a far more beautiful sight to open your garage doors to than a 3 Series.

Alfa Romeo 159 2006 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

85%

Real MPG

17–52 mpg

MPGs submitted

234

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

If I buy a car that's advertised with no faults, but one develops and wrecks the car - is this covered by the Consumer Rights Act?

"Let's say I bought a car and three months into ownership, the timing belt snaps and destroys the engine. Perhaps the water pump fails or a gearbox failure or the head gasket blows. Would these examples be covered under the Consumer Rights Act upon which the dealer would have to fix the issues? It's hard to gauge exactly what is covered and what is not. The car I am interested in is an Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDM Turismo with 100,000 miles on it. The dealer selling the car is an AA-Approved dealer and there is no mention of any existing faults."
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a great car, but the 1.9 JTDM has an awful record for reliability. I would recommend getting a comprehensive breakdown policy if you decide to take the plunge. However, to answer your original question, a car trader/dealer can generally be held liable for any faults that develop within the first six months. For your consumer rights, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-consumer-rights
Answered by Dan Powell

Alfa Romeo 159 broken down after 10 days

"I bought a 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 2.0 JTDM 10 days ago from a reputable car supermarket. On changing the water pump and cam belt, my local Alfa specialist has informed me that the DMF and clutch need replacing. The car supermarket has asked my local garage to provide them with a quote to fix it. Should I expect the car supermarket to pay the full bill? Or should I demand a full refund? "
Strictly speaking the car supermarket is liable because the fault must have been present or developing when you bought the car. Whether they take the car back or pay for the repair will depend on the Alfa specialist's quote. I don't think they will be liable for the timing belt and water pump unless they had previously agreed to pay for them or you could prove that they were overdue. See: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Honest John

Buying: new or used car?

"My Alfa Romeo 159 150bhp JTDM has been the best car I've ever owned but mileage and running costs are now getting high. I've had a few high bills and am considering changing. The problem I've found is that nothing satisfys me to drive or be in. Literally nothing compares to the Alfa. I cant find a car that's great to look at, reliable, fun to drive and interesting in its own right. I drove a DS5 and liked it and a new Megane GT line which were nice, as was a Mazda6. All diesel of course. BMWs and anything VAG do nothing for me and Ford's I find bland and common. Could you point me in the direction of a car that has it all. Size and number of doors aren't important but I'll steer clear of anything older than 11reg. New cars will also be considered."
I know exactly what you mean. These are great drivers cars. I rate Mazda 3s and Mazda 6s for a very nice balance between steering and handling for a front wheel drive car. Mazda 6s less so since the 2015 facelift.
Answered by Honest John

Should I repair small dents before part-exchanging?

"My son has owned a Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTD since 2009, which has 48,000 miles from new. It is a 2007 plate car and until two weeks ago was in very good condition. He was looking to change his car and putting the Alfa as part exchange unfortunately in the poor weather he slid into a low wall and scraped / dented the passenger front and rear doors.. With the age of the car and potential part-exchange value. is it worth him getting the car repaired or more cost effective to take the hit when exchanging?"
Get quotes for the work from a couple of bodyshops, then try a few dealers and see what they say. A dealer will always cost the time the car is being repaired and therefore unavailable for re-sale, so in theory, it should be better to get it fixed before offering it in p/x.
Answered by Honest John
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