You're not a petrol head unless... (Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark)

Member Name: degsy70

Product:	Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark
Date:	03/02/09 (208 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Styling, engine

Disadvantages: Selespeed

I bought one of these cars about 4 years ago as I was taken aback by the styling. It had the sports interior which I have always loved with Alfas, the little touches like the driver dials angled away from the passenger seat (so they can't see what speed you're doing!).
I traded in a GTV as I needed something more practical and economical. The things I loved about the car....styling, engine, the fact it was an Alfa!
I must admit that after about a week of driving the selespeed I started to regret my purchase. Despite Alfa evolving the gearbox for years it actually was a nightmare to use. The gear changes were very slow to react and you had to master the art of using a combination of the paddle buttons on the wheel and the gearstick.
I lost a lot of money on the car in less than a year but if I was to buy one nowadays I would without question (not the Selespeed). When i came to sell the car dealers wouldn't go near it, as soon as you mentioned Selespeed they practically laughed. It was not one of Alfas finest pieces of engineering.
Nevertheless, I loved the car, I did drive a 2.5 V6 which made me very jealous and if I was looking for a fun run around I would buy one tomorrow. I put a high brow spoiler on the back which sounds horrendous but I assure you it really adds to the styling.
Go for leather, manual gearbox, full service history (with cam belt replaced) and you'll bag yourself a cracking car.

Summary: Great italian thoroughbred

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