Diesels can sound good (Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD)

Member Name: puntomatt

Product:	Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD
Date:	22/01/09 (468 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Torque, lots of torque

Disadvantages: Wasn't meant to be worked on but has problems

I've owned my Alfa Romeo 156 JTD for 2 years now and it still puts a big smile on by bearded face everytime I get behind the wheel.

I was never a fan of diesels but when I killed my last car in the great floods of 2006 I thought what the hell...gimme a big car with a big engine.

I found the 2.4 and took a test drive, the torque was mindblowing and the noise from that five pot at full throttle tightened my trousers, I bought it straight away.

As mentioned the fuel consumption should be good for 42mpg but the best I ever got was 36mpg on a drive from Glasgow to London, I suppose a torn boost pipe held together with cable ties didn't help lol

Now I know Alfa have a reputation for being unreliable but this is misleading, all cars outside Japan have reliablity issues. Yes I've had my fair share of problems with my car but it's always niggly things like the battery terminal constantly slipping off and the undertray falling off but nothing serious. One annoyance is that the car seems like it was built to be never taken apart, even the simplest jobs, such as changing a bulb or air filter, and you'll be cursing as you slice off your fingers. The engine however is bulletproof, it'll go on forever...it's the ancilleries that'll fail.

Because it's a turbo diesel you can easily get the engine remapped in about 10 minutes taking the 136 model nearly upto 190bhp - insane torque as well, accelertion in gear is frightening. The later 140/150 model can reach nealy 210bhp!!! The next best upgrade is the AR Q2 limited slip differential, fit one of these when changing the clutch and you'll find you can now go round corners, and go round them fast. Traction in rain and on ice is also vastly improved. These should be fitted to every car as standard.

This car is exceptionally comfortable (but can be clattery over potholes) and it's styling ensures it's the sexiest saloon ever produced - the hidden rear handles makes the car look like a coupe.

I know I've spent a good chunk of cash getting this car ship shape but I'd buy another...maybe the V6.

Summary: Very quick car for very cheap money but be cautious

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