Alfa Romeo 156 1999-2006 Review

Early models with "Twin Spark" four-cylinder engine require timing belt replacement every 50,000 km or 3 years. The interval was initially longer but was reduced due to premature timing belt failure. These engines are also prone to crankshaft bearing failure if the oil level falls too low.

Later "JTS" four-cylinder engine share the same issue as the earlier engines but also suffer from typical direction injection issues including carbon build-up and worn injectors.

V6 models have a longer timing belt replacement interval (110,000 km or 5 years) but premature timing belt failure is not uncommon.

Suspension parts wear quickly.

Selespeed transmissions are best avoided as they are generally not reliable.

Image credit: Damien O'Donovan, CC BY 2.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), via Wikimedia Commons