I own a 1.9 159 and I can tell you now, there hasn't been a single day I haven't looked back when parked up and thought, 'what a beautiful car'. Best looking 'affordable' car on the road today in my opinion. *2024 update I now have a 159 1750 Tbi and am in heaven.*
Sense for Obscurity Get a 2.0 or 2.4 Diesel / 1.75Tbi Petrol. 1.9 have weaker gear boxes, could be a £1000 repair if needed. Subframe check for rust, if holed, do not buy. If not, get it treated with surface rust removed, and waxoyl'ed on top / coated. Get the EGR blanked straight away and swirl flaps welded, £150 job. DPF can be removed as well to reduce a possible issue in the future. Also check front and rear bushes are not too badly worn (causes knocking). Otherwise you're good to go mate. Check service history for cambelt interval, needs doing every 50,000 miles. Clutches last 50-90,000. I bought my 1.9 for £3000 Sep 2015. So far I've spent £2700 on mechanical fixes, servicing e.t.c and £1700 on cosmetic things. They aren't cheap, but you get back what you put it with the sense you're driving something special. This isn't a BMW, Merc or Audi, this is a classy car, with style and elegance, but an aggressive face. Be prepared to shed some cash for the privilege. £3000 for a decent 1.9, £5000-£6500 for a decent 2.0, £4000-£5000 for a 2.4, and £6500-£9000 for a 1.75tbi which is the most modern petrol variant and the one with the fewest issues.
+TheIceWarrior It doesn't look cutting edge for 2016 but it's design has aged very little. Can't say the same for stuff like the E46 3 series and older Audi A4s.
Fun Fact: This race was filmed circa late 2005/early 2006 when the 159 was first released. In fact a snippet of this film can be seen in the Series 8 preview shown in the first episode of that series. It was supposed to feature in the 6th episode of series 8, however for some reason it just didn't make it into the final show. It was then supposed to air in Series 9 but when Richard had his massive Jet Dragster crash, the shooting schedule had to be put back. So series 9 had to be shortened to just 6 episodes (including the US Road Trip Special) so once again this film didn't make it into the final series. When Series 10 rolled around, it was finally decided to put the Alfa 159 review/race into the fifth episode. That explains why Hammond remarks that this car was released 2 years ago, when series 10 was released in 2007.
He once told in an Interview, that once a guy from the company which produced the shirt offered him as many free clothes as he wants if he would stop wearing that shirt on tv. Which James May of course refused.
Ironically... the most reliable car i ever had, was the Alfa 156, 2003. Never broke down, just one defective sensor for 48 Euro - thats it, covering 165.000 km in five years. After i crashed it i bought a Golf - broken clutch, transmission, dampers, electrics - the car was done at just about 90.000km.
I own a 3.2 Brera and a 159 Ti, and I can honestly say I haven't had any problems. Also I can assure you that whenever you walk up to your Brera and see it parked next to a Golf, you feel like you've made the right decision. When you're the type of person who appreciates design and details these cars are the ones to have. For example, the door handles are the same shape as the size indicator lenses. This timeless design will keep looking good for a loooooooong time!
I am always stunned by the beauty of a 159 with a well mantained body. The Brera is just out of this world, it will always be a head turner. Those 2 cars should be in the MoMA.
Top Gear featured cars MOT report Cars in this video: Brand: Alfa Romeo Model: License plate: RF55BOH Color: silver Fuel: petrol Engine capacity: 2,198 l Registration date: January 2006 MOT expired: 19th of November 2020 Mileage recorded on last MOT: Unknown Thank you for reading, this was your Top Gear featured cars MOT report
My friend has a 17 year old alfa 146, that car is still working just fine. It's actually not even slow, its faster than many modern day mid engine cars. Looks kinda badass too. The 159 is just beautiful.
Octavianus Augustus, i honestly don't have a problem with German cars nor do i know how reliable they are, but in my eyes they lack design. For example, the Golf is very popular here, but i find it extremely ugly.. pay 20 thousand euros for a car with zero design, inside or outside, for me would be a terrible idea.. Right now even Citroen has much better design than a Golf. The only car with "some" design is the sirocco, but the total outcome was a failure, it looks alright on the front and ugly in the back for some reason, its like a failed experiment. Im not trying to be bias here, i don't even own an italian or german car. I only go with Japan cuz reliable.
Buy one now, I did. The depreciation has already happened. Great modern car, 5 star safety and looks that will give a fizzing sensation in your genitals.
@@MrBurns-um2id I'm not the best to give you advice, I've only been driving Alfa for years (when you like to drive and try an Alfa, you get the virus and don't change..). Anyway I can assure you that I have never had any problems with my Alfa's (3 AR 75 and 1750 in the past, now Gtj, Spider, Sz and 159 SW as daily car), simply doing the correct maintenance by a GOOD mechanic. I must say that my 159 is a D Multijet, not a gasoline one, and is a reliable mule with an excellent engine and great road handling. I know the weak points are the suspension arms, a bit delicate: beware of the pavements. I really like the new Giulia but I'm sorry to change my 159, which I still find so beautiful and in perfect condition (2007!). Best regards
@@MrBurns-um2id I have had an alfa romeo 159 for almoust 18 years and still works. Ofcurse have had some repaird done over the years but still runs great.
@@MrBurns-um2id Don't know if this still is relevant but i gotta say, "newer" (post 2000) Alfa Romeos usually get a lot of crap because of older Alfa Romeos, out of all cars that I have owned, my 2011 159 SW has been my favourite by far. Never broken down and always started. All I've done to the car is change the front windshield (happens to all cars) and done regular maintenance. Oh and by the way, the car has done over 180000 miles and still feels pretty new even though it's the original gearbox, clutch and engine
@@MrBurns-um2id So I would 100% say that 159s are reliable, "newer" Alfas overall. My girlfriend has had both a MiTo and a Giulietta and none of them have had any problems. So if this is still relevant, I would say go for it, 159s are great cars
That's called a techno-rip, it's meant to be a compliment to something outrageously good at blending features or excelling technically,, omG lol but it is out of place in this car; this car looks poor - the Giulia looks the proper part
I love Alfa. not only great cars with soul, but they attract the most passionate car enthousiasts, which gives me hope for humankind. All these comments below me, most of them full of blue blooded petrolhead enthousiasm. That's the spirit of the 90's i miss so much these days. . FORZA ALFA!
turiqwalrus I don't care. It's worth it. Passion 'May' have a price. Alfas arent just vehicles. They're veins transporting temperament. There goes another coin.
I just bought a second hand 159 2.4 JTDM 6 speed manual as my first car, had it for two weeks. Hands down it is one of the best cars I have driven. Plus I am able to travel more than 1000km between tanks. The 2.4 is such a nice engine both smooth and quite, with mountains of torque
@@adodoes8770 mmm... Its tricky. The Brera has more exclusivity than the 159. If I was to have one complaint with the Brera is the complete lack of rear legroom. My ex had to have a journey in the rear, she was 5 foot and even she found it cramped! Reliability I have been quite lucky. No major faults mechanically to report and mine has nearly hit 100,000. Id say if you were to buy a 159/brera/939 spider, check the condition of the subframe, as they don't come with enough protection from the factory. Also the early 2006/07 models had a plastic plug on one of the coolant pipes, and when this goes it explodes coolant everywhere in the engine compartment. You can fix this yourself with the right sized bolt. If you love your music, the standard speaker system is naff, so either invest in an aftermarket setup or if you want a factory setup, the optional Bose system like I have is pretty decent. Whichever one you get though will no doubt be a head turner as its still one of the best looking cars on the road in my opinion.
The current Alfa 159 design has been around since 2005 & it's still a stunning looking head-turning car on the roads... You'll never get tired looking @ Italian cars...
Dhruv Dogra than a "new" 3 series? Nah mate i completely believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder and each to their own but interior wise; A modern BMW and a Modern Alfa is a fair comparison I'd accept such statement. But a early 2000's alfa has nothing on a 'Modern' BMW. You clearly haven't sat in a modern BMW
159 has everything but a beautiful interior. I just hate the way the dash board and the center console look. I can't deny that the exterior looks hot but the interior just lost me.
Alfa's? It's the best looking affordable car EVER and one of the best looking cars in general! I wouldn't be surprised if Italdesigne Giugiaro made it as a concept for Ferrari if it wasn't Alfa. This Car looks like something 10 times its price tag, and if cared for properly (changing fluids on time, and such) with Diesel (or big Petrol) engine, it is a really reliable car! Of course, it is not AS reliable as some of the German Cars, but it has something that these cars don't have: That feeling when parking by the shopping centre, looking back and seeing that front. This doesn't have to be the most reliable thing in the world, it is one of the most beautiful, and that's good enough excuse for it's minor flaws :)
I dont know what have gotten in you people. This car has a hideous front end and a basic side profile and basic lancer looking rear end. Also the wheels ain't all that
@@norman-str3ss88 I have an 159 "Rosso Rubino" and I have a coleague with a dark grey Giulia ,and his is uglier even if it is newer or better ,I wouldn t trade with him
@@norman-str3ss88 Really hasn't. I like the Guila, bit its CLEARLY been made with some compromise. Can you honestly say its design and shaping hasn't been influenced by the high end fleet cars (BMW, Audi etc)..? It absolutely has. I'd still rather have one than either of the aforementioned, but...Alfa's designers compromised...& therefore your comment doesn't hold up.
I tell you I've had almost every car under the sun. I love driving my 159 turbo diesel station.wagon Full option leather seats etc. It is a dream drive. So comfortable and a hell of a lot of performance. If you can find one buy it. You'll be grinning every time you jump in it. 220 kilo per hour is a breeze
Designed by Giugiaro. Even has his badge on the front guard. How many other cars have that? I love that he references the 72 GTV (which he also designed) in the side and doors profile. The section in front of the front wheel is a bit like a racing GTV with the bumper removed. Had mine 12 months. Love it. Pity the new models look like bugs instead of felines.
I owned a 159 2.4 JTDM from 2011 to 2017 and still miss it. Sure, it had some minor quirks - it would very occasionally lose power when stomping hard on the accelerator and for the entire time I owned it, the SatNav was convinced we were in central Paris. But that was it really. I regularly used it for my twice-weekly Kent to Yorkshire commute and it never let me down. It was a fine car.
After a 145 Quadrifoglio, I've now got a 1'4 litre Mito turbo , which I have converted to ethanol. Goes like a train . For a little car (suits me at my advanced age) it handles great , 155hp suits me just fine . I love it .
Bought a black 159 occassion the day before yesterday. Could not be happier! Still one of the best looking cars on the road, and it feels great that I happen to drive in it!
@@tino897 shut up what that's mean? Is reliable because as Germans parts? Almost every Germans cars as components made in Italy and? Now they aren't reliable... You don't know nothing
From retrospective - awesome car, with very few good engines. Among petrol engines the only one worthy to recommend is 1,75 TBi. Diesels are generally better, but the best one you can get is post-lift 2,0 jtdm with 170 horse power - no issues with it at all, and enough power to have lots of fun driving it. Most notably there is no faulty M32 gear box in it (it has much better, issue-free F40). Being an alfa owner myself can't recommend it enough ^^ 2,4 jtdm isn't bad as well, but in case something does go wrong with it, repairing it would be very costly.
Credo che siano le macchine più belle mai realizzate... Persino Enzo Ferrari, riconosceva ai meccanici Alfa Romeo la meticolosità con cui realizzavano le loro vetture.
I own C43 whilst my dad own red 159. I’m really adored and respect the beautiful engineering that Alfas put in it. It’s like I’m having real-life hotwheels 💝
I always see one on the parking lot when I go out everyday and it's bloody gorgeous. If I wasn't going to buy my Giulia I probably would have bought the 159.
Bought my 159 Ti 3 years ago. It's probably the best car I've ever had, it still doesn't look outdated even at 9 years old the electrics haven't gone wrong once. Just general maintenance is all thats been needed so far! I couldn't recommend them enough, they're fantastic little cars!
I own one 2010, 2.0 jdtm (170hp) EGR,DPF off and remaped 210hp for years. And not a single problem! Best choice i ever did. And after 10 years it still looks like a new car lol
I owner a silver 159 sportswagon. No question the most beautiful station wagon ever built. 2.4 diesel; amazing engine. 400 nm torque. Almost 1‘000 km with one tank fill. Super comfy. I did 200‘000km in 10 years. No issues. Whatsoever. Swapped it for a Stelvio. Nice SUV. But I am missing my 159.
I own the same white 159 2.2 JTS selespeed in 2012, clocked 280,000km. Only changed clutch once and same engine. Even super efficient German cannot match this record.
If you intend to buy one of these second hand be aware of swirl flaps that break off and get ingested, egr problems, soot build up, dpf problems, gearbox failures, dual mass fly wheel failures, coil springs breaking, upper wishbones, and water pump failures. Apart from that they’re great
I drove an 07 159 2.4 D manual today , 149,000kms and it needs some love (cosmetic only) even though owned by an Alfa Mechanic, My son has an old 147 TS with 194,000kms on it. The 147 really sings and darts around really well. The 159 really surprised me. As soon as I got in and shut the door it was like getting into something German. Great gear change, great suspension, tight, no rattles and a really lusty engine, interior is timeless and the seats are super comfortable. Hoping I can talk my son into buying it.
I’m my humble opinion, this car looks better and more up-to-date than the Giulia. If this car came out this year, in 2021, there would really be nothing strange about that.
Did you know the towers of the Humber Bridge are 36mm further apart at the top than the bottom due to the curve of the earth, it’s certainly an impressive old bridge. Yeh a geeky fact, but might come in handy in a pub quiz someday! 👍
This car especially in Ti package is simply G O R G E O U S even tho im a german cars fan, not many german cars can compare in terms of character and looks
Personally I think the 159 sportwagon (stationwagon version) is one of the prettiest cars ever made. Also, anno 2019 James May still has this pink and purple shirt. True story.
Just bought one 159 . 2.2 petrol. It's 18 years old . Minor defects work required. Otherwise very good condition. Drives great. Brings a smile. Wants to be driven. Previously had a 156 . Love it
Still a nice looking car. Not outdated as VW Jetta or Opel Vectra from the same era. Looking how BMW or Audi A4 from mid 00's are holding up then even the ownership costs aren't phenomenal. The handling is on par with BMW 3series, those who never driven one won't know it.
I am watching this old stuff because I am looking to buy an Alfa 159. It is stunning to find out that James didn't say absolutely anything about how the 159 drives in this one. :) stil love him tho
update: I've had for three years now a 2.2 JTS, and I can report James was right on this review, just very romantic :) As for the built quality, my car spends two weeks a year in the shop being fixed. It has more holidays than I do !! love it to bits tho
I own a 1.9 159 and I can tell you now, there hasn't been a single day I haven't looked back when parked up and thought, 'what a beautiful car'. Best looking 'affordable' car on the road today in my opinion. *2024 update I now have a 159 1750 Tbi and am in heaven.*
so damn true, I'm in the same position
Going to buy myself one in few months, any mechanical issues which i should be aware of?
Sense for Obscurity Get a 2.0 or 2.4 Diesel / 1.75Tbi Petrol. 1.9 have weaker gear boxes, could be a £1000 repair if needed. Subframe check for rust, if holed, do not buy. If not, get it treated with surface rust removed, and waxoyl'ed on top / coated. Get the EGR blanked straight away and swirl flaps welded, £150 job. DPF can be removed as well to reduce a possible issue in the future. Also check front and rear bushes are not too badly worn (causes knocking). Otherwise you're good to go mate. Check service history for cambelt interval, needs doing every 50,000 miles. Clutches last 50-90,000.
I bought my 1.9 for £3000 Sep 2015. So far I've spent £2700 on mechanical fixes, servicing e.t.c and £1700 on cosmetic things. They aren't cheap, but you get back what you put it with the sense you're driving something special. This isn't a BMW, Merc or Audi, this is a classy car, with style and elegance, but an aggressive face. Be prepared to shed some cash for the privilege.
£3000 for a decent 1.9, £5000-£6500 for a decent 2.0, £4000-£5000 for a 2.4, and £6500-£9000 for a 1.75tbi which is the most modern petrol variant and the one with the fewest issues.
Same, although mine is starting to fall apart, sadly.
based on what you just wrote / I will buy it
The guy walking across the river has some serious stamina.
legendapoju22 And May refusing to shake his hand after what he has been through has some serious stupidity
+Darkson Dap He just does not want to have the Alfa filled with mud like some ravioli … oh, another quid.
+Darkson Dap LOL NO WAY would I want to shake hands with someone who just walked over there either! He's filthy!
it was obviously a joke :/
And he is huge. James is not a short guy.
Somehow this car still doesn't look outdated...
+TheIceWarrior It doesn't look cutting edge for 2016 but it's design has aged very little. Can't say the same for stuff like the E46 3 series and older Audi A4s.
it looks gorgeous.
it's because of the headlights
zhbvenkhoReload and taillights and the whole shape and the flow of lines...
Nik Brudar Yes, it kinda looks like a camaro
Fun Fact: This race was filmed circa late 2005/early 2006 when the 159 was first released. In fact a snippet of this film can be seen in the Series 8 preview shown in the first episode of that series. It was supposed to feature in the 6th episode of series 8, however for some reason it just didn't make it into the final show. It was then supposed to air in Series 9 but when Richard had his massive Jet Dragster crash, the shooting schedule had to be put back. So series 9 had to be shortened to just 6 episodes (including the US Road Trip Special) so once again this film didn't make it into the final series. When Series 10 rolled around, it was finally decided to put the Alfa 159 review/race into the fifth episode. That explains why Hammond remarks that this car was released 2 years ago, when series 10 was released in 2007.
The prods were decided to air the disastrous and forgettable caravanning episode which resulted so many complaints instead of this one
Thats not funny
"Yes it was, but we weren't paying attention"
i guessed as much the story behind it was something like this
I like it @@yudhabagaskara98
Dammit, after 11 years, this 159 still looks gorgeous.
Mikey I agree! It’s aged like fine wine!
Yeah James does look good
After 11 years you still have terrible taste in cars
@Random Tick ugly? Really wonder what kind of cars you do like if you think the best looking sedan from the 2000's is ugly.
Fallingout EMS he probably likes the Prius
Almost 15 years, and James' pink and purple rugby shirt is still .... special.
Yeah is like some showing up at the restaurant onboard Queen Mary 2 in flipflops and Bermuda shorts.
He once told in an Interview, that once a guy from the company which produced the shirt offered him as many free clothes as he wants if he would stop wearing that shirt on tv. Which James May of course refused.
@@conciendahe said it in the grand tour. Not a interview.
@@DLTX1007 Thanks. Just had a vague reminder of the context.
I'm more impressed with that guy walking across that river for an hour and a half.
I drive near the Humber a lot, the fact that this man crossed it on foot is actually incredible.
10 Years Later the car still looks as sexy as ever. And better then a lot of cars today.
Jonathan Díaz yep
*than
@@seimn86 THANK YOU
Its looks little outdated and old, when you see other new car models and they are sexy too
it looks like shit!!
Ironically... the most reliable car i ever had, was the Alfa 156, 2003. Never broke down, just one defective sensor for 48 Euro - thats it, covering 165.000 km in five years. After i crashed it i bought a Golf - broken clutch, transmission, dampers, electrics - the car was done at just about 90.000km.
+Vladimir Ceh Very few cars can beat VW for UNreliability.
My God. You destroyed a Golf after less than 100k km. I have drove mine for 150k and never had a single problem
+emilio gaggiottini Whatever you are trying to say...
+Philip Koen
are you joke or my bad english is impossible to understand?
+emilio gaggiottini It does not make proper sense.
I own a 3.2 Brera and a 159 Ti, and I can honestly say I haven't had any problems. Also I can assure you that whenever you walk up to your Brera and see it parked next to a Golf, you feel like you've made the right decision. When you're the type of person who appreciates design and details these cars are the ones to have. For example, the door handles are the same shape as the size indicator lenses. This timeless design will keep looking good for a loooooooong time!
Guus Bouwmans
3.2? Damm! Lucky guy!
It's all about maintenance, there's no such a thing as a bad car, well yeah it's is a yugo then yes there is
Congratulations, that Brera is a masterpiece!
The diesels and the 1.750Tbi are amazing, but the petrols INCLUDING the 3.2 are shit. These are opel/vauxhall motors.
I am always stunned by the beauty of a 159 with a well mantained body.
The Brera is just out of this world, it will always be a head turner.
Those 2 cars should be in the MoMA.
"I will not be beaten by a man in a giant condom..." haha James is the best.
"I'd lost and I was broken."
haha XD
May after the video about 159 was broke due to that swear box 😂
Giant condom up a muddy River
Forget about the Alfa. That man walking across a river is absolutely amazing.
HOW DO I FORGET ABOUT THE ALFA!!!
I was just thinking that. Thw Alpha is still beautiful but christ that river guy is an absolute beast
Agree!
@@devanman7920 💯
It's 2019 this car still doesn't look outdated yet.
on tv. . . looks like shit in real life
@@carlosandleon Looks like the shit in real life.
@@RS-nq8xk lol
She look outdated
@@carlosandleon BS. A 159 with a well mantained body have not aged a bit.
The T. I., lower and with bigger rims is still beautiful.
It's 2020 and the Alfa still looks great today.
Timeless styling!
Top Gear featured cars MOT report
Cars in this video:
Brand: Alfa Romeo
Model:
License plate: RF55BOH
Color: silver
Fuel: petrol
Engine capacity: 2,198 l
Registration date: January 2006
MOT expired: 19th of November 2020
Mileage recorded on last MOT: Unknown
Thank you for reading, this was your Top Gear featured cars MOT report
My friend has a 17 year old alfa 146, that car is still working just fine. It's actually not even slow, its faster than many modern day mid engine cars. Looks kinda badass too.
The 159 is just beautiful.
Octavianus Augustus, i honestly don't have a problem with German cars nor do i know how reliable they are, but in my eyes they lack design. For example, the Golf is very popular here, but i find it extremely ugly.. pay 20 thousand euros for a car with zero design, inside or outside, for me would be a terrible idea.. Right now even Citroen has much better design than a Golf. The only car with "some" design is the sirocco, but the total outcome was a failure, it looks alright on the front and ugly in the back for some reason, its like a failed experiment.
Im not trying to be bias here, i don't even own an italian or german car. I only go with Japan cuz reliable.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfa_Romeo_145_and_146
"its faster than many mid engines cars" HAHA what a joke
The 145 and 146 models preceded the 147. I had a 145 1.7 16v and loved it for the few years I had it.
@@Glenn056 he means cars like the peugeot rcz, toyota mr2, etc.
I love how the Humber river is just a giant strip of mud. That's the most English thing imaginable.
in england even rivers are terrible lol
Alfa's are so pretty...
+Eggly Bagelface you lose a pound hahaa
lol
Eggly Bagelface seriosly???
Andrej Kostovski should shut up
Eggly Bagelface
Buy one now, I did. The depreciation has already happened. Great modern car, 5 star safety and looks that will give a fizzing sensation in your genitals.
I can see an Alfa in your profile picture. Do you still have it? How is/was it?
@@Wiba436 bruh you're 5 years late
Ew. Absolutely not.
I think I'll hold off and get a used Giulia :)
Just bought my second 159, limited edition, absolutely beautiful, I could have bought something newer but the 159 is timeless and a future classic
I want to buy a 159 as well but I'm a little concerned about all the negative stuff people say about Alfa.. Is it gonna be reliable?
@@MrBurns-um2id I'm not the best to give you advice, I've only been driving Alfa for years (when you like to drive and try an Alfa, you get the virus and don't change..).
Anyway I can assure you that I have never had any problems with my Alfa's (3 AR 75 and 1750 in the past, now Gtj, Spider, Sz and 159 SW as daily car), simply doing the correct maintenance by a GOOD mechanic.
I must say that my 159 is a D Multijet, not a gasoline one, and is a reliable mule with an excellent engine and great road handling.
I know the weak points are the suspension arms, a bit delicate: beware of the pavements.
I really like the new Giulia but I'm sorry to change my 159, which I still find so beautiful and in perfect condition (2007!).
Best regards
@@MrBurns-um2id I have had an alfa romeo 159 for almoust 18 years and still works. Ofcurse have had some repaird done over the years but still runs great.
@@MrBurns-um2id Don't know if this still is relevant but i gotta say, "newer" (post 2000) Alfa Romeos usually get a lot of crap because of older Alfa Romeos, out of all cars that I have owned, my 2011 159 SW has been my favourite by far. Never broken down and always started. All I've done to the car is change the front windshield (happens to all cars) and done regular maintenance. Oh and by the way, the car has done over 180000 miles and still feels pretty new even though it's the original gearbox, clutch and engine
@@MrBurns-um2id So I would 100% say that 159s are reliable, "newer" Alfas overall. My girlfriend has had both a MiTo and a Giulietta and none of them have had any problems. So if this is still relevant, I would say go for it, 159s are great cars
who put those obnoxious loud bleateySCKREE SKREE sounds while may was talking about the car
***** 5:48
Flubbering Philistine I think James' coins were causing that.
That's called a techno-rip, it's meant to be a compliment to something outrageously good at blending features or excelling technically,, omG lol
but it is out of place in this car; this car looks poor - the Giulia looks the proper part
thanks - that's 1 of the only part of the videos i like, can't stand looking at that car - off to watch the Giulia now!!
@@doctoremil2678 In a sense. James arranged it to try to avoid having to put any more coins in!
15 year old design now, but still a head turner.
Alfa's just age so well..
Except for everything besides the looks yk now like every mechanical bit
@@piercemccauley7079 waiting for proof that isnt "my friend said"
@@Archman155 There's a reason Alfa Romeros lose most of their value the moment they leave the lot.
@@Eskimo_iio have you ever owned one?
@@Archman155 Don't need to drink bleach to know it's bad for your health.
James May is even slower than a man walking
Nay, crawling!
@@scottdelinger1 nah, sitting
Gotta hand it too the poor guy walkin through that sludge, he's a legend!!!
I love Alfa. not only great cars with soul, but they attract the most passionate car enthousiasts, which gives me hope for humankind. All these comments below me, most of them full of blue blooded petrolhead enthousiasm. That's the spirit of the 90's i miss so much these days. .
FORZA ALFA!
+Firemarioflower That's some more money in the box~
turiqwalrus I don't care. It's worth it. Passion 'May' have a price.
Alfas arent just vehicles. They're veins transporting temperament. There goes another coin.
I just bought a second hand 159 2.4 JTDM 6 speed manual as my first car, had it for two weeks. Hands down it is one of the best cars I have driven. Plus I am able to travel more than 1000km between tanks. The 2.4 is such a nice engine both smooth and quite, with mountains of torque
I have the same engine in my Brera, lovely engine, probably one of the nicest sounding diesels. I love the burble at 3000 rpm!
@@games4850 what would you prefer the brera or 159?
Also have you (or anyone else owning these, especially the 2.4) had any problems?
@@adodoes8770 mmm... Its tricky. The Brera has more exclusivity than the 159. If I was to have one complaint with the Brera is the complete lack of rear legroom. My ex had to have a journey in the rear, she was 5 foot and even she found it cramped! Reliability I have been quite lucky. No major faults mechanically to report and mine has nearly hit 100,000. Id say if you were to buy a 159/brera/939 spider, check the condition of the subframe, as they don't come with enough protection from the factory. Also the early 2006/07 models had a plastic plug on one of the coolant pipes, and when this goes it explodes coolant everywhere in the engine compartment. You can fix this yourself with the right sized bolt. If you love your music, the standard speaker system is naff, so either invest in an aftermarket setup or if you want a factory setup, the optional Bose system like I have is pretty decent. Whichever one you get though will no doubt be a head turner as its still one of the best looking cars on the road in my opinion.
me too, my first car.
whats your average mileage?
do you still own the car?
@@games4850 oh thank you i will definitely consider an Alfa (probably 159) as my first car
Thanks again!
The current Alfa 159 design has been around since 2005 & it's still a stunning looking head-turning car on the roads... You'll never get tired looking @ Italian cars...
I think the interior is still better than a new 3 series
Dhruv Dogra than a "new" 3 series? Nah mate i completely believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder and each to their own but interior wise; A modern BMW and a Modern Alfa is a fair comparison I'd accept such statement. But a early 2000's alfa has nothing on a 'Modern' BMW. You clearly haven't sat in a modern BMW
The interior of my E46 is 10 times better lmao
159 has everything but a beautiful interior. I just hate the way the dash board and the center console look. I can't deny that the exterior looks hot but the interior just lost me.
James May tries not to swear?
oh cock...
3:29 click here to hear May saying "Didlyin doo-dah!"
Thank you.
I own a 159 Sportwagon because I´ve wanted one since the first time I saw one. Timeless design and stunning handling.
2.4 JTDM engine with a chip makes 250hp and 500nm while consuming 7.5l/100km
That's some fun torque I tell you
Is it a noisy engine?
@@Nik-jq4tx Yes on idle actually but not at all in motion. A friend who owns Volvo was amazed on quiet comfort ride we took 2 hours trip the other day
@@ramibos6549 Ок, thank you!
Jea but a diesel alfa is not the way to goo
diesel alfa ew
A beautiful car. It's still great, and it doesn't look old. Alfa will always be the best car brand ever.
ahaha
Yes
Bit seems not a old car is great!
one of the best ever looking alfa's
Alfa's? It's the best looking affordable car EVER and one of the best looking cars in general! I wouldn't be surprised if Italdesigne Giugiaro made it as a concept for Ferrari if it wasn't Alfa. This Car looks like something 10 times its price tag, and if cared for properly (changing fluids on time, and such) with Diesel (or big Petrol) engine, it is a really reliable car! Of course, it is not AS reliable as some of the German Cars, but it has something that these cars don't have: That feeling when parking by the shopping centre, looking back and seeing that front. This doesn't have to be the most reliable thing in the world, it is one of the most beautiful, and that's good enough excuse for it's minor flaws :)
Edim 108 Did you put a coin in the Italian Car Road Test Cliché Swearbox for what you said?
Yes it still looks great in 2019
Crap car this. If you think this one is a looker, buy glasses and some classic Alfa magazines. Noobs!
I dont know what have gotten in you people. This car has a hideous front end and a basic side profile and basic lancer looking rear end. Also the wheels ain't all that
Watching it in mid-2018 because I saw one on the road yesterday. Still the best damn looking car there is.
Well the Giulia has definitely surpassed it in every aspect...
@@norman-str3ss88 Nope.
@@norman-str3ss88 I have an 159 "Rosso Rubino" and I have a coleague with a dark grey Giulia ,and his is uglier even if it is newer or better ,I wouldn t trade with him
@@norman-str3ss88 Really hasn't. I like the Guila, bit its CLEARLY been made with some compromise. Can you honestly say its design and shaping hasn't been influenced by the high end fleet cars (BMW, Audi etc)..? It absolutely has.
I'd still rather have one than either of the aforementioned, but...Alfa's designers compromised...& therefore your comment doesn't hold up.
it's ugly you little fanboy
I tell you I've had almost every car under the sun. I love driving my 159 turbo diesel station.wagon Full option leather seats etc. It is a dream drive. So comfortable and a hell of a lot of performance. If you can find one buy it. You'll be grinning every time you jump in it. 220 kilo per hour is a breeze
Crazy how old this car already is. I'm really not into Italian cars, but this car still looks great.
ahahahaahaahaha
Designed by Giugiaro. Even has his badge on the front guard. How many other cars have that? I love that he references the 72 GTV (which he also designed) in the side and doors profile. The section in front of the front wheel is a bit like a racing GTV with the bumper removed. Had mine 12 months. Love it. Pity the new models look like bugs instead of felines.
Both the 156 and 159 still don't look outdated and drop dead gorgeous
Mad respect to the guy who walked 1.8 miles across a river
Hmmm, James is wearing the same stripey shirt as he did when he drove the Ariel Atom V8 and Pagani Zonda F. How long has he had that shirt!?
Haha!
He still wears it to this day.
He recently pulled it back out of his closet for a DriveTribe video. :)
Update: That shirt is still around, 6 years after I posted this comment 😂
He is a man ....alan .
I owned a 159 2.4 JTDM from 2011 to 2017 and still miss it. Sure, it had some minor quirks - it would very occasionally lose power when stomping hard on the accelerator and for the entire time I owned it, the SatNav was convinced we were in central Paris. But that was it really. I regularly used it for my twice-weekly Kent to Yorkshire commute and it never let me down. It was a fine car.
Poor guy looked so sad at the end when James refused a handshake lol
Still desirable in 2017! for the money 2.2 and 2.4 ones are comfy and so grippy sporty on highways and back roads too
After a 145 Quadrifoglio, I've now got a 1'4 litre Mito turbo , which I have converted to ethanol. Goes like a train . For a little car (suits me at my advanced age) it handles great , 155hp suits me just fine . I love it .
So beautiful car - looks like a piece of art (even standing there)!
Alfa is a company where u see their love of cars is obvious. Everything they put out interesting wish I could say the same for a domestic company
It's 2018, that car still looks great and this video is still awesome.
Bought a black 159 occassion the day before yesterday. Could not be happier! Still one of the best looking cars on the road, and it feels great that I happen to drive in it!
The tall man walking across the "water" is... inspiring, inspires me to stay fit.
Oh, and the Alfa 159 has one of Alfa Romeos best faces!
My buddy has one, his mechanic loves him! Before that he had 156, made 400.000km with it, only basic maintenance...
It has german parts in it. Thats why some go to she shop too often.
@@tino897 shut up what that's mean? Is reliable because as Germans parts? Almost every Germans cars as components made in Italy and? Now they aren't reliable... You don't know nothing
@@titfortat5727 i was talking about the 159s. Shut up and learn proper english. My head hurts from trying to understand your spastic comment.
@@tino897 your head hurt because can't process many information at the same time my English is fine,.. Shut the fuck up you dense idiot
@@titfortat5727 look up your first comment. And tell me exactly what you fucking tried to say.
damn is still awesome in 2016
John Romeo 2017/2018...
2018 - still nicer than any American car.
Ooo shiz dude it's 2018
2019
Stelvio is the first SUV that I have ever liked 👌👍
From retrospective - awesome car, with very few good engines. Among petrol engines the only one worthy to recommend is 1,75 TBi. Diesels are generally better, but the best one you can get is post-lift 2,0 jtdm with 170 horse power - no issues with it at all, and enough power to have lots of fun driving it. Most notably there is no faulty M32 gear box in it (it has much better, issue-free F40). Being an alfa owner myself can't recommend it enough ^^
2,4 jtdm isn't bad as well, but in case something does go wrong with it, repairing it would be very costly.
F40 gearbox??? Didn't they stick those in the Chevrolet Cavalier?
Alfa Romeo è Passione, cuore, istinto... PUNTO!
Forza ALFA ROMEO!
There's some more money in the box.
+Granturismo no, la PUNTO e una fiat
+The bat bat Battutona
+Dani Barza Grazie grazie
Credo che siano le macchine più belle mai realizzate... Persino Enzo Ferrari, riconosceva ai meccanici Alfa Romeo la meticolosità con cui realizzavano le loro vetture.
I own C43 whilst my dad own red 159. I’m really adored and respect the beautiful engineering that Alfas put in it. It’s like I’m having real-life hotwheels 💝
The back looks like a 4th gen Mazda 3 , crazy how modern the design still looks
I always see one on the parking lot when I go out everyday and it's bloody gorgeous. If I wasn't going to buy my Giulia I probably would have bought the 159.
Lucky you Giulia is just amazing.
it's ugly and you don't own a Giulia either
Bought my 159 Ti 3 years ago. It's probably the best car I've ever had, it still doesn't look outdated even at 9 years old the electrics haven't gone wrong once. Just general maintenance is all thats been needed so far! I couldn't recommend them enough, they're fantastic little cars!
I own one 2010, 2.0 jdtm (170hp) EGR,DPF off and remaped 210hp for years. And not a single problem! Best choice i ever did. And after 10 years it still looks like a new car lol
I owner a silver 159 sportswagon. No question the most beautiful station wagon ever built. 2.4 diesel; amazing engine. 400 nm torque. Almost 1‘000 km with one tank fill. Super comfy. I did 200‘000km in 10 years. No issues. Whatsoever. Swapped it for a Stelvio. Nice SUV. But I am missing my 159.
I own the same white 159 2.2 JTS selespeed in 2012, clocked 280,000km. Only changed clutch once and same engine.
Even super efficient German cannot match this record.
@@vijanth Blue 2.2JTS at 150'000km here 🤘
The sound editor did A AMAZING job on this segment!
the guy crawling towards the end felt like the microwave corridor in mgs4 haha
Haha lol xD memories
If you intend to buy one of these second hand be aware of swirl flaps that break off and get ingested, egr problems, soot build up, dpf problems, gearbox failures, dual mass fly wheel failures, coil springs breaking, upper wishbones, and water pump failures. Apart from that they’re great
They should've kept that front end for longer and done a 147 replacement with it. Easily the best looking front end design on anything since the 1960s
2020 and 159 still glorious
True
I will be looking at a 2011 159 on Saturday. Wish me luck boys
I drove an 07 159 2.4 D manual today , 149,000kms and it needs some love (cosmetic only) even though owned by an Alfa Mechanic, My son has an old 147 TS with 194,000kms on it. The 147 really sings and darts around really well. The 159 really surprised me. As soon as I got in and shut the door it was like getting into something German. Great gear change, great suspension, tight, no rattles and a really lusty engine, interior is timeless and the seats are super comfortable. Hoping I can talk my son into buying it.
I’m my humble opinion, this car looks better and more up-to-date than the Giulia. If this car came out this year, in 2021, there would really be nothing strange about that.
Agreed, but that doesn't change the fact that the giulia is a beautiful looking thing.
@@ANDREWSAMY562 absolutely 🙌🏻
"Do you mind if I don't"
The disappointment on that guy's face
I own a 2.0 Ti sportwagon and its my favourite car ever. I used to have a 147 1.9 16v but it doesn't have the PASSION and SOUL of the 159
Did you know the towers of the Humber Bridge are 36mm further apart at the top than the bottom due to the curve of the earth, it’s certainly an impressive old bridge.
Yeh a geeky fact, but might come in handy in a pub quiz someday! 👍
im proud to say i own an alfa 145, and contrary to all expectations, it is extremely reliable
159 is really beautiful car. pretty fast and good handling.
This was my dream car the year it came up, still looks good.
Have 159 1750 TBi TI 2011. Alfa rosso. Excellent and exciting car!
Is it a noisy engine? Hast it good torque at low revolutions?
“In fact there are two words that perfectly encapsulate the stylistic beauty of the car...”
i got this cat in 2008 and never had any problem with it!
Is it a good cat?
shunorrr it's a car not a cat mate
H DOLLAR porcoddio 😂
Stance_ MXFIA wOoOsh
Nice cat 😂 come one guys its a typo lol
Still amazing design!
I just wish we got Alfas in the US back in the 90's and 2000's. If I lived in the UK, I would have a Alfa. Thanks.
My amazing car for 14 years. And I own/drive 4 other different ones.
This car especially in Ti package is simply G O R G E O U S even tho im a german cars fan, not many german cars can compare in terms of character and looks
And quality.
I own one from 2007.
Still perfect
I love James's sense of humor !!!
This is one of my favourite Top Gear segments ever.
Personally I think the 159 sportwagon (stationwagon version) is one of the prettiest cars ever made. Also, anno 2019 James May still has this pink and purple shirt. True story.
2019 now, this is one of the best-aging designs of the prior decade.
Just bought one 159 . 2.2 petrol. It's 18 years old . Minor defects work required. Otherwise very good condition. Drives great. Brings a smile. Wants to be driven. Previously had a 156 . Love it
The 156 and 159 Alfa Romeo are fantastic (my father did own each)
Beautiful car
***** Multiple prize-winner car and brand. Go buy something German. Like a coffin.
Thank you so much for this!! I grew up around Alfa Romeo cars and this is very close to my heart.
I want one in red with the V6 engine option.
LUSSSOOO tRIANGULAR GRILLUSOSO HAHAHAAHAHA HAHAAHAHAHAAHA
a 159 in TI trim is a completely different car visually. I've had my Ti in alfa red for nearly two years and I get nothing but compliments about it.
Alfa Romeo has that sharp look that always interests me
lol @ BMW M cars NOT falling apart... tell that to every single e46 m3 owner and e39/e60 m5 owner...
I miss old top gear like this. Please bring it back !
RACERBOY RACER grand tour, m8
Please don't!
Today i bought an 159 2.4 jtdm with Q4 and its a wonderful car i love it still in 2020
Me too with a 1.9
13 years later the 159 sport wagon is still stunning
Thank you blace I just bought a 156 v6 and I love it
Lucky you... I absolutely love the 156 SW facelift V6
In the brief look we get of it, that is a unique cockpit. We hear and read a lot of comments about sleepy or dated dashboards; this one stands out.
Still a nice looking car. Not outdated as VW Jetta or Opel Vectra from the same era. Looking how BMW or Audi A4 from mid 00's are holding up then even the ownership costs aren't phenomenal. The handling is on par with BMW 3series, those who never driven one won't know it.
I am watching this old stuff because I am looking to buy an Alfa 159.
It is stunning to find out that James didn't say absolutely anything about how the 159 drives in this one. :) stil love him tho
He does though? He says the car is “frisky” and “strings together the corners” amongst other things
update: I've had for three years now a 2.2 JTS, and I can report James was right on this review, just very romantic :) As for the built quality, my car spends two weeks a year in the shop being fixed. It has more holidays than I do !! love it to bits tho