The Alfa Romeo 156 (Type 932) is a pivotal model that saved the brand at the end of the 90s. Voted 1998 Car of the Year, it stands out with Walter de Silva's masterful design (hidden rear door handles, prominent grille) and a chassis of formidable agility (double wishbone front suspension). Historically, it is the very first production car in the world to be equipped with a common rail diesel engine (Common Rail), dubbed JTD (Unijet). While the diesel engines proved to be monsters of robustness, the 156 suffers from a reputation tarnished by the fragility of its Twin Spark petrol engines, uneven interior finish on the early phases, and running gear that wears out prematurely. Phase 1 received an interior update in 2002, before the major exterior facelift (Giugiaro) at the end of 2003.
The Alfa Romeo 156 is a passion purchase, even in diesel. Paradoxically, it is the JTD engines (1.9 and 2.4) that offer the best overall reliability on this model, as the Twin Spark petrol blocks are too capricious. The 1.9 JTD is a real tractor capable of exceeding 400,000 km without opening the engine, while the 2.4 JTD offers rare driving pleasure for a diesel. However, the mechanical reliability of the diesel must not overshadow the chronic fragility of the running gear (wishbones) and the threat of rust on phase 1 models. Buy with full knowledge of the facts: favor a model with a sound body, even if it means having to rebuild the suspension. Avoid Selespeed gearboxes.