Models · Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo 156 GTA buying guide
The 156 GTA was the fastest 156, offered as a saloon and a Sportwagon estate with the 3.2 litre V6 driving the front wheels. Right-hand-drive cars reached the UK in 2002 and production ended in 2005.
The versions
- 3.2 litre (3,179cc) 24-valve V6, 250bhp, front-wheel drive
- Saloon (1,973 built) and Sportwagon estate (1,678 built)
- Six-speed manual, or Selespeed automated manual (very few in the UK)
- Limited-slip differential optional from new; many cars have since had a Q2 or Quaife unit fitted
- Front brakes: 305mm discs until November 2003, then 330mm discs with radially mounted calipers
What to check on a 156 GTA
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Cambelt history and a rubbing noise
What to look for: Ask for the bill for the last cambelt change and check its date and mileage. With the engine running, listen at the front of the engine for a rubbing noise from behind the covers.
Why it matters: The factory schedule was 72,000 miles, but specialists advise changing the belt at 48,000 miles or four years, together with the tensioner, idlers and water pump. A rubbing noise can mean the belt is wearing against the cam covers, and a belt that fails will badly damage the engine. A recent change at a specialist is a good sign.
The differential
What to look for: Ask whether a limited-slip differential is fitted, either from the factory or as a Q2 or Quaife upgrade, and look for the paperwork. On the test drive, accelerate firmly in the lower gears and listen for clunks or grinding from the gearbox area.
Why it matters: The standard differential can fail when the car is driven hard, and a failure can hole the gearbox casing. A limited-slip unit is the usual fix and also cuts down on wheelspin and the traction control light.
Early front brakes
What to look for: Check the build date and whether the front discs are the larger 330mm type. On the test drive, brake firmly from speed and feel for shudder through the steering wheel.
Why it matters: The original 305mm front discs with lug-mounted Brembo calipers are prone to warping. The 330mm discs with radially mounted calipers arrived in November 2003, and some early cars were upgraded under warranty. The bigger discs won't fit behind the early 16-spoke wheels.
Also in the full guide
- Radiator and temperature gauge
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 156 GTA
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Alfa Romeo.