Models · Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo 159 buying guide
The 159 replaced the 156 and went on sale in the UK in early 2006 as a saloon, with the Sportwagon estate following in 2007. It was offered with a wide range of petrol and JTDm diesel engines, revised in 2009 with the 1750 TBi and 2.0 JTDm.
The versions
- Petrol: 1.8 MPi (138bhp, from 2007), 1.9 JTS (158bhp), 2.2 JTS (182bhp), 3.2 V6 JTS, and the 1750 TBi turbo (about 200bhp) from 2009
- Diesel: 1.9 JTDm (8v and 16v), 2.4 JTDm (200bhp, 210bhp from October 2007) and 2.0 JTDm (170bhp) from 2009
- Saloon and, from May 2007, Sportwagon estate
- Manual gearboxes, or Q-tronic automatic on the 3.2 V6, 1.9 JTDm and 2.4 JTDm from October 2007
What to check on a Alfa 159
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
JTS timing chains
What to look for: On a 1.9, 2.2 or 3.2 JTS petrol, check the engine warning light goes out after starting and stays out on the drive. Ask whether the timing chains have been replaced and look for regular oil changes with the correct oil in the history.
Why it matters: All three JTS engines can suffer stretched timing chains, and warning lights come on when the timing drifts out. The 3.2 V6 has three chains and several variators. Regular oil changes help the chains last, and a car with them already done, with the invoice, is a good find.
Diesel swirl flaps and EGR valve
What to look for: On a JTDm, especially the 2.4, drive through the rev range and note any loss of power, the car dropping into a reduced-power limp mode, or a sudden surge of power above 3,000rpm.
Why it matters: Blocked inlet swirl flaps can put the engine into limp mode, most often on the 2.4 and much less often on the later 2.0 JTDm. A sudden power surge above 3,000rpm can point to an EGR valve stuck open.
M32 gearbox whine
What to look for: On a manual car, listen in sixth gear for a whine that comes and goes as you press and lift off the accelerator, and note any jump as the clutch is let out.
Why it matters: Many 1.9 JTD and 2.2 JTS cars use the six-speed M32 gearbox, which commonly suffers bearing failure, starting as a whine. A notchy shift on its own is normal for the 159 and not a fault.
Also in the full guide
- Front subframe corrosion
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Alfa 159
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.