Alfa Romeo 159 1.75 TBI TI Sportwagon
£10,995
The 159 Sportwagon is still a thing of beauty, although it’s made rather humdrum by some worthy diesel engines. On the petrol front, there’s a try-hard 2.2 (its timing chain tensioner can be an issue, so take care) and a quick but thirsty 3.2 V6 four-wheel-drive model. However, the engine we burn a candle for, and the one Alfa specialists rate, is the rare 1.75 TBI.
It made its debut towards the end of 2009 and its turbocharged motor produces 197bhp but, more impressive still, 236lb ft from just 1400rpm. That torque is no f lash in the pan, either. It plays out all the way to 5500rpm and is just a nudge away in any gear. Meanwhile, the engine remains smooth and sporty even at the redline.
We found a 2009/59-reg with just 44,000 miles. It looks to be in excellent condition and has full Alfa service history, supported by eight stamps in the service book. That’s quite something given the model’s service interval was 21,000 miles.
Recent parts include new discs and pads, a new cambelt and new spark plugs. Most 159s are down around the £3500 to £6000 mark, so its price looks strong but then it is a rare and cherished motor, so we’ll forgive it. What’s more, it’s in range-topping TI spec: heated leather sports seats, sports suspension, 19in wheels and Brembo calipers.
Given its cherished past, it’s unlikely to have any noisy upper gears, or heavy and uneven front tyre wear. We doubt, too, that it has any front subframe or floorpan corrosion. The rear windows can seize through lack of use but, again, we’d be surprised if this car’s so much as squeak.