I've liked Alfas for years.
My mate sells them now,so I get to drive what I want,when I want.
I've driven several 159's now,both with the 1.9Jtd engine (150bhp)
I don't see the point in driving ones with engines I wouldn't be going for,so I always wait until they have a 1.9Jtd demo available.
I think the 159 is lovely.
Not as direct as my 156 was though.
More 'grown-up' ride and handling,but still infinitely more feel and involvement than an A4.
Love the looks,inside and out.
Bose stereo upgrade sounds great.
The GM common rail diesel engine is more refined and perkier than the Audi 2.0tdi.
The press say the 159 is noisy compared with an A4,but it's definitely quieter than an A3.
I had no problems with my local Alfa dealer (Arnold clark FIAT) when I had my 156,but it wasn't really a problem car.
It just got routine servicing and recalls for back suspension bushes.
It's still going strong,with zero problems in 60K miles (sold it to a colleague in Manchester).
I went from a no-problem 156 to a no-problem A4 to an always-a-problem A3 ! ;-(
Was out for a curry with the Alfa salesman mate on Saturday,and was prigging him about problems with the 159.
None reported.
the only thing he reported was some 'odd' trims arriving from the factory.
Cars that shouldn't have alloys arriving with alloys and vice versa.
Always sorted out by them prior to delivery to the customer though.
They're not discounting the 159 heavily,but you'd get some tasty discounts off a 147 for sure.
Hefty discounts put paid to the 'high depreciation' tag linked to Alfas.