Used Alfa Romeo 159 for sale in Europe

About the Alfa Romeo 159

The Alfa Romeo 159 is a mid-size family car that replaced the 156 in 2005. It was sold as a four-door saloon and as the Sportwagon estate. It suits drivers who want a roomy, comfortable car with distinctive Italian styling and are prepared to look closely at its history.

Engines covered a wide range. Petrol options included 1.8 and 1.75 turbo units, 1.9 and 2.2 direct-injection engines and a 3.2 V6 with all-wheel drive. Diesels were mostly 1.9 and 2.0 JTDM four-cylinders, plus a 2.4 five-cylinder. Most cars have a manual gearbox. Some have an automated or conventional automatic.

Used examples in our listings are mostly from 2005 to 2012 and come from several countries. Condition and servicing vary a lot between cars. Service records, the exact engine and the gearbox type tell you more than the age alone. The 159 was not sold with a hybrid drivetrain, so check any fuel label that looks odd.

Generations

• 159, Type 939 (2005-2011) — A single generation sold as saloon and Sportwagon, with later cars gaining newer engines such as the 1.75 TBi petrol and the 2.0 JTDM diesel.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings rise with newer model years, but the pattern is uneven. Cars from 2006 have a median of €2,500, while the median across all years is €3,000. Late cars cost noticeably more: 2010 sits at €4,900 and 2011 at €5,800. Within one year, the spread is wide, because engine, mileage, equipment and condition differ so much. Compare similar engines and mileage rather than year alone. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used Alfa Romeo 159

Ask for the full service history and look at the car in daylight, then take a drive of at least 20 minutes. Listen for noises from the front end and check that the gearbox behaves well when both cold and warm.

• Front suspension wear

  Front suspension arms, bushes and ball joints are often discussed as wear items on the 159. Look for uneven tyre wear, knocking over bumps and vague steering. Ask whether parts have been replaced and by whom.

• Service history and belts

  Check for regular oil changes and evidence of timing belt or chain work where the engine has one. The intervals differ by engine, so ask for the invoices. Missing records on a high-mileage car are a reason to be cautious.

• Diesel emissions parts · JTDM diesel

  On diesels, check for warning lights, rough running or smoke. Look at the particulate filter and EGR history and ask about injector work. Short urban trips can be hard on these parts, so ask how the car was used.

• Petrol engine health · Direct-injection petrol

  On JTS and turbo petrol engines, listen for rough idling, hesitation or unusual noise on a cold start. Ask about spark plugs, oil consumption and any fuel system repairs. A diagnostic scan before purchase is worthwhile.

• Gearbox behaviour · Automated gearbox

  If the car has an automated or automatic gearbox, check for jerky shifts, delays and warning messages. On manuals, check the clutch bite point and listen for noise from the flywheel. Ask whether either has been repaired.

• Electrics and bodywork

  Test windows, locks, climate control, infotainment and every warning light. Check sills, wheel arches and the underbody for corrosion, and look for uneven panel gaps that suggest accident repair.

Frequently asked questions