Buying an Alfa 159 ( Was a Repairable Write Off - Now Repaired & Registered)

Hi Guys,

A classic mind vs heart decision. Came accross an Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTD Ti in my fav color red. Drove the car and it drives beautifully and the interiors were clean for its age. Came back home and took out the PPSR report and apparently car was a repairable write off in Jan 2017 Dang!. For damage it says minor damage to the C panel, minor mechanical damage to the engine. Alfa 159's are notorious because for a 2008 Alfa the market value of the car is always going to be less than the repair cost even in case of minor damage.

The question is whether I should take the plunge and go for it? I already have a 1.5 year old Mazda 3 which I bought brand new. I do not need a another car. The Alfa is purely being bought as a weekend car and as a garden ornament when its not being driven because its freakin gorgeous. Dang the heart!

Edit: The text from the PPSR copy pasted below verbatim
VIC, 13 Apr 2017, Inspected
• I04D [Impact | Driver rear | Light structural]
• I07G [Impact | Engine | Minor mechanical damage]
• I27D [Impact | C pillar driver | Light structural]
VIC, 12 Jan 2017, Repairable Write-off
• I04D [Impact | Driver rear | Light structural]
• I07G [Impact | Engine | Minor mechanical damage]
• I27D [Impact | C pillar driver | Light structural]

Poll Options

  • 39
    Heck buy it, you live only once!
  • 111
    Hearts stupid, stay away!
  • 20
    Let this one go and wait for another one!
  • 13
    Cars are depreciating asset, invest money somewhere else!

Comments

  • -3

    i hope your not in nsw.

    • No I am in Vic :)

      • +1

        oh well thats good. go for it.

    • why?

    • +4

      You're*

    • -1

      "You're" not "Your"

    • -1

      capital "I", "you're", capital "NSW"

      Good use of full stop

      :)

  • Here's the text from the PPSR report copied verbatim

    VIC, 13 Apr 2017, Inspected
    • I04D [Impact | Driver rear | Light structural]
    • I07G [Impact | Engine | Minor mechanical damage]
    • I27D [Impact | C pillar driver | Light structural]
    VIC, 12 Jan 2017, Repairable Write-off
    • I04D [Impact | Driver rear | Light structural]
    • I07G [Impact | Engine | Minor mechanical damage]
    • I27D [Impact | C pillar driver | Light structural]

    • +3

      If it's a hobby and you can afford it then I say go for it.

      The only bit of brain work to do so would be to think whether you would enjoy another car at similar price more!

  • How much are you saving compared to a non-writeoff?

    • With Alfa's the resale value really depends on how the car drives and feels. The price is a little high but I will bargain for sure.

      • +21

        A little high for the used car, or a little high for a write off. Sounds like its way too expensive for a write off.

      • +10

        As above, it shouldn't be 'a little high' if it's a write off.

        Find another one

        • +4

          This exactly. Alfa are a permanent project vehicle. A crashed one, even more so. Were you told at the time of looking at it that it was a repairable writeoff?

          All things point to "steer clear" on this one.

          Source: I love Italian motor vehicles. Cars and bikes. I own 3 Ducati motorcycles and have owned a few Alfa cars. Needless to say, I still own the Ducati bikes, but not the cars…

        • @pegaxs: No he did not say it upfront. I did speak to another guy who is a Alfa mechanic plus wrecker and apparently he knows this car and said its in pretty good nick.

        • +23

          @dealsucker: look into the laws in Vic. They have to inform you if the vehicle has been a repairable write off. The fact that they avoided telling you this sends up massive red flags about this car.

          If I said steer clear last time, knowing this now, I would run away. It just makes me wonder that else are they not telling you about it.

          Avoid like the plague.

          Edit: From the VicRoads website;

          The Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 require a person selling a written-off vehicle to provide the purchaser with written advice if the vehicle is recorded on the Victorian or an interstate WOVR.

        • @pegaxs: Owner of my now second Italian motorcycle. I swore I wouldn't do it again. It's a disease.

        • +9

          @Peace Maker: I say to people who ask me about Ducati's, I say owning an Italian motorcycle is like having kids. When you dont own one, they look great, sound like a good thing, appear to be good fun and people seem to enjoy them. So you buy one and realise that it's all an "in" joke. It's non-stop headaches, cost you money hand over fist, they always seem to be broken or needing new things and ongoing costs are life altering leaving you wondering why you ever did it, but then, once in a blue moon, all the stars align and everything is bliss and it's that short window in time that reminds you why you did it :)

          Then it's back to fixing broken things, trying to work out why it isnt working, trying to get it started, endless WTF moments…

        • @pegaxs: very accurate.

        • +1

          @pegaxs: jap bikes all the way for this reason. Even those we get gouged when something goes wrong

        • @pegaxs:

          They have not ticked the written off vehicle option when listing the vehicle, nor did they tell the potential buyer upon inspection but legally they have done their bit if they tick the written off box on the vicroads transfer form.

        • +1

          @zuuutoootuuu: And the survey says: BZZZZT…

          Must be "informed in writing." As per the law;

          ROAD SAFETY (VEHICLES) REGULATIONS 2009 - REG 90

          Obligation to disclose information to purchaser of written-off vehicle
          (1) A person who sells a written-off vehicle must inform the purchaser in writing whether the vehicle is entered on the register of written-off vehicles or on an interstate written-off vehicles register.

          AustLII Reference here

        • @pegaxs: I haven't had that experience. I have an Aprilia and 2 vespas and don't have any issues. I found they need to be taken care of but reliability hadn't been an issue for me. Still going to buy a panagale I think.

          What bikes do you have that are a pain?

        • @imurgod:
          I own a '12 696 monster. Flawless. Get on, ride, come home, park it. It's that easy. I also own a '03 999. It uses oil, it doesn't use oil, the fuel pump runs, it doesn't run, the cooling fans run, then one stops. It needs to be just about fully dissembles to just check valve clearances and servicing at belt change time cost more than the bike is worth. Last of all is my '97 900SS. Well…. there is not enough time or space on this page to get me started on that trash wagon. Valves seem to need checking every 10 mins. Fuel pump seems to have become a replacement service item. Carbs seem to need more then their fair share of tweaking…

          But because I don't have enough to do in my life already, I also own a Harley. :D

          At this point I don't know if I like bikes, or like fixing bikes, or just a glutton for punishment :D

        • @pegaxs: Ha ha.. you're preaching to the choir here. When I was younger, I restored a Lambretta and at the same time, I decided I wanted to put a bunch on bolt-on power on my 2T Vespa… That struggle went on for years until I found a nice balance. I think before the wife and kids, I had time to drink beer and tinker but these days, changing a spark plug can take 2 months.

          I do love the old Dukes though and come to think of it, I had a mate with a 1990 906 Paso that used to be a pain.

        • -1

          @pegaxs:

          it is in writing once you tick their box, check with vicroads and they will confirm it for you

      • Don't buy an alfa

  • +1

    How long have you been looking? Is the first one you've found? As it's not daily driver and if the price is right i'd be in it.
    But whatever you do, just know that we're both mazdarati buddies :D

    • I have been looking for sometime now but this is the first one that I can think about buying. Its both a Ti model and a 2.4 diesel manual.

      • +1

        Seems your mind is made, Had a look at a couple on carsales. They're a nice little machine. You've made me want one!!

  • +9

    Sounds about as bad an idea as buying a boat :)

  • +2

    I have a 159 amongst a stable of 4 Italian cars, and many more in the past. Ours is a daily driver. There are better alfas as weekenders in my view, for the same or less money. Driving dynamics are not it's strong suit when compared to its siblings.

    • Yeah its front wheel drive for one but the ride and handling balance for what it is, is sublime. The suspension especially even on 19inchers is incredibly pliant, much more than my Mazda 3 SP25 GT

      • +2

        All the other cars I was talking about are fwd too. Drive some other Alfas. Then you can compare Alfa to Alfa, rather than Alfa to Mazda

  • +1

    You Can not be serious,it's a repairable write off !!! Just walk away. Would you buy a parachute on special ???

    • or a repairable but written off parachute?

    • +12

      Write-off only means repairing was deemed more expensive than replacement.

      That used to mean totally smashed in a bad accident.

      But with the crazy price of repairs these days, it now can mean just a very minor accident with a lot of dents or scratches.

      • +3

        Also means whoever repaired it, must've taken a shortcut or two in order to make a profit repairing and selling it for market value at most.

      • +1

        But this one has structural - even inf minor, structural is big

    • write off should pass the inspection, it is very strict and shortcuts won't pass. It should be done up to the standard (similar structural strength or better) airbag reports from a dealer, and so on. I have no problem buying a writeoff as I get a guarantee that it was repaired to the standard same as a car would be fixed by insurance company and the price is lower.

  • Alfas use way too much oil.

    • Lol

    • +3

      This website lets you know when to stock up.

      • All I see are deals for junk food and Xiaomi pens.

  • Are you going to keep the car for a while? Because in the future when you decide to sell it this issue will come up.

    Otherwise if you like the car, get it inspected by a mechanic then perhaps lowball the seller as the car is a repairable writeoff at the end ot the day and will be harder to sell.

    Edit: if this is the one on carsales, the boot doesnt line up properly so proceed at your own risk.

  • +2

    Okay I have gone throw the whole VIV process twice now and for your car unless you are willing to spend a fair bit of money on it, I just wouldn't bother..
    Now in Vic since you have 'impact damage' listed and structural damage you have to get a bill body alignment done on a measuring jig from an approved body repairer. You also have to get a form signed from Alfa to say that the SRS system is not damaged and functional (airbags). I bought an e46 bmw that literally spent 2 hours fixing and then was told all this stuff (only changed to make it harder in Feb this year as I previously did it without issue) so I just waited it out and as soon as it hits 15 years old, normal RWC and then to vicrosda with none of that.

    All I'm saying is look into what you need for a VIV, it's not a simple process any more.

    • To clarify, the car has already been repaired and re registered and has gone through everything you have listed. It also comes with a rwc.

  • Nah. I'd vote skip - not so much because of the history (repairable write-off is fine if it's been repaired), but for a toy car get something far less sensible. Think convertible. MX-5 is a great car but lots of choices out there, even from Alfa… ;-)

    Can also go classic, and get cheap rego & insurance with club plates.

    • +2

      I know what you mean but this car on my pc wallpaper for 2 years. I dont care much about the absolute performance as much as i care about the gorgeous looks.

      • In that case get the spider of the same generation

  • +11

    Why would you want a diesel front wheel drive Alfa as a weekend car? It was a piece of crap when it was new. Now that is a wreck, I think piece of crap is generous.

  • -2

    Why would you want a diesel front wheel drive Alfa as a weekend car? It was a piece of crap when it was new. Now that is a wreck, I think piece of crap is generous.

  • I am not sure about VIC.

    We had a repairable write off - luckily minor panel damage in severe hail storm. Bri g European, the cost of repair was too high as every item panel had damage, though minimal. We bOught it back for $1600 for our son and received balance as part of claim.

    No insurance company will insure it comprehensively, so 3rd party property only.

    We have the same disclaimer here re WOVR - must advise potential buyers. A clear put off that you only found out via PPSR. They would have to be giving it away.

    They probably bought it at a WOVR auction (for peanuts) and repaired it and are in for maximum profit or the owner at time of accident who is doing the same after already being paid out by the insurance company.

    So I would definitely stay away. Look at the implications of being in the WOVR.

    Besides Alpha has not been the same for a long time, so no longer the engine that virtually goes forever.

  • +1

    In VIC, the seller must specify to you that is is a RWO. The fact that this person did not do this is hard to swallow.

    Stuff it, halve his asking price.

    • +6

      Just saw the ad, $12,000 is a lot of money for a risky purchase.

  • Alfas. I get it, many don't. My cousin had a 1.5 'sud until 1988. Fun but rusty!

    In hindsight, I believe Clarkson/TG were romanticising Alfa to the degree we saw out of two fears: 1. Homogenisation of the urban automotive landscape (endless grey, silver and black, badge-engineered, platform-shared anonyboxes). 2. Skill losses among owners who could be arsed mucking in, getting their hands dirty, and professionals who based whole working careers specialising in Alfas.

    Over the years, I've been tempted to dive in but didn't have the means or space. My concessions were Squadra Corse Alfa Romeo on Xbox (still play it sometimes) and something like this. Not exactly this, mine is Minichamps but they're hard to find now.

    There, I've saved you thousands of dollars and many hours of your time! You still enjoy the form and beauty in the privacy of your home ;) but have the Mazda on the side for all the drudgery.

  • Heck buy it, Yolo!

  • Camry

    j/k

    If it's just a fun car that is not your daily and you fully expect it to break down in a random location (hey that's part of the fun right!) and you can get it repaired to a safe standard, then why not, it's your money right (even though it's not my idea of having fun).

    I would actually suggest that you buy two of them, so you can use the other one for parts without having to go to the wreckers all the time.

  • Repaired write offs have poor resale value and usually have hidden gremlins lurking within.

    I'd steer clear unless there is a huge discount (50% of market value).

    • generally they sell for 25% less than other cars

  • +3

    Avoid IF possible, however realise that cars are repaired every day of the week. Are there receipts for the work? Reputable workshop? Can you get an NRMA/etc inspection?

    The PROBLEM here is it was deemed uneconomical to repair the thing, that's what written off means. Think about that for a second…. So how was it repaired economically? Backyarder? Shonky?

  • +1

    An Alfa 159 diesel as a weekend car? Idk. Why not something really fun? Like a roadster?

  • +2

    I'd say go for it, Alfas are really special.
    But if it were me I'd get a 156 or a GTV with the legendary Busso V6; they're going for about 5-6k in good condition.

    I'm gonna to buy/inherit my dad's Alfa GTV-V6 as soon as I get my P's in September!

  • never buy a repairable write off.. just get another one that isnt

  • +4

    Damaged C-pillar means that the structure of the passenger safety cell was compromised in the accident. While it is repairable, how much trust would you put on the person who repaired it to have done it to the exact factory specifications, not less, but not more as well? Also, can you be 100% sure that the reported damages are the full extent of the damage to the structure? If you have the tiniest amount of doubt, walk away.

    Just to hit home the point: https://youtu.be/yjxM9chAe1k

  • +1

    No way. Alfa's are temperamental enough without having been written off.

  • Mate. This is YOUR decision. Dont involve us please.
    Nobody here is qualified to give you a true opinion.
    Get the car inspected by a professional car inspection compamny.
    Usually NRMA, RACQ etc will do this for you.
    Alternatively get a good panel beater to check it out.
    Make sure they put it up on the hoist and check out the underside.

  • +1

    Buying it and loving it is not the problem, the BIGGEST problem is when you go to sell it!

    Unless you get it really cheap :)

  • I think the question is will you ever sell the car in the future or has it actually been repaired properly ? You probably wont know until you had the car, if it starts to rust in repair area, etc. It's a pretty recent Alfa, so Im sure another one will pop again in the future, hell even in another state if your keen.. Alfa's normally sell for lower market values. My friend once had an Alfa, Im pretty sure he was fixing it more than driving it.. it was a daily driver though. I would probably get one with out a challenging history since it would be easier to sell if you want to get something else down the track.

  • You have a less than 2 year old new Mazda 3, answer is no.

  • Potential engine out repair inc replacement engine. Engine SR will no longer match VIN.

    Pillar damage, lining and panel will not fit like factory. Expect inconsistent gaps between panels and potential rattling.

    The bumper is a non concern.

    First two points will put me off any car regardless of price unless it's to become a pure cup car.

  • +1

    You've left out the most important piece of information:
    What's the price of this one vs *the price of one that hasn't been been a repairable write-off?

  • +3

    Dumb dumb dumb

    3 Stikes

    1- Never buy a repairable write off car.

    2- Potential death trap, plus never be able sell it.

    3- I've owned alpha before and loved the car but alpha are crap and cost me as much in repairs as the initial purchase. It got the the stage I was sharing beers Friday night with mechanic because I saw him so much.

  • +1

    Forget other car, buy Toyota.

    Official cars for OzBargainers! :)

    • +2

      Offical car of boring people… I learnt to drive in a Yarris. Most gutless heap of crap…

      • It's got nothing to do with being a "boring person". Some people would simply prefer something cheap/reliable like a Toyota to something expensive/unreliable like an Alfa Romeo. It's just a question of priorities.

        • I have two Camrys. I love being "boring" and I have no regrets. People say whatever they want on a forum to make themselves feel better.

    • Whole point of being an OzBargainer is to get the good stuff at a massive discount. Toyotas are whitegoods on wheels. If you are after a functional machine to get you from place to place with the minimum of fuss they are OK. If you have any spirit or soul or like driving Toyota wont be on your shopping list right from the Get Go. Sad to say I once owned a Camry, it was a functional machine that moved me around with a minimum of fuss and expense. Other than that it was the ultimate Meh! Alfa traditionally are the polar opposite of Toyota. Find something in the middle, an old Porsche Boxter or an old BMW Z3.

  • +15

    Thanks guys for all your responses. Brilliant discussion and feedback. I have decided that I am going to wait for another car and let this one go unless the owner gives me an offer which is very hard to refuse. Love this community. Thanks again :)

    • "unless the owner gives me an offer which is very hard to refuse" - walking away is the right decision, don't be a sucker for dodgey deals, dealsucker.

  • +1

    Good decision mate… Good luck selling Repairable Write Off down the track…
    Not worth it

    • Buy it cheaper, sell it cheaper, there is a market for everything.

      The key is for it to be safe, a lot of the time cars that have been repaired without being written off are not repaired properly because there is no legal requirement for them to be inspected.

  • Good decision - I got mine based on emotion/heart and even though I love the car, it was probably the wrong model to buy

  • The question is whether I should take the plunge and go for it?

    being an old Alfa, and a repairable write off, unless it is dirt cheap, I wouldn't touch it (the second part would be applicable to any make/model, if you are hesitant about it being a write off, so will the next buyer, unless you plan on keeping it for life).

    don't get me wrong, I would love to own an Alfa some day too, but only as a backup/weekend car.

  • Ex Alfa owner here, owning an Alfa is like dating a Victorias Secret runway model, you're going to get great looks, amazing exterior but eventually there really isn't a fit, not practical and too needy those things, so you're most definitely going to break up. Loved it for a bit, but parts/repair etc just burned my wallet, went to Toyota instead. Looking back, it's like saying 'yes dating one was good, but glad i didn't marry her'.

    • Have you dated a Victoria's Secret model?

      • -1

        Sadly no.

        • What about a written off then repaired Victorias Secret Model?

  • -1

    This is really not a moral decision this is a decisions you leave to the heart and hope for the best lol!. I have an old school Datsun much older then the Alfa you want and its done up SR20DET. Yea most the times it just sits around and can be a headache and expensive on occasions (same can be said about a partner lol) but its love. You can't put a price on love.

  • I drive an Alfa Romeo 159 Q4; it is delightful. I've had no major issues with it.

    If you can, find a Q4. They suck through petrol, but the all wheel drive is bloody good fun.

  • Baaaaad idea and good luck getting a decent insurance quote on a RWO

  • To reregister a car that has been previously written off is not easy at all. I know at least in Victoria it is - you need to go through a fair bit of scrutiny, and they check everything. If the car has been written off, you will need a VIV certificate ontop of your usual RWC.

    It's no longer just a matter of the damage being repaired, anything else that may not have been up to par needs to be fixed as well, regardless if that was the reason for writing it off. From my understanding to get the VIV the car needs to be practically repaired to factory standards. Dodgy backyard jobs or work done by panel beaters to cover up damage etc wont pass.

    Go to some car/alpha forums and ask for advice there. Most people here are saying stay away because of its history without fully understanding why is required to reregister a written off vehicle. And that is precisely why a repaired write off will always sell for less.

  • mate how much is it ?

  • All the doubts and reasons others have mentioned here will be the questions and doubts you will have to deal with when you try to sell this car in the future. Run, dont walk away. There are loads of enthusiast cars around, pick another.

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