Alfa Romeo 166

[VidalBaboon]

The Alfa forum seems a bit quiet. Maybe they're all busy fixing their cars....

Anyway, I'm really considering running one as a daily.

Mileage doesn't bother me as it'd be doing some faily big numbers (20,000M/Y anyway, I'd much rather buy on condition, but that's besides the point.
These 2 are really floating my boat at the minute, but it as it stands, the hack choice is between the 166 & an S class Mercedes. It just depends which will offer the least borkage vs. comfort vs. running costs.

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Anyone running one that can comment on reliability? What are the auto boxes like? Do they have a bad reputation? Lots of questions, but i'm like an excited puppy at the prospect of owning one, so please do your best to put me off

This is the other siren tempting me:
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by VidalBaboon on Tuesday 12th June 13:08

[VidalBaboon]

[Killer2005]

Try alfaowner.com, perhaps a better bet.

And I do hope spell check is responsible for the spelling in the title

[Raize]

I like how you mis-spelled the title to get Alfa enthusiasts looking in the thread expecting to get to flame someone, very crafty.

[anonymous-user]

I ran a 2001 156 V6 for 50k miles. As my only car, I was a bit worried over reputation - coming from the ultra reliable Mondeo - but I really need not have worried. 6 speed manual, but utterly reliable, a beautifully smooth engine, a nice solid noise when you shut the door, 28-30mpg over the life, and it looked ageless. Enough toys to play with, and a Momo interior that everyone used to comment on, both for comfort and for style.

The garage would give me a 166 as a courtesy car, and apart from snapping the alternator tensioner mount halfway home in midwinter deepest Essex countryside, it was a similarly lovely drive - at least in V6 manual guise. No S-class, I'm sure, but the looks and exclusivity of the thing would, IMO, make up for it. Definitely not been put off Alfa ownership one bit.

I'm not sure how relevant this is to you, OP, but I thought I'd help populate this thread!

[mike9009]

I hae been using a 2001 156 SW 2.4 JTD as a daily for the last three years (or my wife has)

So far it has not let us down once in nearly 25,000 miles. Only expensive issues have been the wishbones which are seen as a service part by Alfa. I think this is mainly an issue on the 156 - but worth checking on the 166. I couldnt get your auto-trader links to work so presume you are looking at a V6 petrol model?? Just make sure the cambelt change is religiously followed and regular check of oil level. (Mine doesn't use a drop of oil TBH)

My only other worry I had was after its first drive to bring the car to the Isle of Wight. After driving a couple of hours I got out at the ferry port, and found water leaking all over the floor. st, I thought should never had bought an Alfa. Transpired it was a leaking headlight waterjet - and not terminal doom.

Mike

[anonymous-user]

I have had a 2001 V6 petrol 156 since 2005. I bought it with 11,000 miles indicated and it has now done 71,000. It has given me no significant problems and has been very pleasant to drive. It is is having cam belts done at the moment. Expensive, but cheaper than replacing the car.

[VidalBaboon]

Thanks for the responses. I can't believe the title has been changed to the proper speeling. Someone must have moaned. How pathetic

If my situation miraculously changes on Friday, I will seriously consider it. The white one is beautiful.

[benzito]

I used to own an Alfa 156 Veloce (2001 reg), still my favourite car, very under-rated! However I must admit reliability was an issue - mainly gearbox problems but I suppose its potluck sometimes with Alfa's

[nagsheadwarrior]

Im shopping for a cheapo 166 myself at the moment, just missed out on a very leggy 2.5 v6 manual on ebay last night which in retrospect Im quite glad about.

I think the rep for massive bork factor is very false,I have a 99 GTV with big mileage that is absolutely spot on, from what I've read its rear suspension that needs to be looked out for and cambelt changes are pricey so a recent one is helpfull.

I wouldnt compare it like for like against an S class but it would be the Alfa for me,definitely in 3.0 Auto super lusso spec,I think big cars should be auto and apparently the 2.5 doesnt suit the slushbox much.

Frustratingly the top two of your links dont come up with anything on your original post so I cant nip in and buy one of them!