166 Super Lusso
Discussion
Went out on Saturday to check out and test drive a 156 2.4JTD Sportwagon and a 166, ended up looking at both a 2.5 V6 Sportronic and a 3 litre V6 super lusso.
The 156 2.4JTD is a superb vehicle. The engine is amazingly tractable for a diesel and drives like a petrol. I was less impressed with the brakes which had little "feel" and were very sensitive and the dash on the one we looked at (pre-2002 Lusso) was a bit tacky.
We test drove a 2.5 Sportronic 166. Very nice car but needed more umph and although the auto gearbox was good, it needed encouragement to kick down. Not sure the "manual" feature would ever get used but it was a nice feature. The one we saw too need a few dents dealt with which wasn't too tempting.
Then we saw a 3 litre V6 super lusso with every concievable option (winter pack, sat nav, GSM phone, momo seats, 6 speed manual) and boy what a car. Very fast, very comfortable and very fun to drive. The engine does not stop pulling and it has enough torque to pootle around in 6th gear in town! I must admit, I loved all the gizmo's - very easy to use - and the style, poise and look of the car was a winner to me over the 156. It felt much more car for the money, but saying that I was sorely tempted by the 156 too.
Anyway, the big car got the vote and it's currently sitting outside ready for me to play with it! It does have more mileage than we would have liked (it's almost 3 years old with 45k on the clock) but we do a lot of mileage ourselves any way and the car is in immaculate and very well looked after condition.
It is totally different from our modified Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo (which whizzes rather than growls) but they share the same fun feeling and wonderful Italian experience.
It's been a while since my daily driver was Italian (go back about 8 years to a Fiat Punto GT) but boy does it feel good.
Anyone else have a 166? Any views? Also, does anyone know where I can get a tow bar for it (emergency use only for our race cars) - I don't want a swan neck (which is all I can find at the moment) because we have a bike rack which needs a flange? I am advised that Witter don't make one for the car as they are too rare!
The 156 2.4JTD is a superb vehicle. The engine is amazingly tractable for a diesel and drives like a petrol. I was less impressed with the brakes which had little "feel" and were very sensitive and the dash on the one we looked at (pre-2002 Lusso) was a bit tacky.
We test drove a 2.5 Sportronic 166. Very nice car but needed more umph and although the auto gearbox was good, it needed encouragement to kick down. Not sure the "manual" feature would ever get used but it was a nice feature. The one we saw too need a few dents dealt with which wasn't too tempting.
Then we saw a 3 litre V6 super lusso with every concievable option (winter pack, sat nav, GSM phone, momo seats, 6 speed manual) and boy what a car. Very fast, very comfortable and very fun to drive. The engine does not stop pulling and it has enough torque to pootle around in 6th gear in town! I must admit, I loved all the gizmo's - very easy to use - and the style, poise and look of the car was a winner to me over the 156. It felt much more car for the money, but saying that I was sorely tempted by the 156 too.
Anyway, the big car got the vote and it's currently sitting outside ready for me to play with it! It does have more mileage than we would have liked (it's almost 3 years old with 45k on the clock) but we do a lot of mileage ourselves any way and the car is in immaculate and very well looked after condition.
It is totally different from our modified Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo (which whizzes rather than growls) but they share the same fun feeling and wonderful Italian experience.
It's been a while since my daily driver was Italian (go back about 8 years to a Fiat Punto GT) but boy does it feel good.
Anyone else have a 166? Any views? Also, does anyone know where I can get a tow bar for it (emergency use only for our race cars) - I don't want a swan neck (which is all I can find at the moment) because we have a bike rack which needs a flange? I am advised that Witter don't make one for the car as they are too rare!
Great car lak, i'm with you on all the toys etc, just teh one i'd choose myself.
Bit concerned that you thought the 2.5 lacked something, theres a lot more of those on the 2nd hand market.
I'll be looking at taking on a 166 myself but like i say it was going to be the 2.5 with sportronic box, maybe the manual is a better option for me?
I've been keeping my on on autotrader and it seems i can get a 99,2000 model with leather etc etc for about the 5k mark assuming i dont mind the 75k+ milage.
When you suss out the satnav let me know what you think of it, i've heard the screens can be unreliable?
Cheers John
Bit concerned that you thought the 2.5 lacked something, theres a lot more of those on the 2nd hand market.
I'll be looking at taking on a 166 myself but like i say it was going to be the 2.5 with sportronic box, maybe the manual is a better option for me?
I've been keeping my on on autotrader and it seems i can get a 99,2000 model with leather etc etc for about the 5k mark assuming i dont mind the 75k+ milage.
When you suss out the satnav let me know what you think of it, i've heard the screens can be unreliable?
Cheers John
Hi John. We have now had the car for just over 3 weeks and completed almost 2,000 wonderful miles. Am still very happy with the car although the cruise control does not appear to work so I will have to get that sorted out under the warranty.
You may find the 2.5 sportronic to be the one for you - personally I just felt it lacked that punch that I would expect from a 2.5 V6. However, we do own a couple of fast cars and I have just moved from a straight 6, 3 litre Merc estate (old) so maybe I just expect a bit more punch for my money.
I also found out after buying the 3 litre SL that it comes with more goodies than the 2.5. In particular it has an STR button which essentially changes the engine management system so the engine (and brakes) seem much more responsive. I must admit that we now keep the car in that mode all the time and the car is a complete hoot. I think there are some other differences too which is why the 3 litre is more expensive.
I adore the Sat Nav and it has yet to fail me in a big way although it did take us off the M5 to go through Wolverhampton instead of on the M6 went we went to Demon Tweaks in Wrexham the other weekend. It has some fantastic features (which I am sure is on all sat nav systems but I am new to them) such as being able to find the closest petrol station, sites of interest etc and you can phone them as well from the GSM phone. Magic!
John, I would encourage you to try both of the cars to see how you feel about them. The Sportronic seems a good box but I guess I am always a little wary of autos especially on high milers (had big problems with my Merc). However I have found the 6 speed manual a little difficult to get used to what gear the car is in although as it has bags of torque it can normally pull in whatever gear you are in.
One thing to be very aware of is that the 3 litre struggles re petrol consumption. I am averaging out at about 20mpg which isn't great but I do have a stop and start journey to work and do like to accelerate up to speed. I think the 2.5 is better re consumption but I am not sure by how much.
Have fun test driving them and let me know how you get on.
LAK
You may find the 2.5 sportronic to be the one for you - personally I just felt it lacked that punch that I would expect from a 2.5 V6. However, we do own a couple of fast cars and I have just moved from a straight 6, 3 litre Merc estate (old) so maybe I just expect a bit more punch for my money.
I also found out after buying the 3 litre SL that it comes with more goodies than the 2.5. In particular it has an STR button which essentially changes the engine management system so the engine (and brakes) seem much more responsive. I must admit that we now keep the car in that mode all the time and the car is a complete hoot. I think there are some other differences too which is why the 3 litre is more expensive.
I adore the Sat Nav and it has yet to fail me in a big way although it did take us off the M5 to go through Wolverhampton instead of on the M6 went we went to Demon Tweaks in Wrexham the other weekend. It has some fantastic features (which I am sure is on all sat nav systems but I am new to them) such as being able to find the closest petrol station, sites of interest etc and you can phone them as well from the GSM phone. Magic!
John, I would encourage you to try both of the cars to see how you feel about them. The Sportronic seems a good box but I guess I am always a little wary of autos especially on high milers (had big problems with my Merc). However I have found the 6 speed manual a little difficult to get used to what gear the car is in although as it has bags of torque it can normally pull in whatever gear you are in.
One thing to be very aware of is that the 3 litre struggles re petrol consumption. I am averaging out at about 20mpg which isn't great but I do have a stop and start journey to work and do like to accelerate up to speed. I think the 2.5 is better re consumption but I am not sure by how much.
Have fun test driving them and let me know how you get on.
LAK
Lak,
Sorry its taken me so long to reply but i really appreciate your information.
I'm hoping to see a 3.0 manual this weekend, its a T plate with 50k on it and its under 6k ( hopefully) FSH and all the usual toys that i can figure at least.
The economy worries me and the 72k service too ( ive had two quotes £850 and £920)
But the car does look mint in the pics and the guys seem a genuine chap ( two owners ) one Alfa UK.
I'll keep you infomred....
PS- its a Dark Blue with Light grey leather interior.
Sorry its taken me so long to reply but i really appreciate your information.
I'm hoping to see a 3.0 manual this weekend, its a T plate with 50k on it and its under 6k ( hopefully) FSH and all the usual toys that i can figure at least.
The economy worries me and the 72k service too ( ive had two quotes £850 and £920)
But the car does look mint in the pics and the guys seem a genuine chap ( two owners ) one Alfa UK.
I'll keep you infomred....
PS- its a Dark Blue with Light grey leather interior.
Hi John. Good to hear you are going to see a 3l 166. I am still over the moon with mine and it is still the star of our company car park amongst the Boxsters, Mercs etc.
When you test the car, try hitting the button next to the petrol release and traction control buttons. This switches the engine management system to a much more enjoyable drive - I have this switched on all the time (probably why my mpg isn't great!).
Re the 72k mile service, I have a really great chap who looks after our Italian cars (we have one or two). He hasn't quoted me yet for the big service yet(the car is still in the 40's) but I know that he did the cam belt change on our Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo for a about three hundred quid (Fiat charge close to £1000 I think). Not sure where you are based but he is in near Theale/Aldermaston (West Berkshire). Happy to pass on his details if and when you buy a 166.
Let me know how it goes.
LAK
When you test the car, try hitting the button next to the petrol release and traction control buttons. This switches the engine management system to a much more enjoyable drive - I have this switched on all the time (probably why my mpg isn't great!).
Re the 72k mile service, I have a really great chap who looks after our Italian cars (we have one or two). He hasn't quoted me yet for the big service yet(the car is still in the 40's) but I know that he did the cam belt change on our Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo for a about three hundred quid (Fiat charge close to £1000 I think). Not sure where you are based but he is in near Theale/Aldermaston (West Berkshire). Happy to pass on his details if and when you buy a 166.
Let me know how it goes.
LAK
John, just realised that you may want to phone my guy for a quote for the 72k mile service in advance of test driving the car. His name is Keith Turner of Auto Integrale (he is a Lancia, Fiat, Alfa specialist) and his number is: 0118 971 0281. Just mention that Louise Kennedy pointed you in his direction. I'd be interested in his quote myself!
Happy driving on the weekend!
Happy driving on the weekend!
Ok, so i saw it...
Heres the Info ( but before i start Doug the guy selling seemed like a nice genuine guy so top marks to him)
Thers seems to be a high chance that this car is the Alfa GB press vehicle, its ending reg on a S plate is LJB (dark bluw, ligh grey interior)and a lot of press info semes to have this car on it, also the engine number is VERY low showing its one of the first batch of the production line!
Ititially it looks clean and sharp and the 17" wheels make a difference to the look, much more sporty looking. Genreal condition was about 8.5/10 there are the odd signs of supermarket madness and a few stone chips to the front, one annoying ding in the off side driver day detracts from the side but its not that big. ( dentmaster i hear myself say??)
Interior is fresh and new- i now know what they mean in reviews about cramped rears especially if you a descent size and driver seat is back a bit.
The spec is high and has the wooden center dash etc, the middle armrest is worn badly and needs repalcing, the mats are ok but could also do with repalcing or cleaning at least.
I checked out the computer and its showing average fuel consumption at 22mpg ( so a bit of a concern?)
More so the sat nav would not work and with further investigation it semes that there should be another box above the CD autochanger in the boot for the maps?? ( Can anyone shed any light on the 166 and sat Nav, remember this is an early model- and officially not standard!) I'm hoping can be added as the car obviosuly has the colour screen up front a satnav button and the black shark fin on the roof ( i assume the radio is in the rear demister)
The grey interios is nice and bright although i'm a beige fan.
Service history looks good and has all relevant stamps etc, keeping to the mileage theres still 8k to go but keeping to the year intervals it needs one in early June ( i only do about 7-9k a year)
My local dealer ( Northampton) tells me ist £480 for 60k and £960 for the 72k, eek!
So i'll be interested in talking to your local guy today to check out some alternative costs!
( Just had a break in writing)
I just spoke to my local dealer who informs me adding the SAT NAV retro is well over 1k!!
So i'm of to to talk to a local specialist to see if i can get it cheaper??
Alterntivley it looks like i'll end up with a higer milage car ( +72k ;-)) e.g Post cam belt!!
And see if i can pick up one with Sat NAV and Biege interior?
I'll keep you informed of progress!
Cheers John
Heres the Info ( but before i start Doug the guy selling seemed like a nice genuine guy so top marks to him)
Thers seems to be a high chance that this car is the Alfa GB press vehicle, its ending reg on a S plate is LJB (dark bluw, ligh grey interior)and a lot of press info semes to have this car on it, also the engine number is VERY low showing its one of the first batch of the production line!
Ititially it looks clean and sharp and the 17" wheels make a difference to the look, much more sporty looking. Genreal condition was about 8.5/10 there are the odd signs of supermarket madness and a few stone chips to the front, one annoying ding in the off side driver day detracts from the side but its not that big. ( dentmaster i hear myself say??)
Interior is fresh and new- i now know what they mean in reviews about cramped rears especially if you a descent size and driver seat is back a bit.
The spec is high and has the wooden center dash etc, the middle armrest is worn badly and needs repalcing, the mats are ok but could also do with repalcing or cleaning at least.
I checked out the computer and its showing average fuel consumption at 22mpg ( so a bit of a concern?)
More so the sat nav would not work and with further investigation it semes that there should be another box above the CD autochanger in the boot for the maps?? ( Can anyone shed any light on the 166 and sat Nav, remember this is an early model- and officially not standard!) I'm hoping can be added as the car obviosuly has the colour screen up front a satnav button and the black shark fin on the roof ( i assume the radio is in the rear demister)
The grey interios is nice and bright although i'm a beige fan.
Service history looks good and has all relevant stamps etc, keeping to the mileage theres still 8k to go but keeping to the year intervals it needs one in early June ( i only do about 7-9k a year)
My local dealer ( Northampton) tells me ist £480 for 60k and £960 for the 72k, eek!
So i'll be interested in talking to your local guy today to check out some alternative costs!
( Just had a break in writing)
I just spoke to my local dealer who informs me adding the SAT NAV retro is well over 1k!!
So i'm of to to talk to a local specialist to see if i can get it cheaper??
Alterntivley it looks like i'll end up with a higer milage car ( +72k ;-)) e.g Post cam belt!!
And see if i can pick up one with Sat NAV and Biege interior?
I'll keep you informed of progress!
Cheers John
Lak,
Thanks for the number, the propect of owning an Alfa 166 has become more of a reality now!
I have been quoted £275+vat for 60k service and £375+vat for 72k service inc belts. These prices were inc of parts and labour.
So a great price compared to local dealers.
I've also enquired about the chap inspecting it and for <£50 he'll give it a full once over- what value!
So i just need to overcoem the SAT nav issue..
More comments shortly ...
Cheers John
Thanks for the number, the propect of owning an Alfa 166 has become more of a reality now!
I have been quoted £275+vat for 60k service and £375+vat for 72k service inc belts. These prices were inc of parts and labour.
So a great price compared to local dealers.
I've also enquired about the chap inspecting it and for <£50 he'll give it a full once over- what value!
So i just need to overcoem the SAT nav issue..
More comments shortly ...
Cheers John
John, I'm pleased that Keith was able to help - he's a good guy and we would be lost with his knowledge, enthusiasm and good prices!
Your description of the car does not match mine. First of all the Sat Nav - as far as I am aware all the 166's (well certainly the 2.5 and 3l) have a Sat Nav button. The 2.5 we test drove had the button but did not have Sat Nav. My understanding is that all 3l's came with Sat Nav as standard, but I stand to be corrected. My car also does not have wood - it has a rather nice titanium type colour inset, not tacky - as mine is a 2001 maybe they updated the interior?
I guess you just need to do some further research before you go any further re the spec of the car and the history. Did you get to test drive it? What did you think?
Your description of the car does not match mine. First of all the Sat Nav - as far as I am aware all the 166's (well certainly the 2.5 and 3l) have a Sat Nav button. The 2.5 we test drove had the button but did not have Sat Nav. My understanding is that all 3l's came with Sat Nav as standard, but I stand to be corrected. My car also does not have wood - it has a rather nice titanium type colour inset, not tacky - as mine is a 2001 maybe they updated the interior?
I guess you just need to do some further research before you go any further re the spec of the car and the history. Did you get to test drive it? What did you think?
I got to drive one of these yesterday. I've been looking forward to trying one for a long time. Unfortunately the test was on track and with a helmet on I couldn't get into the car properly.
I'm not tall, but a high seat, a helmet and a sunroof conspired to ruin the drive. Managed a few laps and it was good but I was bit preoccupied with not crashing to enjoy it
I'm not tall, but a high seat, a helmet and a sunroof conspired to ruin the drive. Managed a few laps and it was good but I was bit preoccupied with not crashing to enjoy it
I have just re-read your message. I can't remember how many miles you said the car had but I would be a little concerned re the worn out carpets and arm rest. My car has done 49K and the carpets are all immaculate (very little wear at all) and the arm rest is perfect.
I had an ex-press car Fiat Punto GT (turbo) a few years back and it was standard spec and the interior was perfect. Anyway, I'd just be a little careful re the mileage...
I had an ex-press car Fiat Punto GT (turbo) a few years back and it was standard spec and the interior was perfect. Anyway, I'd just be a little careful re the mileage...
Hi Ted - sorry that your run in the car was blighted by poor seating. Ours has electric memory seats and it has been a little difficult for my hubbie (who is almost 6 ft 3) to find a perfect position. He needs the car back about another inch and because he can't, he tips the seat slightly to get the steering wheel further away from his knees. Still, it doesn't stop him grinning when he gets out of the car when I let him have a drive!
Ok... iv's spoken to 3 Sat Nav specialist's and 2 more Alfa dealers and the Sat Nav cant be retro fitted, unless you wnat a full new system..
So i have a quandry, car great in all otehr ways and i maybe able to get it a bigger chunk under 6k!
Or, do i wait and try a likley 2.5 with higher miles and the bits i want???
Mmmmmmmmm?
So i have a quandry, car great in all otehr ways and i maybe able to get it a bigger chunk under 6k!
Or, do i wait and try a likley 2.5 with higher miles and the bits i want???
Mmmmmmmmm?
FYI the milage was only 51,??? and that seems to be supported by the Service Log..
Its also HPI clear with a ncie certificate.
All service logs and manuals are present too.
However one dealer noted the 'time' [not milage] was up to replace the Cambelt, Sound reasonable?
So in 3-4 months time it needs a £450+ service ( and thast at Good prices)
I think i need to talk to the seller again and steer near to the 5.5k + new MOT + replaced windscreen that has a nasty chip + full talk of petrol ;-)
On another note i spoke to Keith about upgrades and hes pending some info on a disk/caliper upgrade but he says that Braided hoses and a fluid upgrade will help plenty after all its 1600kg of car to stop! And the upgrade is only a few £...
I'm aslo interested in seeing if i can chip it ,like to see the HP over 260+, the engine is clearly safely capable!
Its also HPI clear with a ncie certificate.
All service logs and manuals are present too.
However one dealer noted the 'time' [not milage] was up to replace the Cambelt, Sound reasonable?
So in 3-4 months time it needs a £450+ service ( and thast at Good prices)
I think i need to talk to the seller again and steer near to the 5.5k + new MOT + replaced windscreen that has a nasty chip + full talk of petrol ;-)
On another note i spoke to Keith about upgrades and hes pending some info on a disk/caliper upgrade but he says that Braided hoses and a fluid upgrade will help plenty after all its 1600kg of car to stop! And the upgrade is only a few £...
I'm aslo interested in seeing if i can chip it ,like to see the HP over 260+, the engine is clearly safely capable!
jrrs1 said:
I'm aslo interested in seeing if i can chip it ,like to see the HP over 260+, the engine is clearly safely capable!
Plenty of chips around for the 3.0V6 GTV, fairly easy to get 260bhp+
Seeing as its the same engine, I guess there'd be no problem getting a map for the 166...
Hi everybody:
For what it's worth, I recently bought a 166 2.5 sportronic. The performance is fairly leisurely, until you drop into manual and use some revs - then the Alfa noise starts and the grunt is great. Handling is tidy for a big saloon - but mine suffers from bump steer - is this a design trait or does mine need re-tracking? Front tyre wear is worrying though.
Fuel economy appears to be abysmal - the best I can get on the computer is 22 mpg - but then checking at the pump, it appears I'm actually getting 27 mpg, which is almost respectable. Usually, it's 20 on the computer and 24 at the pump, which is not brilliant for a modern car. My conclusion is that, either the fuel flow sensor needs calibrating, or the syatem is adjusted to US gallons - 20% less than imperial gallons. Anyone have similar experience?
Overall, I love the car. It has style, comfort and goes well if you have a deep petrol pocket.
I do need a CD player (it's not the Lusso) - does anyone know what I need to buy to plug one in?
Cheers - John
For what it's worth, I recently bought a 166 2.5 sportronic. The performance is fairly leisurely, until you drop into manual and use some revs - then the Alfa noise starts and the grunt is great. Handling is tidy for a big saloon - but mine suffers from bump steer - is this a design trait or does mine need re-tracking? Front tyre wear is worrying though.
Fuel economy appears to be abysmal - the best I can get on the computer is 22 mpg - but then checking at the pump, it appears I'm actually getting 27 mpg, which is almost respectable. Usually, it's 20 on the computer and 24 at the pump, which is not brilliant for a modern car. My conclusion is that, either the fuel flow sensor needs calibrating, or the syatem is adjusted to US gallons - 20% less than imperial gallons. Anyone have similar experience?
Overall, I love the car. It has style, comfort and goes well if you have a deep petrol pocket.
I do need a CD player (it's not the Lusso) - does anyone know what I need to buy to plug one in?
Cheers - John
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