Anyone owned an Alfa 164?

[launieg]

I see this local listing was posted today:

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10339734

I was wondering if anyone has experience with these cars? I was thinking it might make a nice family sedan. I like unusual stuff

[pope]

That car got dated fast. If you took off the front Alfa vent chrome, hard pressed to tell whos car it is.

[lanciahf]

I always wanted a 164 and did a fair bit of research.

Basically run and do not look back. They are great cars but flawed.

They are great cars if
you do not mind constantly throwing money at them .
Have a Alfa mechanic follow you around.
Have a Alfa mechanic that lives near you.
you do not mind constantly throwing money at your mechanic.
etc.

I asked my relatives in Italy about them and they said DONT do it!

[So Cal Mark]

I have regular customer with a 164 L, and I just sold a 164 S to another customer. The auto version is tough to work on (isn't everything these days?). If it were me, I'd avoid the auto version. But, the S I just sold is a 5spd 3.0 and it rocks. That car is a blast to drive.
I think the biggest drawback is the electronics in the climate control system. Kinda tempermental and like everything Alfa, pricey to repair.
The 3.0 motors are VERY desirable, and after you drive one you'll see why. They have great power for a big 4 passenger sedan

[kristoj]

Sam -- aka "sjmst" recently sold his. Maybe he will chime in with some advice. They are certainly attractive cars and you don't see many of them on the road. Would make for pretty cool (and unique) transportation if you don't mind the potential extra maintenance.

[narfire]

Hey Launie.. I thought about those as well but after taking my kids toyota corrola "S" out for a spin and the steering being all weird when you put you foot into it.. I kinda like the rear wheel drive cars.
The milano Verde has the 3 liter and is rear wheel drive. Met a kid at the exotic car show in Van. this past Sept., and he loves his.
There is a 164 in Summerland and talking to the guys that sevice it,parts are a bit expensive and can be awile in arriving.

[launieg]

Thanks to all. It was only an interesting possibility, but without a whole lot of excitement, I'll let it pass. There are other interesting cars out there!

[So Cal Mark]

offer the guy 1000 and see if you can steal it. Then drive the wheels off it

[launieg]

Yeah Mark, I suspect he might take $1000. I am guessing it is going to drive like the BMW 735 Csi that I had (that my son picked up and we subsequently sold), in handling and power.