Alfa 166... is this a good deal?

ZV Yoda

Thx Mick - I was advised (on here I think) about the low ride hide at the front, so I checked the front underside & no bumps or scrapes on the subframe or sump. I don't drive on any back roads - my daily 6 mile commute is all good roads, but I'll bear that in mind.

Car did return to idle normally, but will check again - what's the potential if this is not the case? There's less than 40k on the clock & it's fully backed up by main dealer invoices/stamps.

Also, did you manage to sort your window? I rarely have passengers in the back, so I'm not too concerned if it's not easiy fixed.

Thanks

RobAMerc

Well done Yoda - that looks a cracking car - my mate bought one with 140k on the clock and has never looked back - its a cracking drive I must say

as galwaytt said - its very hard to get inspired by an e class when you can buy this sort!

mickdw

Didnt get it fixed as it was one of the more minor niggles. On the idle, mine developed a problem were it would stick at 2000 revs at times. got new maf sensor and cleaned out throttle body but was never quite right. I like the cars but lets just say the parts guy in Tractamotors became a little too familiar to me. The clutch im told is borderline in its design and will not take much hardship. The high idle caused problems with my clutch.
At the money you wont buy more car thats for sure but as I said before keep a parts budget and expect to use it. Also 3 years ago dealers were quoting 1400 for timing belt at 70000 mile service. spark plugs are 200+ even at motor factors (8 plugs)

cjt156

Steer well clear of dealers for servicing (with the exception of Alasta Autos - long time service specialist, recently awarded a dealership). In Dublin TI Autos is the way to go, or a trusted independent.
I've changed belts (3 times) and plugs on mine & paid nothing like that money.

Edit to say; congrats on the 166; it looks a gem - enjoy!

galwaytt

ZV Yoda wrote: »

When you think about the depreciation all the same...

I just sold my 00 Almera... It cost (as far as I can remember) about €20k new, so it's lost about €16k over 8 yrs.
...approx €2k depreciation/yr

The Alfa cost €45.5k new. So it's lost €37k in 6 years.
...approx €6.5k depreciation/yr:eek:

Scary, isn't it?

I've owned a couple of new cars in the past. This is the oldest one I've ever bought (aside from my '73 MG). I can't imagine ever going back to a new car again.

Horses for courses I suppose... maybe I'll have lots of "I told you so"s when I start posting about problems with the Alfa

you're missing the point - he's only paying 8.5k. Depreciation up to now is irrelevant.

The absolute worst that can happen is that he writes the car down to, say, 1k, and sells it for parts then. :eek: . Let's say, 3 years? That's 2.5k/yr. If he does high or reasonable, mileage, that'll be cheap. With low mileage, it'll be reasonable, but there again it'll be worth more than 1.5k at the end......still no worse (really) than your Almera. Plus, the sum total of his loss is 7.5k You've lost 16k on your Nissan.

Win-Win, it seems to me for the Alfa.

Hey, why aren't we all doing this?

Oh, sorry.........I am !!

ZV Yoda

Hey TT, I am the OP - I sold my Almera to buy the Alfa...

I was illustrating your point exactly... Alfa depreciation has already happened, so even assuming servicing etc is more expensive than the Almera, I'm (hopefully) still quids in.

Anybody any recommendations on Alfa mechanics in the Leixlip/Celbridge/Nth Kildare area?

I've heard Alfa dealers aren't great in general. The 166 was serviced in Alasta, so sounds like that's good news. A few people have mentioned that TI are great - where are they located?

FWIW, the Almera has a FNSH... the last service cost me €745 at a main dealer. Timing chain in the Almera cost €700 too.... so not exactly cheap either..

cjt156

TI are in Smithfield (north inner city) Alasta are in South Lotts (south, near the canal) both are easy enough for you to access, even if not nearby.

RobAMerc

ZV Yoda wrote: »

Timing chain in the Almera cost €700 too.... so not exactly cheap either..

Can I ask why this needed to be done ?

Lex Luthor

you should consider going to England if you are after a 166. I would if I was looking for one....

this one is a beaut

http://www.veloces.co.uk/reg/51JXHEH

Harrybelafonte

You're making a great choice with the 166. I've had mine for over 2 years now, but if I could just warn you about a couple of things

1. Be prepared for a slagging for owning an Alfa
2. Always have a little bit of spare cash for the emergencies, they may not happen but presume they will and it makes ownership a bit more pleasurable to be prepared. If she breaks down, there's nearly always a simple explanation.
3. Don't throw her around any twisties yet after coming from the Almera, get used to her first. They're a little bit arse heavy and can slip from under you when pushed.
4. Check the oil, check the oil, check the oil. Everytime you fill her up check the oil, seriously. Carry the stuff in the boot with you. Some burn the stuff, others don't, pay attention until you get to know her better.

Most of all enjoy ownership. That's a good price for a Sportivo with such low milage.

Keep an eye on alfaowner.com to learn about sorting out some of the niggles that may appear.

galwaytt

only reason the 166 caught my eye was the interior colour, and the price.

Mind you, Veloces also have this ....mmmmm........

unkel

RobAMerc wrote: »

Can I ask why this needed to be done ?

You rightly ask why, because most timing chains never need being replaced. The answer is that Almeras of that kind of age seem to have a problem with the timing chains. I've heard of many people reporting they had to replace them

Back O/T, some quality posts from owners. To make a wee bit of a generalisation - Alfas can be had for very little money, especially in this country. You get an incredible level of style, beauty and performance for your money, but TLC needs to be applied

Wanna buy an Alfa? Prepare to be an Alfa owner. Do it properly - take the maintenance on the chin but most of all, enjoy! Life's too short, etc.

richardsheil

Well done to original poster.

166 is a great car.

I have had mine a year and a half now and when I got it changed the MAF and handbrake cables. Changed the belts just before Christmas which cost about 250 (did it myself)

Now 16000 miles later all I have had to do is change the oil and keep on running.

Quality is great.

Good luck

eamon234

Have you sold the MGB yet OP? Any details on it? That 166 is a beauty by the way happy motoring.

ZV Yoda

Thanks for all the comments about the Alfa folks... I'll keep them all in mind.

I've joined Alfa Owners.com already - they know their stuff!

MGB not sold yet.. see my ad - has warts and all details. No minter, but priced accordingly & will put a smile on your face when you're behind the wheel



http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=35346&cat=2

Lex Luthor

galwaytt wrote: »

only reason the 166 caught my eye was the interior colour, and the price.

Mind you, Veloces also have this ....mmmmm........

Veloces do have some v nice cars every now and again

ZV Yoda

Well, I took the plunge & bought the 166 this week. Been driving it for a few days now & haven't stopped smiling.

It's absolutely mint inside & out, has new tyres, only 37.6k miles (with all receipts) & is NCT'd till Feb 2010.

Happy days!!

redman

ZV Yoda, I am delighted for you ! Many happy miles driving!!

ZV Yoda

Cheers - great avatar BTW

cjt156

That is an absolute gem; hope it gives you many happy miles of motoring.

3ps

very nice indeed. i haven't read the whole posting but at 37.5k miles I guess the TB needs to be done.

please join up below and post some pics in the gallery!

unkel

Well wear!

3ps wrote: »

i haven't read the whole posting but at 37.5k miles I guess the TB needs to be done.

It was done 7k miles ago

Anan1

Congratulations, OP. I have to admit, i'm a bit jealous.:)

ZV Yoda

Thanks all...

3PS,
I just joined the Alfa site too - thanks!!

Lex Luthor

Well done Yoda...enjoy the motor

I use shop4parts in the UK when I'm buying any parts....I got the 8 plugs there before for about €120. Only problem is they only ship to UK address but if you know someone over there to take them in for you, you're laughing

bmoferrall

Lex Luthor wrote: »

I use shop4parts in the UK when I'm buying any parts....I got the 8 plugs there before for about €120. Only problem is they only ship to UK address but if you know someone over there to take them in for you, you're laughing

If you email the administrator Michael Wilcox, he will post to an Irish address.

These were his instructions to me:
If you select ‘UK Mainland’ and use ‘-‘ for the postcode. Once I receive the order I will amend the postage costs accordingly

IIRC, I saved a couple hundred euros on a water pump. Plugs are cheap as well.

Best wishes Yoda. I'm a little jealous as well! As said by others, stick with TI Autos or Alasta Autos and the smiles per miles will continue to be high.

ZV Yoda

Thanks folks - will keep them in mind for parts etc. Was def planning to have it serviced at TI (Alasta prob too difficult for me to get to)