1995 Alfa Romeo 164 Super 3.0 24v
Summary:
Not the best Alfa, but much improved as far as reliability is concerned
Faults:
Last year: water leaked from heating system, damaged the main CPU located under the radio. A second hand CPU (about 200 pounds) purchased from Australia through the Internet.
1999: Air flow meter malfunctioned (costly parts from Italy took four weeks to arrive).
1999: Safety button of the gearbox selector stuck.
Between 1996 to 1998: Engine overheated several times due to the failure of the high voltage relay (since then, I always keep a spare in the car); and the motor fan (I have been suspecting that the water leaking was the problem, I later experienced was the consequence of those overheat incidents).
General Comments:
Generally reliable, by Alfa standards. Routine maintenance is a must. Official dealer is un-trustworthy (the sole dealer in Hong Kong is just as bad as those in London). Finding a good mechanic who knows Alfa is therefore another must. Owners should also make the best use of the Internet for finding parts and seeking advice.
Auto gearbox is OK, but a manual gearbox is more suitable.
Because of its size, weight and auto gearbox, my 164 is not very suitable for fast A or B-road type driving, but doing a high speed on the motorway is very relaxed.
A lot rattling noises inside the car, indicating that the finish was not yet up to Japanese/German standards.
All in all, a good Alfa and a reasonable car. Looking forward to owning a 147 Selespeed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th February, 2001
23rd Jan 2011, 01:45
This Italian Super is really is a super car in its heydays... It's one of the most reliable cars I've ever driven. For the last year, it's my daily driver, and have had nothing to complain about.
DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT! That's Italian standard driving style for Italian cars.
Italian cars are like thoroughbred racing horses. They do not like to go slow. Keep the rpm at least 3,000 and shift above 3,000 rpm, and all is well. Go slow and all is hell broken.
I've owned a Fiat X1/9 ('84, '85, '86, '87), Maserati Spyder 1989, Maserati Quattroporte (1984 and 1985), and Alfa Romeo 164 Super Turbo 1996. Never had any major problems with these cars, but you have to drive these cars as they are designed to be driven. Italian cars are for real drivers. They're not Japanese / German car that will drive by themselves with their electronic gizmos...! You really have to know how to drive in performance mode every time you buckle-up your seatbelt.
Have fun!
12th Aug 2001, 07:31
Hmmm, obvious Alfisti my friend, respect, but picked a 164 'auto' and now going to a 147 selespeed. You certainly have an eye for the troublesome models!!