Faults:

Extremely reliable, and an absolute joy to own.

The only issue that has arisen is the air conditioning fan (stepper motor). Not a big deal for a nearly 20 year old car.

Additionally, it has absolutely no rust, anywhere, and the original paint still shines like new.

General Comments:

This Alfa is extremely fastest and has incredible handling. Few cars can run with it on the open highway, as its 60-120++++ acceleration abilities are amazing. If you drive one, you will understand.

While the 164S is a serious performance machine, it is not pretentious in anyway, and everyone who admires it gives a smile and thumbs up. It really is a fun car to drive.

BTW, in closing, in addition to its reliability, performance, and great looks, it also gets 25-30 mpg.. All this from a nearly 20 year old Italian import. I guess it was ahead of its time, and no wonder why FIAT (Alfas parent company) now owns Chrysler.

Faults:

When I purchased my black 164 S I knew it had a cooling issue due to a leaky radiator so that was ordered. What I didn't know was that the previous owner had overheated the head gaskets due to above problem. So head gaskets were done too as well as all coolant hoses. Front lower control arm bushing needed replacing too since handling was not as good as my 1992 L model. Routine brake pads and tires and my car runs near new.

General Comments:

The car is unique and very fast for the year and size, not common like BMW or Mercedes. I get compliments always. I would recommend for anyone who wants an affordable semi exotic Italian sport sedan, just be sure to know service history, particularly when timing belt was changed. This is crucial to these cars. I would also spend more for a car that needs next to nothing unless you have a fat wallet or are very skilled in auto repair. And I don't mean brake jobs! There are deals for nice S models out there, but for a real no needs car expect $4500 to $5500 as of 2008. An L model can be had for about half to $3500 for a real clean one.

Faults:

Nothing new has gone wrong with the car since I purchased it, however, it acted like a car with 128k, as the brakes, suspension, A/C, some seat motors, and most of the rubber items were shot. I bought it knowing it would be a project, and I write this having completed most of the major services.

Immediately I had to redo the front brakes (pads and rotors) and replace a broken LF spring (new springs, struts, bottom pans, upper mounts) to make the car somewhat drivable. I have since redone the rear brakes, timing belt, valve adjustment, A/C compressor, blower motor, heater core and replaced the tires. All rear suspension bushings and struts have been purchased, as well as control arms, bushings and ball joints for front, and will be replaced very soon.

General Comments:

All of the work I have done has made the car very comfortable and reliable for travel, which was my intent when I purchased it. I took it to Florida from VA 6 weeks ago, and am bringing it back next week.

The A/C (converted to R-134a) is ice cold, but the vents don't distribute the air very well.

No electrical issues, aside from the electric seats, which seem to be working fine now.

The car does have an appetite for oil, so I always have an extra quart along, probably takes a quart every third tank of gas.

I don't advocate purchasing a car in the condition I did. Had I not had connections in the business the car would have cost at least 5-7k in parts and labor to bring back to the condition I now have it in. Much better to spend 4-5k to get one in good condition with records.