Faults:

Cam angle sensor went bad at 100K.

Leaky valve cover gaskets when purchased.

Leaking fuel injector rail hose.

Horn relay faulty.

General Comments:

I've only had my 164LS for 2 months now; there have been a few teething problems, but none that have been serious.

Parts and servicing are extremely expensive, yet the car on a whole is extremely solid and drives as new. I fully expect it to last for another 100K miles with no major problems.

Performance is excellent, although ride comfort is not nearly as good as my previous car, a 1989 Peugeot 405DL.

Ultimately, this is one of the most distinctive cars available in the US, and the premium for the LS model is well worth it over the earlier '91 to '93 base, L and S models.

Faults:

The right indicator has gone wrong 5 times, has been replaced and has spent 2 months in a garage! without success - am I the only one (any suggestions please?), lights have gone twice, electric window has been replaced (twice - same one), clutch replaced, oil warning light faulty, brakes replaced, ...all in 3 months.

General Comments:

I love the Alfa 164 but the electrics are a nightmare and changing a front light bulb is stupidly awkward. Handling is too light for a car this big and with so much power it can be scary on sudden stops.... but it looks gorgeous.

Faults:

Center exhaust rusted out at 40,000mi. Aftermarket replacement still good after over 20,000 miles.

Eats tires with enthusiastic driving.

General Comments:

Well built, solid car. Very comfortable and a great executive car. Dashing looks and distinctive styling make me proud to walk up to one.

Faults:

Other than normal servicing the car has only had a reverse light switch.

General Comments:

The car now has 135k miles on the clock and still runs fantastically well. Goes, stops and handles more like a sports car than a big saloon.

Faults:

This is my second Alfa 164, which I bought last June having done 44k miles. Since then I've added 20k. The only time it's let me down is when the battery shorted and then the following morning the crank shaft sensor came loose and by touching the alternator caused erratic revs followed by engine cut-out. The AA located this and fixed it on the spot. Apart from this just the usual minor electrical niggles (heated seat doesn't work/sunroof temperamental) and wet weather leaks (I won't be taking it through a car wash again!). I had the cambelt changed last service (very important) and I use Duckhams QX oil.

I recently had two Marangoni Zetas (like Pirelli P6000's) put on the front and am just about to fit a Supersprint tail box, which will look gorgeous.

General Comments:

For a big car it's very agile - you can really chuck it around corners and it's a comfortable cruiser on motorways. The engine looks and sounds beautiful. I average 26.5 mpg, which is pretty good.

It's practical, reliable and great fun!