Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 TS 16V Lusso 4d (00) (2001/Y) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Bought this car (my second 166) as an ex-Alfa press-car, fully-loaded including 17 inch 5-hole alloys, leather, integrated phone, 15k miles on the clock for £8900! Complete bargain.
Costs
Prices vary considerably between main dealers and specialists. Best value I've found so far is 12k service at specialist for £160 plus VAT. You'll need to buy oil too - 1 litre per 6k miles
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On the road
Driving
Excellent all rounder and a great compromise between sporty set-up and comfort. Cruises quietly, but becomes rorty and exciting when you drop down a few gears.
Performance
Not as quick as the V6 version I have previously owned but still quick for 2 litre. Once on song at 3500 plus rpm, it really flies. You need to use the gearbox to get the best out of it, but as the 6-speed shift is so sweet then it's no real hardship.
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Living with it
Reliability
Have done 10k miles in 3 months and no real problems. There have been a couple of electrical gremlins - engine management warning light has come on a couple of times with no actual fault (checked by dealer and cancelled with plug-in Analyser).
Image
Very few of them about, very elegant and classy.
Comfort
Has got everything I need. Long-legged cruising ability plus good performance when you need it.
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Security and Service
Security
Seems ok, but no deadlocks.
Service
Bought from specialist - Veloces in North London who are excellent.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Engine management warning light has come on a couple of times though no actual fault (diagnosed as electrical system spike by Dealer and cancelled with Analyser). Engine as sweet as ever.
Other
Front passenger window rattles in frame on certain road surfaces at low speeds
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes