New 166 owner - garage recommendation?

First, just a quick note to introduce myself (and more importantly, my car). It's a 1999 166 2.0TS in green -- high miles (120K) but FSH, two owners, bought on ebay for £2900. Looks like it's been a reps car that's been up-and-down the motorway, as it feels incredibly tight for a car with so many miles.

As far as I can tell, it's reasonably standard except for the addition of the Becker 6CD changer in the boot (hanging from the top of the boot, so presumably a late addition?) and wood trimmed steering wheel & facia.

I had one or two niggles upon receiving -- the a/c fan isn't working, but the seller has agreed to rectify that at his cost (just as well -- it's a £300 repair), and the r/h rear door lock will lock remotely but refuses to unlock remotely. The Alfa dealer suggests that a £40 part and £100 worth of labour will put this right.

Second, I wonder if anyone can recommend a good independent Alfa specialist in SE Kent -- I'm based in Canterbury but anywhere in the area would be great.

First impressions are:

- I love the handling
- I love the interior
- I love the exterior (except for the front end -- prefer the new style)
- I wish it had more power

To that end, I'm in the market for a 2.5 or 3.0 litre car, if anyone knows of a good 'un. Nothing wrong with this 2.0, but I'm used to driving things with a little more get-up-and-go.

Welcome to AO, Matthew


Thanks for the pics of your car - I must say, I think the colour is stunning

Hope you enjoy your stay here.

Welcome aboard!

Check the usual things: when were cambelts / tensioners / variator / aux belt last changed?

Maybe the lack of power is due to a knackered airflow meter (MAF).

Seems like you got it for a good price though.

There is an independent specialist in Dartford who is recommended. Can't remember their name though. A bit far maybe but probably worth the trip.

Hi and welcome, its nice to see another 166 owner, there's not many of us!
I have to say i test drove the 20L when i was buying then tested the 2.5 and it was much better and the V6 sound is cool. I would like a 30L now but will just have to wait and see.

Here's my car.

I've just spotted two great 3.0 litre cars.

One's a 2000 model in dark blue with cream leather, 59K miles, asking price £3995

The other's a 1999 model in exactly the same green as my car with cream leather, 56K miles, LPG conversion, 17" alloys, sat nav. Asking price £5250.

Both are good, clean cars; both have FSH.

I'm torn. I prefer the blue, but like the alloys, sat nav, and LPG.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by MatthewClement

I've just spotted two great 3.0 litre cars.

One's a 2000 model in dark blue with cream leather, 59K miles, asking price £3995

The other's a 1999 model in exactly the same green as my car with cream leather, 56K miles, LPG conversion, 17" alloys, sat nav. Asking price £5250.

Both are good, clean cars; both have FSH.

I'm torn. I prefer the blue, but like the alloys, sat nav, and LPG.

Thoughts?

Have seen the green one on ebay, looks in excellent condition, and has had the cambelt change . Not sure if I could live with a green car though. Also I think the price is a little on the high side, it was first registerd 98, but does have all the toys .

Green is the one colour I'm not really crazy about (despite driving a green car now) but I do like all the extras on the car, and I drive enough mileage that the LPG could be a real benefit and justify the cost differential. Both have cream leather, which is my preferred choice of interior.

Do you think the 1998 first reg is correct? I was under the impression that the first cars were available as 1999/S reg cars?

Originally Posted by MatthewClement

First impressions are:

- I love the handling
- I love the interior
- I love the exterior (except for the front end -- prefer the new style)
- I wish it had more power

To that end, I'm in the market for a 2.5 or 3.0 litre car, if anyone knows of a good 'un. Nothing wrong with this 2.0, but I'm used to driving things with a little more get-up-and-go.

Hi Mathew, I've got a friend with a 2.0 and complained of the same lack of power. He installed a Novitec compressor and now has an economical monster! It's a 2.0 that produces just over 200 BHP but as the engine is lighter than a V6 it handles better and pulls almost as well. He's a Novitec importer in Spain so it may be difficult for you to consider it here but you could speak to Autodelta in London who I know for a fact do a turbo kit for the 2.0 166.

Just something to think about that may be cheaper and more fun than a V6!

Originally Posted by MatthewClement

Green is the one colour I'm not really crazy about (despite driving a green car now) but I do like all the extras on the car, and I drive enough mileage that the LPG could be a real benefit and justify the cost differential. Both have cream leather, which is my preferred choice of interior.

Do you think the 1998 first reg is correct? I was under the impression that the first cars were available as 1999/S reg cars?

I must admit the light coloured leather interiors are the best, they make the cabin feel bigger. On ebay it states the car was registered 23 Dec 98, may be one of the first demo models, hence Sat Nav & Integrated Phone.

mmmm.....compressor and turbo's - i'm drooling already

I really miss the ooomph i got from the turbo in my old vitty - wasn't the best handling old barge but boy could it shift one the turbo had spooled up!

Maybe i should save my pennies for a turbo/supercharger instead of a V6.....

Cheers
Niall