Buying a 166

Hi everyone
I browse this forum often and with great interest, but rarely post.

After thinking about a GT V6 3.2 (too expensive for now) and a GTV V6, I'm thinking about settling on a 166 V6 3.0 to replace my 155 2.0TS.

It seems that low mileage 166s are in short supply - particularly the 3.0 models - and particularly when you're looking exclusively for manual gearbox versions as well.

And then two turn up once on Autotrader, one in Bristol, the other in Croydon, at a smidge below and smidge above £4k.

And they haven't sold yet. Any thoughts on those two models? I'd provide links, but Autotrader doesn't allow for links from what I can tell.

I'd appreciate any views or comments you might have on these two specific cars or what someone graduating from a 155 to a 166 should think about.

thanks, Simon.

The one at £3995 & the one at £4490?

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www...arch_full.y=10

I was actually looking at those last night thinking that they seemed fairly good motors with nice mileages - You will have to ask all the questions and check them out though.

The 166 is a great motor and light years ahead of the 155 - My brother has a 155 widebody that I have driven a few times, nice fun motor but the 166 is a big luxury motor. You will really notice the quality difference!

Try here - http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-...ng-advice.html (166 Super buying advice)

These motors exactly - I'm hoping to see at least one of them over the weekend.

Quick question - can I expect all 166s to come with a cassette deck only? What are the options for having a CD player?

Thanks for the pointer to the buying guide.

The cd player was an option so not all have it. Some cars that didn't come with the cd, do come with the cables ready for the cd. They will be in the boot on the left hand side, usually around the battery area. Mine were in the spare wheel well. If you have the cables then you can either fit a second hand unit, they come up on ebay now and again for around £150, or fit a MP3 "loudlink" unit that the ICS recognises. The origional Becker CD unit is the only one the ICS recognises, you cannot fit an aftermarket one. So ideally, find a 166 with the CD fitted!!

Also, avoid faded red paint. It will have gone under the lacquer and the only way of sorting is a re-spray!

The red shouldn't be an issue - I'm booked in to see the silver one on Saturday at 1000 - I'll report back after.

Thanks for the advice so far - appreciated.

I personally think the silver is a better buy - Although older it is a nicer spec IMO and beter mileage.

I went from a 1.8 155 to a 3.0 super, so I know you're going to love it. In terms of comfort and performance, it's light years on.

I think the silver is slightly better but has it got a cloth interior? it's hard to tell from the rubbish pictures. I wish i had got a CD changer in mine but an MP3 player and a tape adapter does enough of a job for me.

Bear in mind that the Cambelt on these is about £650+VAT at a specialist so if it's not been done you might want to negotiate.

Am I right in seeing the 166 as more of a cruiser? I would love the manual 3.0i, but if given the choice out of that and the GTV I would go GTV.

Not even really because I prefer the look, as they both look amazing. But the GTV strikes me more of a racer than the 166.

If I got a 166 it would have to have every feature possible. Air Con / CD Changer etc. As I probably would require it more in that car, whereas with the GTV I would be blasting around all over the place.

I think it's to do with stories I've heard regarding the 166s suspension as well.

Could be wrong though, and probably am, I'm sure I'll be corrected and flamed shortly though

The 166 looks great and with the manual gearbox is probably stunning.

Originally Posted by Darren156

Am I right in seeing the 166 as more of a cruiser? I would love the manual 3.0i, but if given the choice out of that and the GTV I would go GTV.

Not even really because I prefer the look, as they both look amazing. But the GTV strikes me more of a racer than the 166.

If I got a 166 it would have to have every feature possible. Air Con / CD Changer etc. As I probably would require it more in that car, whereas with the GTV I would be blasting around all over the place.

I think it's to do with stories I've heard regarding the 166s suspension as well.

Could be wrong though, and probably am, I'm sure I'll be corrected and flamed shortly though

The 166 looks great and with the manual gearbox is probably stunning.

I'm fairly new to the 166 3.0 Super (manual) mate and I was overwhelmed with it. I think you can call it a cruiser but it ain't no slouch if you want to give it a bit of a ragging. Seems very 'together' on cornering too. Go for it, a rare car on the road and a bit of a head-turner. Mind you, I would say that, wouldn't I?!

If you are comparing it to the GTV for performance alone then the GTV has it. But if you want everything (and I mean everything) performance, style, space, class etc etc the 166 has it in bucket loads.

Cruiser? it can be, but believe me, it goes!

I guess that the 166 weighs a fair bit more than the GTV to explain the difference.

Originally Posted by minch

...has it got a cloth interior? it's hard to tell from the rubbish pictures. I wish i had got a CD changer in mine but an MP3 player and a tape adapter does enough of a job for me.

Bear in mind that the Cambelt on these is about £650+VAT at a specialist so if it's not been done you might want to negotiate.

Don't worry about the cambelt change - that will come up in any negotiations to do with the price . As for the interior, I think it is cloth, and I think when all's said and done, I'd prefer that over leather.

The only real issue for me is the tape deck - not only does it make the dash look dated but there's no easy alternative when it comes to getting a CD player installed.

How's the car's chuckability? I drive a widebody 155 2.0TS and that certainly sticks the road well. Would I have a good time in the 166 around the Nurburgring, for example?

Originally Posted by SACripps

The red shouldn't be an issue - I'm booked in to see the silver one on Saturday at 1000 - I'll report back after.

Thanks for the advice so far - appreciated.

Let us know how you get on. I have a silver 1999 V reg 3.0L Super with only 29000 miles on the clock, black leather, sat nav, CD with DSP and 17" alloys.
I'd probably let her go for £4k as I am itching for a GTV! Any takers?

Here she is:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...l/DSCF0025.jpg

Interesting...where are you based?

Does it have a six speed gearbox.

Hi Simon
Yes it is a 6 speed manual, I'm near Wetherby in West Yorkshire.

Regards
Andrew

Shame, I was in the area about three weeks ago, but I live near Heathrow. I'll have to pass, I'm afraid!

So I went to see the W reg 166 this morning. They forgot to mention smell of dog in the description. And I literally mean dog - there was hair everywhere.

The overall condition of the car was ok and I suppose they're offering a fair price, but that smell really put me off.

Alongside that 39000 miles is quoted in the description, whereas it's just a few miles short of 41000. The armrest/centre console is worn. There are various dinks in the doors, as well a crease on the lower part of the panel on the rear left passenger door. There front bumper was bumpy and there was some curious paintwork chips in the rear three quarters. And the lack of a CD player will always be a real sticking point for me.

Worth the visit for a good look round, but I'm not buying it.