1990 Alfa Romeo 164 L review from North America

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.

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.