1994 Alfa Romeo 164 V6 TB Super review from Turkey
"If you are not rich and/or don't want to own ordinary BMWs or Mercs and have high standards, get it."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing 'that' serious:
-power steering hose punctured, the only time I had to have it towed.
-in first gear, oscillation in RPM can cause transmission to disengage. despite overhauling gearbox twice, problem persists.
-odds and ends regarding sophisticated electronic/electric systems, mirror folding doesn't work etc.
- 2nd cylinder oils the spark plug, adversely affecting firing.
-rugged idling.
General comments?
So many things to be said, due to so many factors. these cars are problematic mostly because their previous owners let the issues build up, ignoring anything that doesn't force a breakdown on the road. same for maserati as well.
Despite having bought it in a not-so-well-looked-after condition, lacking a complete re-haul of the engine, which is at 177k now, the car is an incredible ride. my turbo pressure had been increased somewhat and I suspect it generates some 220+ hp. as long as you can down-shift quickly, the car propels itself instantaneously, passing on winding and narrow roads, even, takes about 1 sec. handling simply defies laws of physics, imagine playing the first version of 'need for speed', where no matter what you do, the car stays firmly on the road. it simply outclasses anything short of a porsche or serious 4X4's sports cars in this aspect.
Unlike the aforementioned cars, it's either cheaper, better built, looks thrice as good, is more fuel-efficient, more comfortable, more luxurious/hi-tech or all of the above.
I'll either sell this for a newer 166 3.0 or 2.0 turbo, a bargain '95-'97 Maserati Ghibli or Quattreporte, a '95 Jaguar XJR or put serious money into it and keep it for another 2-3 years. There simply aren't better choices in the Turkish car market with respect to my personal preferences.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | 1994 - 164 Cloverleaf 3.0 V6 24v petrol So much more satisfying than a BMW |
![]() ![]() | 1994 - 164 24V Cloverleaf 3 Litre Beautiful, poerful, but utterly flawed and unreliable |
All 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 cc. petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 154000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 177000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 20th September, 2005 |





