1987 Alfa Romeo Milano Silver 2.5 liter V6

Summary:

Soul before reason

Faults:

Had to replaced the trans axle mounts when I purchased the car.

Replaced the front wheel bearings not too long after.

Replaced the front shocks with Bilsteins.

Replaced the rear section of the exhaust about 6 months after the purchase.

Replaced all the radiator hoses after one split.

Replaced the shifter linkage after it broke.

Replaced the steering rack, which was leaking badly.

General Comments:

That car was everything I was expecting it to be. Very different look, amazing handling, soul-full engine (though not that powerful) and pathetic reliability. Although it should be said that the car was well used by the time I acquired it.

I even used it in the winter. It actually handled well in the snow (LSD helps here) but the heating was pathetic, which is normal when you read the shop manual, and it doesn't give recommendations for temperatures below -20 C (-4 F), which you'll often get over here. There really isn't a logical reason to justify purchasing this car, but I'm still glad I did.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th January, 2009

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde 3.0 3.0 petrol

Summary:

If you are fortunate to own one you'd better love it!

Faults:

The exterior lights are impossible to configure correctly, that is, I don't seem to be able to get the directional lights, the tail lights, the back up light, and the parking lights all working correctly at the same time.

Yes, I have the same problem with the panel lights flashing all over the place for no known reason. I have learned to not pay attention to them any more.

Several weeks ago I was unable to start the car. I had it towed home and let it sit in my garage for a week or so. When I finally got time to look at it, it still would not start. No electricity was getting to the fuel pump with the ignition turned on so I put 12v directly there and it started right up. Now after jiggling wires and removing relays it started. I still don't know what the cause was, but I plan to replace all relays and remake all connections.

General Comments:

I don't mind having to maintain this car because it in return it fantastic to drive, the 3.0 engine is a thrill to hear at 4k, and it handles like a dream.

My previous (I actually still have it) car, the GTV6 is awaiting another motor or new heads (timing slipped - valves bent) and will be back on the road this coming spring. It is second to the Milano in handling, but the full Ansa system is music to my ears.

I await the reintroduction of the Alfa Romeo to the US.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2004

31st Dec 2004, 16:01

I bought one of these new in 1988. It was wonderful to drive, liked nothing better than to haul ass all day long. Problem was that the build quality was miserable and the electrics were shameful. Mine had one of the two straps that hold the fuel tank in place come undone, which could have become a big problem had the tank fallen out. I understand that Alfa has come a long way since then and they have some very nice...diesel...engines in the 156 plus a 3.2 version with 240 HP. Never could figure out why my Alfasud TI 1.5 made 105 HP, but my Milano 3.0 only made 183. It should have been at least 210!

1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde 3.0

Summary:

Excellent car for the money

Faults:

There really hasn't been any major problems with the car since I've owned it. The typical ABS pump problems, but that will be fixed with a retro-fit of the Milano Gold braking system. I rebuilt the transmission and replaced the clutch at around 220,000 miles just to do it. The clutch probably had many more miles left on it. The only other areas that are a bit of a problem is the interior, mainly the Recarro's material not lasting long.

General Comments:

After owning a total of five Alfa Romeo's in my life, this one is by far my favorite one. I currently still have my GTV-6, and a Spider. Both of my V-6 Alfa's have been very reliable. The GTV-6 has around 200,000 miles with the stock motor never out! I would say the same about the Milano, but at around 100,000 miles, the previous owner took out the motor to inspect it for wear. He did not find any part out of spec, so nothing was changed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2003