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.
The oil consumption is typical because the Alfa uses an all aluminium V6. The aluminium engines expand and contract a larger amount, so it takes the warm-up period for all the bits to get to their operating tolerances. In the meantime, when cold, the engine is consuming more oil. The way to deal with it is indeed to check your oil often (as anyone should do) and bring along a quart or two of good quality synthetic oil in the boot. All-in-all, the Arese V6 was one of the greatest V6s ever.. Japanese and American cars could only dream. :-)
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