- the radiator fan temperature sensor with dual temp ranges failed; and the previous owner didn't fix this, but bodged the circuit to give a continuous run on the rad fan;
- the clutch pedal in use gave squeedgy sound;
- clutch judder called for its repalcemetn;
- "AIR BAG" warning on all the time!
- all suspension bumstops perished, had disappeared, causing horrible results when on undulating surfaces;
- Recaro front seat side moulding panel cracked (all the 164s with this option that I know of as well have this problem) and disappeared.
- heater blew and spitted coolant into the cabin, damaging the ECU; luckily, mine was cleaned and functioned OK afterwards;
- AC system was weak even with replaced components, called for further investigation/diagnosis;
- front light lenses were dusted on the inside surfaces, dimming the light intensity;
- front tires wear-out was quick in those first thousand miles of ownership;
- roof lining sagging!
- cambelt/serpentine belt bearings needed replacing at 85000 km;
- gearbox lower mounting needed replacement before I owned it!
- the aircontrol panel in the middle console had intermittent non-function: replacement from the scrapyards cannot make sense, and new parts very dear!
-
The 164 has the best ever styling (pre-1990-wise) from Alfa Romeo, and comes much better than the model 75 before the FIAT sell-out.
With 24V QV body trim, the car looks most wonderful. The 24V LS (non-QV) is another league, but looks very good as well.
The 164 is a car I would recommend to anyone with a heart for good machines. Mine goes very cleanly at any speed, any gear (imagine 40km/h at 4th gear, and what happens if you floor it? Answer: it goes!!!).
It goes round corners like on rail, esp if the suspension is set on "Sport" mode. This electronic suspension system is no crap! It works!
Listen to the sound of the glorious engine and you might wonder why it wasn't sold in greater numbers all over the world!!
The only trouble is that the cambelt mechanism is even weaker than the older 12-valver, with more bearings! Snap it and all hell breaks loose!!!
Heck yes I absolutely agree with your review. I can forgive all the little foibles, when I get mine onto the motorway and listen to that glorious V6 roar up to the redline. I don't drive mine everyday due to its thirst - compared to my Uno 70, but when I do... Oh Boy.
I've driven Maximas, and accord V6s, but both feel big and soggy by comparison, with very much more sedated soundtrack. Seems theres some things todays mass market manufacturers haven't got a grasp on, or ignore - Soul!
How does the new V6 compare I wonder? Perhaps as its not as visually appealing there is the inference that you don't need to open the bonnet.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed 
is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site