166 purchase advice… please?

[grumpydude]

I'm looking for my first alfa, and just keep coming back to a V6 auto 166 that's caught my eye. I'm needing the extra room in the back row of seats.

I've spoken to Monza Motors (Bayswater) about a pre-purchase inspection on any Alfa I buy, so that's one thing. But apart from the heater/coolant fluid leaking onto the computer, and there any other issues that I should be watchful for? This car is not a Selespeed version.

Is this heater/leak onto computer scenario something that would/could be picked up at a pre-inspetion?

What's the timing belt (or is it cam belt?) interval change I should be looking for? Is there anyway other than a log service history that would give away that it's been done?

Do they suffer from any other common faults?

I've been tempted by a 159 purchase, but can't justify the extra $$$ considering my current job security!

The 166 has around 140k's and I plan to keep the next car for about 5 years, and I travel about 25K PLUS/year. Does this sway your opinions?

Thanks in advance.

[lombardi]

Good choice n sounds like u have done ur homework,just be prepared to pay big bucks for timing belt change, i was quoted years ago 2.5 k including water pump,compared to 156 147 around 800 to 1000k, intervals are about the same ie, 60,000k or 3 years, these cars are amazing value,as long has u get a looked after one with service history. good luck with ur purchase.

[colcol]

The $2500 would be for the V-6 166 cambelt change, the $800 - $1000 would be for a 147 - 156 4 cylinder cam belt change, when you have the belts done on a V-6, make sure the water pump has a steel impellor, not a plastic one, as this can cause overheating, Marranello Motors have a cure for  the heater leaking on to the computer, they have developed a shield for the computer to stop it frying when the heater leaks, if the computer is faulty, to replace it is as costly as what the car is worth, so some go to an early grave, Colin.

[grumpydude]

Okay, thanks guys.

So if I get the heater shield done and the cam belts done... do they suffer from any other common things?

What's their fuel economy like?

[colcol]

One thing to look at is is the water pump, the early ones had a plastic fan that used to slip and not cool, they were replaced by a metal fan that didn't slip, most likely been replaced by now except if it overheats, also like the 156 and 147 the V-6 oil filter is in a very difficult position to get at, [when the V-6 came out in 1983 it was in the Alfetta GTV-6 with the motor north - south and the filter was easier to get at], in the 932 Series Alfa's the engine is turned east - west so the filter is harder to get at, i beleive you have to remove the power steering pump to get at it....sometimes they don't get changed, make sure yours has, otherwise your engine has been lubricated with dirty oil, Colin.