Best Alfa long distance cruiser under $10k

[hammer]

Christina and I are keen drive from Queensland to Mornington Peninsula for next year's Alfesta, but Christina has drawn the line at making the trip in our '84 Giulietta. No aircon and 35 year old seats are the deal breaker. So I'm doing my homework on the best Alfa for the 4000km round trip. The budget is less than $10k. I'm currently thinking 166 - plenty of space, big comfy seats, nice busso exhaust note.

Thoughts, suggestions, tips, personal experiences? How would a V6 156 stack up against the 166?

Cheers,

Brent

[poohbah]

I have never driven a 166 (though I love the look), but I only have good things to say about a well maintained 6sp Busso 156 - as long as you don't need the back seats for anyone taller than 4ft.

If you can actually find a manual, you should get an absolute cracker for under $8k. Looks are always subjective, but I have always preferred the pre-facelift model. And it absolutely must have the lowered suspension and teledials.

The Q-auto V6 156 is a great cruiser, and good for a 4sp slushie, but you really notice how much slower off the mark it is compared with the manual.

[bazzbazz]

Thoughts, suggestions, tips, personal experiences? How would a V6 156 stack up against the 166?

Cheers,

Brent

For cruising, 166 has got to be the way to go, and with a budget of $10,000 you can pick up a VERY nice condition 166 that would last you years. The problem is finding a good example that someone is willing to part with. 

[bazzbazz]

A couple of examples on Gumtree, just to give you an idea what you can get.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/turramurra/cars-vans-utes/alfa-romeo-166-v6-3-0-24v-auto/1180859515

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/somersby/cars-vans-utes/2000-alfa-romeo-166-sedan/1156509225

[Ransdell]

Those looks really nice, Bazzbazz. That makes me wish I was in the market for one, honestly. You won't regret it if you go for a 166, Hammer.

[Craig_m67]

There is bound to be a cheap Giulietta QV in that price range, no doubt with galactic mileage, but a far superior car (in reliability) than a 166/156 which is two generations previous.

Aircon will work brilliantly
Seats in the QV are supportive
It's quicker
Stereo has bluetooth/ phone integration for a long drive listening to each others Spotify mixes


https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Alfa-Romeo-Giulietta-2012/OAG-AD-15918494/?Cr=6

or a pretty stunning Derv with TCT .. that will map nicely !

https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Alfa-Romeo-Giulietta-2013/OAG-AD-15374179/?Cr=5

[poohbah]

Hammer, this facelifted manual V6 156 is even in Brisbane. (I still think the pre-facelift models look better, I'm not a fan of the girly face of the later models )
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/brisbane-city/cars-vans-utes/alfa-romeo/1178562662

[hammer]

Thanks for the tips guys. Definitely food for thought. I better get out there and drive a few. We had a 156 ti, which was awesome to throw around the windy roads near our home on the Sunshine Coast, but those seats were rock hard on a long trip. I drove to Tamworth and back twice in the ti and my back was so sore. Seeing as Alfesta isn't until next Easter, I might see how the Giulietta prices go over the next six months. Thanks again.

[Bourney]

Hi,
How about you fly your wife to Melbourne and drive your 84 down. Or convince her to drive and make it a scenic trip and drop off at some beautiful spots on the way. I don't think you will need air con in April.

I am planning to drive my 83 Sud Ti QV down from Brisbane for Alfesta. My wife has agreed but if she can put up with me for 25 years then a drive to Melbourne will be easy! My friends think she is a Saint.

Plus, with the money you save from not buying another car you can get your seats repacked and upholstered to make the trip more comfortable!

If you do buy a car - why not spend a little bit more on a 156 GTA - there are about 8 on carsales? They would be a lot of fun. The cheapest is about $11.5k

Regards David


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[poohbah]

Triple thumbs up for the GTA suggestion. Most bang for your buck interstate bullet you can buy.

[17fitty]

A friend up here is selling is 156 gta if you want his number Brent?Bazzbazz has just done all the belts etc and can vouch that its a good specimen-there was an ad in the for sale section here-worth the read and laugh?

[Citroënbender]

...No aircon and 35 year old seats are the deal breaker.

Not going to cost $10K to rectify those issues in an enduring manner that enhances the pleasure of driving/owning the '84.

[kaleuclint]

Fly to Melbourne.

Offer $7250 for this:
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Alfa-Romeo-166-2007/SSE-AD-4507364/?Cr=4

Drive home.

[bazzbazz]

You really think he'll drop over $7000 off the price? 

[Akshay]

How about a 159 2.4 JTD? , if you are okay with oil burners.
You should be able to find a good one within 10K.
or a 3.2/2.2 JTS, if you don't want diesels.