Ciao Alfisti ! A few years back, my brother got me into the whole Alfa "lifestyle" and I ended up buying a '93 164L. Although it has its share of problems... er, ah... I mean "opportunities for learning" over the years, overall, especially when everything was purring just right, it has been a real joy to drive. Unfortunately, it has now developed a more serious problem that I just don't have the time to work on anymore with my typical 12-1/2 hour work days. So, I have made the decision to sell the car to someone who can show it the proper love!
The basic information: ---------------------- Make: Alfa Romeo Model: 164L Year: 1993 Miles: 96770 Ext.: Red/Graphite Int.: Black Leather Known problems/issues: ---------------------- Recently, the car has started to make a loud clunking sound when either turning the wheel to the left or hitting hard bumps. It sounds like it's coming from the front driver's side. I've had the car up on jacks thinking it was a strut issue but I couldn't really find anything wrong with them (outside of the fact that they could really stand to be replaced). I did a little reading on the forum and it sounds like it could be caused by a number of different things like steering, engine mounts, strut mounts, assorted joints, etc. This issue is what caused me to finally stop driving the car. It has been parked now for a few months. In addition, there are several other problems that may or may not be as important to you. Listed in no particular order: The driver's side window regulator no longer works due to several teeth being broken on the wire pickup drum (the motor itself still works). The climate control stepper motor that switches between hot/cold has the dreaded "clicking" noise. Obviously, there are gear teeth stripped there as well. The above hasn't been a huge issue to me the last couple of years because the air conditioning compressor needs replacing. When it is engaged, it sounds pretty obvious that the internal bearings are probably shot. The car had apparently been converted to R134a as some point so I'm sure that has likely leaked out entirely since it was last used as well. The radio either works fine (sometimes for weeks) or it cuts out altogether. There has to be a cracked wire somewhere that I haven't located. The oil pressure sensor that trips the "idiot" light needs replacing. The pressure gauge itself works fine. There is a small leak in the gas filler tube (gas tank itself is fine). I had patched it up a couple of years ago with some rubber sheeting and it held for a surprisingly long time. The inside passenger side rear door handle broke a couple of winters ago when the door was frozen shut. The rear window defroster tab is broken off. I bought one of those cheap repair kits last year but it didn't provide good conductivity. The car could probably really use some new brake pads and rotors. There is some rust around the wheel wells, particularly the right rear. Positive features: ------------------ If you read all of the above, you are probably thinking, "Wow Jim, that car sounds like a piece of crap!". Well, it does have some positive things to be said about it: Pretty much the entire engine was professionally rebuilt with 77230 miles on the odometer (less than 20,000 miles ago!). So, the thing still runs pretty darn good! The body is in decent shape outside of the relatively minor rust issues I mentioned earlier. The interior is in good shape. There are no tears in any of the leather seats or anything. Besides the related items above, all of the electronic systems in the car function properly. The moon-roof works great, the power seats function properly (heat and motion), all of the lights work as well as the wipers, signals, horn, etc. I'm not asking a whole lot for the car. I might just throw in the Alfa Romeo 164 CarDisc's I have into the sale as well! :-) Summary: -------- My Alfa does have a number of problems but it also has some good points too. Up until the clunking noise started, I drove it every day. With some time and effort (and money) it could be resurrected into a beautiful ride once again. Or, if you already have a 164, it could be a great source for parts. If you are interested, you'd probably need to plan on towing it away or else risk something breaking in the front end (unless you like living on the edge!). The car is currently located in Chesterton, Indiana (about 40 miles East of Chicago at the southern tip of Lake Michigan). You can check out pictures of it at the following website: http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x148/jasmo65/1993%20Alfa%20Romeo%20164L/?albumview=slideshow You can contact me with any questions either via email: [email protected] Or by phone at: (219) 926-4478 (ask for Jim, or Ed if I'm not available) And now for the real deal, I am only asking $750 for it. Thanks for reading my post! Jim Witek '93 Alfa 164L -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
