Hi Len

I too am not a new Alfisti addicted owner (20 + years) of many models, but like yourself am new to this forum.  Regrettably in Tassie the Alfa club disbanded back in the early 90's. A new club called Club Motori Italia formed out of the ashes of the Alfa Club, I wrote an article some years ago for CAMS about this.

Now to your query re a 164Q, in essance many of the same problems and therefore costs for a standard 164 are true also for the Q model. eg a new starter motor $1000 etc etc.  The Q is more desirable and hence will hold their value for a little longer but given that 164s values are plunging rapidly as are also 166s, I can't say I would be rushing out to get one.  Indeed a guy I know here sold his black Q to someone in Victoria in exchange for his GTV6 race car. (the race car had been for sale about $10K).  A mate of mine is selling his mint condition 164 (body, trim and mechanicals) for as little as $2.5K as it is costing him too much to maintain.  He bought it a few years ago for $12K and reckons it owes him at least $16-17K.  Fuel consumption with the auto is crippling, at least with a manual this might be ok. 

Good luck if you proceed with one.  Cheers Dave

Hi there Len105, you raise some interesting comments here.  You probably have read recent comments re another enthusiast and his 164Q gearbox issues.  Your prior views are very much to the point.

I can only say that owning a 164 Q ten years ago would be like owning an a 156 GTA today.  From what I have heard there are no specific issues with GTA ownership and that they are a fantastic car.  While not the 'current' model, we are looking at reasonable new technology here. You pay for specialist servicing and the usual replacements eg timing belt, clutch, tyre etc of good quality.   Purchase price of the car $35k plus ... ?

An Alternative >

Now today, take a look at the 164Q, these cars are comming up to 20 years old, the cars had the climate control, sports syspension etc which were a first for their time.  Then cluth, timming belt tyres etc.  As things wear out they need replacing.  Things need replacing or rebuilt or an overhaul.  Cooling system, brakes and aircon;and remenber to checj if stepper motors were replaced, most have been for obvious reasons or the climate control is out of control.  And there are much fewer Q's out there than the standard 164.  The wreckers yards have quite a few 164's sitting there now.   

Its all realitive so if you get an older 164Q, say purcase price $7.5k,  then the capital outlay is much less and you have option of level of service.  As you said resale values are not that great so I agree it can be a bit painful - why annually spend heaps on a car with resale value on the low side.  But you get great performance in a car that does not cost that much to buy.

If your friends standard 164 at $2.5k, maybe he should put it up here on our Sales Forum with some photos and similar minded enthusiasts may want to have a look at it.  If in good nic, then it should sell ahead of the rest.

Cheers.
 

You are right John H - reading about the 'shock, horror & disappointment' re 164Q gearbox issues - it scared the crap out of me !!

Since my first posting, I have inspected a black 164Q & had a drive therof - 150k's, quite a bit of money spent in the last 12 months re clutch, air con woes and timing belts - some of it to be expected. A very nice example and liked it quite a bit.
However, you also raise some salient points about 18 year old technology versus 5 years or so - and, as I have haven't driven a 156 GTA, that's now on my list of 'must do's'......asap

And, DavidM1750, I did notice that there was a little bit of confusion re 164 comments - however, I would suggest your friend lists his 164 on the forum, or at the very least, on the AROCA websites. What colour is it by thev way ?

Len