Alfa Romeo Romeo 166 Review Covering 1999

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Quick Summary of the Alfa Romeo 166

OVERALL

That the Alfa Romeo 166 is a bit of a flawed diamond is unquestionable. The difference between this car and big Alfas before it is that unlike catastrophic reliability and residual values, the Alfa 166’s faults are relatively minor and will deter fewer people than the astonishingly sexy styling attracts. The problem is that the market it competes in contains some incredibly competent offerings from BMW, Audi and Volvo. If you do opt to make your neighbourhood a more beautiful place, then putting a used Alfa 166 on your driveway is one of the most enjoyable ways of doing it.

DON’T MENTION ’66 TO THE GERMANS

The Alfa Romeo 166 is the car which finally put the ghost of woeful big Alfas to rest. In fact, so good was the impression created upon launch that for the first time in years, nobody could recall an "Alfa’s Last Chance Saloon" cliché being inflicted on the 166. Part of this was due to the rehabilitation of Alfa’s image by the celebrated 156 model, only a year out of the box at the time of the 166’s launch. Nonetheless, the 166 is the first big Alfa Romeo that can honestly be recommended as a used purchase, which speaks volumes about the regard in which it is held by the motor industry.
Used Alfa Romeo 166 for sale

History of the 166

The Alfa 166 is rumoured to have had a troubled genesis. Few realise that the 166 was designed before the 156, having been almost signed off for production at the end of 1994. At that time, Alfa Romeo sales were flagging, and the project was shelved in order to concentrate on the development and launch of the 156 model. In order to keep the design fresh, Alfa Romeo made a series of modifications to the Lancia Kappa based underpinnings, radically changing the suspension set up and also taking a clean paper approach to the interior. Tales of countless wrangles concerning the exterior styling are legion, but when the car first appeared on British shores in early 1999, many agreed that it was the best-looking big saloon on the market.When it was launched in the UK, there was a choice of three engines, the familiar four-cylinder 2.0-litre Twin Spark, a 2.5-litre V6, and the classic 3.0-litre V6 that Alfisti the world over revere like no other. Five different models were available, 2.0-litre manual, 2.5-litre manual, 2.5-litre Sportronic, 3.0 Super manual and 3.0-litre Sportronic. In late 1999, luxury Lusso versions were added to the range. There was a facelift late on in 2003 but we never got the diesel engine in the UK that was available across the rest of Europe. By the later stages of 2005, it had been decided not to upgrade the 3.0-litre V6 unit to meet the Euro IV emissions regulations and in the absence of a diesel, this effectively spelt the end for the 166 in this country.
Used Alfa Romeo 166 for sale

Alfa Romeo 166 Road Test

Sitting behind the wheel, there’s a classic Italian feel to the fascia, although thankfully the traditional Italian driving position is notable by its absence. As with most Alfa Romeos, the smaller engined models handle more fluently than those with a hunk of V6 in the nose, and the 166 is no exception. Whilst the additional weight of the 166 2.0 Twin Spark robs it of the zest of the similarly-engined 156, it still handles remarkably well. With only 2.2 turns lock to lock, the steering is almost telepathically quick, although it also reverts in a massive turning circle.Rest to 60 comes up in 9.3 seconds in the 2.0-litre car, as opposed to 8.6 and 7.7 seconds respectively in the 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6 cars. Ride comfort is very good at low speeds, although at higher motorway speeds there’s a fair degree of float which can feel slightly disconcerting in bad conditions. All models benefit from clever, patented multi-link rear suspension that set class standards for handling if not in terms of ride.For the serious Alfa fan, nothing but the beautiful 3.0-litre V6 will do. This is one of the few cars around of its era that have engines that look like engines should, polished pipes, crackle finish cam covers and so on. Lift the bonnet of most modern cars and you’re usually confronted by something that looks like a tumble dryer’s innards, a wheelie bin lid or a disembowelled hi-fi. The V6 also sounds magnificent. Drive it as it demands and you could return 14mpg, but on a touring route you’ll achieve 24mpg, still way short of what can be expected of a BMW 528i. Performance is appropriately lusty, but the weight in the nose makes turn-in slightly slow and also exacts a penalty when driven on undulating roads, the suspension sometimes getting slightly out of phase, crashing against the bump stops when it finally runs out of answers.
Used Alfa Romeo 166 for sale

Buying a Alfa Romeo 166

The reliability record of the 166 has been excellent. The fit and finish of the cabin and general attention to detail appears good, although bigger mileage examples may show up some failings. Check the front tyres for wear and check the suspension bushings on the V6-engined models. These V6 cars are also known to have a thirst for oil.
Used Alfa Romeo 166 for sale

Alfa Romeo 166 Typical Pricing

Expect to find the first few 1999 S-registered 2.0-litre Twin Spark cars starting at around £4,900. More typical T-registered examples tend to fetch an additional £200. Cars equipped with the optional Momo leather interior are worth an additional £250. £5,400 is the opening price for 2.5-litre V6 models with Sportronic gearbox equipped cars commanding an extra £250-£350. Expect to have to fork out at least £5,500 for a 1999 3.0-litre V6, although a more typical asking price for a late 2000/early 2001 model will be £6,500-£7,000 depending upon condition and specification. Insurance Groups ascend with engine choices, the 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0-litre cars being rated in Groups 15, 16, and 17 respectively.
Used Alfa Romeo 166 for sale

Alfa Romeo 166 Parts

(based on a 2.0 Twin Spark) For a new clutch you’re looking at £178, front and rear brake pads are around £65 and £45 respectively and a new offside headlamp will be in the region of £161. A replacement air filter is around £23, an oil filter £8, whilst spark plugs will cost approximately £22. A cam belt retails at around £30.
Used Alfa Romeo 166 for sale

Alfa Romeo 166 Rated

Performance Performance 3.5 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 2.5 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Alfa Romeo Romeo 166 Review1999 - 2005