Used Car Buying Guide: Alfa Romeo 164

The 164 proved that there was a real alternative to the BMW/Mercedes/Audi executive cartel. In 1988 it was the best saloon that Alfa had ever made, at a price that most of us could afford without any major traumatic, tear-stained upsets. Second-hand, of course, it's even cheaper - and owning an Alfa no longer makes you the butt of rust and reliability jibes. Alfa Romeo did its homework and produced a car that behaved like an executive express should. The styling was distinctive, and there were some glorious engines under the bonnet. In 3.0-litre V6 form it makes a beautiful racket, and in Cloverleaf tune, it's even more raucous. In Lusso trim, meanwhile, it has every creature comfort a fat cat could wish for. Inexpensive and exciting in almost equal measures, the 164 is the Alfa you don't have to make excuses for buying.

Alfa Romeo 164 1988-98

164 3.0 V6 launched in October 1988 with 2959 cc, 192 bhp engine, electric heated mirrors, power steering, adjustable steering wheel, tinted glass, remote fuel and boot releases, electric sunroof, electric seats and windows, central locking and rear head restraints. Lusso had electric rear seats, air-conditioning, rear sunblinds, CD player and electric aerial. June '89 Optional four-speed automatic introduced. September '90 Facelifted 164 got a catalytic converter and revised suspension. October '90 Cloverleaf launched with 200 bhp, bodykit, electronic suspension and leather electric seats. May '93 Standard model redesignated Super, with 24-valve 210 bhp engine; Cloverleaf now 230 bhp. Also got slimmer headlights, new rear lights, larger door mirrors and bumpers, side impact beams, new seats, trim and instruments, an alarm/immobiliser and a six-speaker radio/cassette.

164 2.0 Twin Spark launched in July 1990 with 1962 cc, 148 bhp, catalyst engine, tinted glass, electric windows and central locking. Lusso version also had an electric sunroof and alloy wheels. September '90 Revised suspension and facelift. May '93 1995 cc, 146 bhp cat engine and revisions as 3.0 V6. September '93 Lusso version discontinued. June '95 ABS brakes standard. March '96 Super Lusso introduced.

April '98 164 range discontinued.

Alfa Romeo 164 Figures
Engine	Speed (mph)	0 to 60 mph	Overall MPG
2.0 TS	130	9.9 s	36.1
3.0 V6	139	8.0 s	28.6
3.0 Clover	152	7.7 s	27.4
3.0 Super	149	8.0 s	27.2

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