Re: level playing field?

[Nizam Zambri <nizam@domain.elided>]

> I would
> love to get a 164 or Milano but fear the reliability issues.
My '94 164 is an Italian Camry, reliability wise. Nary a problem in the 7 
years of ownership.  Even has the same battery since new.  Coming up on 
the 100K mile mark and about the only thing I've done that wasn't 'normal 
maintenance' is putting on some new 16" wheels, and an aftermarket Sony 
stereo.  Love that thing.  Gets really good gas mileage on long distances 
(roundabout town is not that great), and is VERY fast.  Build quality is 
also pretty good, all things considered (the new 156 is in another league 
above the 164).

Like any new car; the 164 responds well to fixes, and responds even better 
to scheduled maintenance.

It's weekend track-proven too.  My brother and I have had many 
opportunities chasing Charlie Theiriot's 164L around Willow Springs in our 
Milanos. At the end of the weekend, we pack up our cars and drive home in 
them.  I'd say they (both the 164 and Milano) are pretty reliable.

On the other hand, I'd buy a NEW Alfa for daily use here in the US if I 
could.  They're very nice, all-rounder cars; even if some of us here on 
the list don't think they are real Alfas.  My 155V6 is in Malaysia, as 
will be my 156GTA.  Face it, you'll never see another brand new solid-axle 
RWD Spica-injected Alfa, that is both rude and rorty. Newer Alfas need to 
be able to keep their cool (and their drivers' cool) in constant traffic 
jams, not leak, be obscenely and utterly reliable, but are still sporty 
alongside its contemporaries.  Depending on your viewpoint, sacrifices 
could suck, or not.

Nizam
88 75 3.0V6
94 164 Super 3.0V6 24v
97 155V6 2.5
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