164 LS Alternatives

["Mike Nakamura" <mike_nakamura@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My spouse is driving many miles for work these days. Our 164LS Automatic has
nearly 120k on the clock and we're considering newer alternatives. 

 

I've noticed many signatures that include makes other than ALFA, so I'm
seeking stories about these other "commuter" vehicles. 

 

Criteria are as follows.

 

Home to office in Seattle: 30+ miles each way

Frequent in city jaunts to customers: 2 - 10 miles 

Road trips: Portland (170 miles each way) and Vancouver BC (about 120 miles
each way), once per month

Estimated annual miles: 30K

 

Needs trunk or covered rear area for samples and equipment.

Four door for customer entry and egress as well as simplicity in getting
things out of the back.

Must be automatic. 

Prefer cost per mile lower than 24v 164. 

 

Price: What is reasonable? Maybe $15K to $20K. Might go slightly higher.

 

New / used: Will consider both, probably go for used.

 

Feedback on cars we've driven or taken a look at.

 

Subaru WRX: Too noisy for those long freeway trips, slightly tinny, too
small.

Saab: 9-3 / 9-5 looked at off lease cars, not driven, look nice. Seems
somewhat like the 164.

A4 / S4: Nice, slightly small. Made deposit on S4 Avant in 91, spouse lost
airline job, so we cancelled it. $40k too much at this time.

S6: Have to take look

Acura 3.2TL: Is it my imagination, these seem overpriced.

Lexus IS 300: Slightly small, pretty nice ride. 

 

We're spoiled by the value in used ALFA's. Are the newer Saab's similar in
depreciation? 

 

Not sure what else we should consider since a 156 is unavailable.

 

Mike Nakamura

7414 337th PL SE

Fall City WA 98024 USA

(425) 222-3982

mike_nakamura@domain.elided

91 Spider Veloce

94 164LS

02 Dakota
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