[alfa] 164 running costs

[C M Smith <cmsmith@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In my opinion it costs no more to run a 164 than any other fine European 
car, over the long run.

I keep meticulous records for tax purposes and I can assure you that the 
164 compares favourably to my 86 SAAB 9000 Turbo. I also have a 97 SAAB 
9000 Aero which costs slightly more to run.

Beware of the 164 that has been neglected, as for any fine European car, as 
delayed maintenance just compounds the longer it is delayed. Regular 
servicing and timely repairs pay dividends in long term trouble free motoring.

My Aero failed me once, broken transmission! SAAB/GM acknowledged they 
should not do this so sold me a rebuilt for one half list price. That was 
at 125,000 km (70,000 miles) and 5 years old.

My 86 9000 T failed me once, dead battery. I now replace the battery when 
it starts to get weak instead of when it dies, about every four years. That 
occurred at two years and 35,000 km (20,000 miles) and needless to say I do 
NOT buy a European battery as replacement. North Americans make excellent 
and durable batteries.

My 164 failed me once, seized AC electromagnetic clutch pulley failed and 
seized the shaft. At, 100,000 km and 8 years. Expensive component but the 
new one is still good.

That's not bad for reliability. As for repairs, the 164 also had the 
steppers replaced and the input shaft bearing on the manual transmission 
replaced with the upgraded part. A new radiator and one new battery (the 
factory supplied AC Delco lasted 140,000 km and ten years, impressive, a 
new AC Delco is in there now) as well as the run of the mill switches and 
rear lamps control unit (I'm on my third one of those), T- Belt service 
(very important to do these changes regularly at 5-6 years or 70,000 km 
whichever comes first. Old belts are not a good risk. A new water pump with 
every second belt and a new tensioner with every belt are good ideas. Also, 
the cam seals should be done at least every other cam belt change.

In short, if you are afraid of repair and maintenance costs buy a Toyota or 
Mazda, and possibly die of boredom, or buy a 164 and get that silly grin on 
your face ever time you go for a drive. Makes the milk run seem like the 
Mille Miglia, worth every penny.....

Cheers


Michael Smith
White 1991 164L
Original owner
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