Just bought a 1992 164S... | FerrariChat
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Just bought a 1992 164S...

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by Fastpants, Mar 14, 2009.

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  1. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Nick
    #1 Fastpants, Mar 14, 2009
    Can any of you guys give me the low down on the ownership experience? I bought it sight unseen (eBay), except for the pictures in the auction listing. Considering the price and talking with the current owner over the phone, I felt confident enough.

    Here's the skinny on the car: 1992 164S Black on Black, with 157K miles on it. Current owner is an auto tech and has personally performed all the service on the car. He has used it for an 80 mile commute for the past 2.5 years (Daily Driver). At 130K it got a new timing belt, new water pump, new drive belts, all new hoses, new battery and full tune-up. At 140K it got a new heater core, replaced one wheel bearing, both lower ball joints and outer tie rods replaced. Last summer it got a new radiator, new AC condensor, and new cooling fan switch. Less than 2K miles ago, complete 4 wheel brake job with new slotted rotors and 4 new Toyo Spectrum tires. 2 weeks ago he installed a factory new (not remanufactured) starter and replaced all 4 wheel hubs. Nothing but synthetic oil changes every 3K.

    So here are my specific questions. Is this thing gonna be as fun to drive as I have read? I cannot BELIEVE how the owners of these things rave about them. Also, given the service history, how reliable will this puppy be? I mean my daily commute is zero (I live across the street from my office). So it will only be used for fun, running occasional errands, and weekend visits with my son (1 hour away, all highway travel). Furthermore, the current owner has agreed that he will do any and all service or repairs that will come up.

    I'm pretty excited. It's my first Italian car and I've always thought they were really cool. Please post your experiences and/or advice!
     
  2. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 18, 2008
    32,277
    Seattle Area
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #2 Jedi, Mar 14, 2009
    Pictures are the price for admission :) Great car - I have read it was badged the Alfa 168 for the
    Chinese market because 164 meant "on the way to death" whereas the 168 meant "on the way
    to prosperity" - as a frequent traveler to Taiwan, I know the number 4 to be taboo.

    Great car - do you have pictures?
     
  3. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Nick
    #3 Fastpants, Mar 14, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  4. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Nick
    #4 Fastpants, Mar 14, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Nick
    #5 Fastpants, Mar 14, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  6. F1tommy

    F1tommy F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 15, 2007
    11,541
    Sugar Grove USA
    Full Name:
    Tom Tanner
    #6 F1tommy, Mar 14, 2009
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2009
    They are as reliable as a truck up to 100,000 miles. After 100,000 the items you listed need attention. I have had 5 of them and they were all very good. The stepper heat blower motor will go soon if it's not already new. The clutch should
    have been replaced already. Even if he was really gentle the trans seals would have gone by now. The electronic shocks are expensive, although you can replace them with regular 164L shocks if you do them all. They should have been replaced by now or will be due soon. Im not sure if your car has the late style
    valve guides. The early type do start to fail after 90,000-100,000 miles. If it
    smokes and has dirty plugs it might need a valve job soon. The bottom ends do hold up very well. Don't forget your car has almost 160,000 miles on it.

    I still have a 1993 with 140,000(late style valve guides) that pulls like when it was new(never had any major engine work).

    These are nice cars, although they are heavy for an Alfa. The Milano was almost
    800 pounds lighter with the same motor.

    Have fun and good luck.

    Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2009 model contest-Chicago April 25th 2009
     
  7. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Nick
    #7 Fastpants, Mar 18, 2009
    WOW! This thing is a big ol' barrel of driving fun! The guy's house who I bought it from was way out in the boonies, so there was ample miles of smooth, empty rural roads to play cat and mouse with my brother who had driven me out to pick it up (he had his '03 Passat W8). AND the sound, my God THE SOUND!! I can't tell you how many times I'd be cruising at 65-70 and then kick it down into 3rd just to hear her sing.

    Also, F1Tommy, you had mentioned about the electronic shocks, well the previous owner had one (PS rear) go on the fritz a couple months back, but he was able to repair it. However, at that time he had the foresight to order a new one (took 2 months for him to get it). So I do have one, brand new electronic shock that came with the car. Handling during the 50 mile drive home was beautifully tight, though.

    In summary, a real treat. Fantastic little car.
     
  8. jonesdds

    jonesdds Formula 3

    Aug 31, 2006
    2,163
    SB,CA & Park City UT
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #8 jonesdds, Mar 18, 2009
    In case you don't already know, www.alfabb.com is the place to be for info on this car. Nice car, thanks for sharing!

    Jeff
     
  9. dave_fonz_164

    dave_fonz_164 Formula 3

    Mar 11, 2004
    1,658
    Montreal, Canada
    Full Name:
    Davide Giuseppe F.
    #9 dave_fonz_164, Mar 18, 2009
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2009
    Im currently on the market for one, but good ones are very hard to find up north.

    It seems all the major components have been replaced or attended to, you should be fine. They are great cars for the money and few cars can replicate the sound of the ALFA V6, one of the best engines. As a secondary car it will be great, considering all the work that has been done to it.

    Remember its an Italian car, treat it with respect and give it the thrashing it deserves when up to optimal operating temperature.
     

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