ALFA ROMEO 166
1999-2005
Upmarket sporty saloons are fun, and this one from Alfa Romeo is a hyper-oddity. So you really need to make an effort to bag one now and never mind the reliability issues it will have. They will be worth it.
The dashboard looks lovely, with all overlapping dials, a timber-rimmed steering wheel and plush leather in Lusso models. There isn’t a great deal of room in the back, but that doesn’t matter, because you’re going to be in the driving seat all the time.
Alfa managed to combine a fairly quiet and comfy ride with sharp handling. The 166 is a big car that likes going quickly and can corner very smartly.
You will struggle to get more than 30mpg, but that’s because you will have opted for the 3.2-litre V6. Or maybe the 3.0 V6. The 2.0 Twin Spark four is fine but not as charismatic as the car deserves. A 2.4 diesel fixed that MPG issue, but only in Europe.
The 166 is a big car, so suspension bushes wear out, the oil pump can fail and the timing belt needs attention. If there’s no evidence of a change for more than five years, get it done. And despite what anyone might tell you, there will be electrical issues.