[Wannabe]

All,
I have been lurking on the forum for awhile. Have toyed with getting a Milano or 164 for some time now. Test driven a few examples of each. Prefer the looks of the 164. In middle of discussions with a seller of a 94 , 164 LS 5spd. Like the looks of the later years best.
I guess my question is, am I crazy for looking at 24v engine? Or even a 164? I am an ok mechanic, changed time belts, cv boots and struts on a Fiat X19 before. Mostly because nobody else would work on it. Do have some options for Alfa mechanics in Santa Cruz, Ca area, but not many.
Also wonder about parts availability for these cars. Are the later models hard to find parts for vs 12v models?
Currently having car inspected since its a remote purchase. I don't expect inspector to be familiar with 164, but any set of eyes are better than none.
Thanks
Rob

 

[Alfisto Steve]

I have worked on both and hunted parts for both my vote is for a well-maintained 91-93 12v 164L or base model. S is nice but usually not easy to find a nice one at a reasonable price point. The 24v engine takes some special tools to do timing belt change correctly and the "Ferrari" tensioner and tensioner pulley and belt idler pulleys expensive and hard to find.

 

[Alfissimo Int.]

Either one. I have parts readily available but 24V does take a bit more. Just find the nicest one and best maintained one you can.

 

[Wannabe]

The words "special tools" are enough to scare me off. I enjoy to some degree working on cars. I just like to know that there is some one around to take over mechanic duties when I can't manage it. Special implies the mechanic not only have the tool, but what to do with it...
Thanks for the reply.