[alfabill.com]

I am looking at a used and tattered 2000 Alfa 156 that is being offered to me to buy. I took a trip to see it, it's a reasonable drive from me and of course, I am torn.

It's a 2000 1.8 Twin Spark, has been sitting for 2 years, and needs work. The right rear door is totaled, and the front bumper and fender/wing has damage. I understand that it is not a high spec car, and likely not worth much aside from it being here. Right hand drive, no a/c. (Ugh...) With a door, (sourced) and paint work, recon, I figure it will cost a couple grand to get it nice again, assuming no ugly stuff is bad under the hood. Has power front windows, 5 speed, nothing fancy.

To me, it's a $2000 car on a good day. Opinions?

Thanks for any input.
Bill
"AlfaBill"®

 

[nero]

Never imported,not crash tested,never get it legally registered,needs a ton of work... nice lawn ornament.

 

[alfabill.com]

I was looking for an opinion on it's value.

 

[Erik]

IMO whatever you are prepaired to pay. I don't think the interest exist to buy an RHD Alfa that can't be used on public roads in the US.
If you buy, have the cam belt and pulleys chanced before driving it unless documented proof that belt was changed in the last 3 year or 40000 miles.
Erik

 

[ossodiseppia]

....To me, it's a $2000 car on a good day. Opinions?

To me, parts availability and questionable legality keep the value low. I wouldn't pay anymore than what you are willing to lose. $2K seems fitting. If you can get it for a bit less, that would be better. Were you able to test drive it?

 

[alfabill.com]

Thanks for the replies!

I agree that it is a risk situation. I'm not sure the "rareness" of the car over here justifies mad money. It's a rough car. I have driven it, a few years ago. It's been a while. I didn't want to crank it as the fuel is 2 years old, maybe not a dealbreaker, but why aggravate it.

We'll see what happens. I can only imagine what the a/c kit costs, and in Florida, it's a must have.

Best regards,
AlfaBill

 

[AllthingsZagato]

It would not make £1000-00 ($2000-00) in the UK where you could use it. I would say£350-00

 

[jimcheney]

Its rarity in the states is certainly tempered by its illegality. This is a parts car.

 

[FMG_V6_btb]

The lower price I have found this car in europe is 1500€, I can't understand why AllthingsZagato say 350£ (475€) sounds crazy (junk is more expensive).

The 156 is one of the best cars in its class in handling (believe me, it was considered by some European car manufacturers as class reference until the arrival of the new mazda 6). So if you like it (156 design is delicious) and you are ready to fight (or pay) for the homologation issues, you will enjoy an exclusive Alfa in the USA (but better try to import a left hand drive one, and with the V6 engine).

Paco.

 

[Erik]

AlfaBill - have you bought the 156 ? Or have you found that it's but a no go'er?
Erik

 

[DaveH]

The price in Europe really has no bearing on the price in the US.

For reference, compare the prices of good 164s or 75s.

In many US states, it is relatively easy to keep an old car on the road. Roadworthiness tests? Practically non-existent in many places.

Then add rarity to the equation. I'd say the car in question is rare, wouldn't you? Illegal, but rare.

 

[Erik]

Take a look at the pictures

The price in Europe really has no bearing on the price in the US.

For reference, compare the prices of good 164s or 75s.

In many US states, it is relatively easy to keep an old car on the road. Roadworthiness tests? Practically non-existent in many places.

Then add rarity to the equation. I'd say the car in question is rare, wouldn't you? Illegal, but rare.

Rare or not rara, it's a trafic damaged RHD old car which is illigal in the US. Very few parts for it are not readily avaiable in the US, so it would be hard to make it a track day car or a garden ornament.
If anything send it to the Caribians.
Erik

 

[DaveH]

The price in Europe really has no bearing on the price in the US.

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