Alfa 166 | Car Review | Top Gear

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  • Опубліковано 1 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @benfearnhead9851
    @benfearnhead9851 8 років тому +2929

    God bless all the wonderful people who buy new Alfas - without them we couldn't buy them second hand, which is clearly the right way. I adore my 159.

    • @primo4904
      @primo4904 8 років тому +62

      Years by years
      Is very little the number of normal people who buy new cars
      of every brand
      Today all is bought by leasing societies or by rent societies
      or by big enterprise
      This is the market , and the small single buyer now is snubbed by sellers

    • @AnotherStudent96
      @AnotherStudent96 7 років тому +23

      lucky you I love 159, I loved the hatchback

    • @cbyrne08
      @cbyrne08 7 років тому +60

      Haha your'e welcome I guess. My new Giulia will probably be in your hands in 2 years.

    • @MidhunS
      @MidhunS 7 років тому +7

      Ben Fearnhead I want to buy a Giulia, but I don't have the money.

    • @cbyrne08
      @cbyrne08 7 років тому +14

      Midhun Surendran the up front cost isn't what kills me every month, it's the 200 dollars on gas, and the insurance that you have to remember is part of the cost. The gas mileage isn't necessarily bad, I just find myself driving way more than usual so I use a lot of gas.

  • @Jabber-ig3iw
    @Jabber-ig3iw 4 роки тому +184

    I had a pre facelift 166 with the busso v6, glorious car. The interior was a work of art. 10 years after I sold it I still miss it. Very reliable car, but you had to look after it, no missing services or using cheap oil. Lol it seems I’ve commented on this video before. Shows how much I loved my 166.

    • @niclebowski9214
      @niclebowski9214 2 роки тому +7

      u sir are a legend

    • @augustkarlvongoeben125
      @augustkarlvongoeben125 9 місяців тому +2

      i have the pre facelift 2.5 v6 and its such a glorious machine. i remember i hated driving long distances in my old mitsubishi, but the 166 is just a really comfortable car to sit in and to drive

    • @4ernomore1
      @4ernomore1 2 місяці тому

      ​@@augustkarlvongoeben12514 years a 2.0 TS an still love it,nothing better feeling to drive it daily,it's model is quite a reliable for an alfa😊

  • @richardverner7976
    @richardverner7976 2 роки тому +136

    I bought one for £1230. It had 4 owners before me and needed some adjustments. But it was worth it and it still rocks on in 2022 what a car! Love it!

    • @workaccount2415
      @workaccount2415 Рік тому +1

      What engine?

    • @richardverner7976
      @richardverner7976 Рік тому +14

      @Work Account 3.2 busso it has 320K kilometres on it, but you wouldn't even know. Now, after many services it has just some visual flaws

    • @Jupa
      @Jupa Рік тому +6

      @@richardverner7976 you are crazy
      I’m happy for you

    • @darklight6013
      @darklight6013 Рік тому +5

      Look at how UGLY is now that AUDI and how STUNNING is still the Alfa...

    • @simonloff3404
      @simonloff3404 3 місяці тому +2

      my friends and i are in the proces of buying a 166 2004 with the 3.0 v6, it is vandalized, and we are paying only 500$ dollars for it, we are in mexico and 18 years old

  • @gasperfantas
    @gasperfantas 8 років тому +1388

    This video is another reminder of what a genius presenter jeremy is..

    • @wendellworth353
      @wendellworth353 6 років тому +7

      They must have paid him an unimaginable tonnage of money for that amount of lies.

    • @renetnk
      @renetnk 5 років тому +30

      @@wendellworth353 What is exactly a lie?

    • @aaryeshg.6526
      @aaryeshg.6526 5 років тому +29

      Because he has explained very well what kind of person would buy an Alfa. When you buy an Alfa, do not mention the word "reliability" and "depreciation" because that is not the point of buying an Alfa. Almost all Alfas have character and if you don't understand even this, then you just want a car to go from A to B, so go buy yourself a Toyota Camry if you like simple and reliable motoring and nothing else.

    • @aaryeshg.6526
      @aaryeshg.6526 5 років тому

      @captain pugwash yes they're drunk people 🤣 that buy them and style is the only thing that matters when buying this. Nothing else really. I still cannot believe Alfa still exists but Lancia doesn't.

    • @Theagchm
      @Theagchm 5 років тому

      Genius!....do you know what the word means, or are you a stupid child that talks through their arse? Are you trying to say that Clarkson, the arse, is on an intellectual footing with Einstein, Maxwell, Newton, Da Vinci, Reimann, Plank, Hawkins, Fermat, Young , Curie, Gauss, Euler, Hypatia, Sappho, Cantor, Socrates, Pythagoras, Shelley, etc

  • @MrGreekStelios
    @MrGreekStelios 6 років тому +190

    I have the biggest 3.2 version! Still rocking it in 2019

    • @dragosandronic8003
      @dragosandronic8003 5 років тому +8

      Nice, I just got a 2.5 V6 :)

    • @method6155
      @method6155 5 років тому +5

      Me too, I have 2 😬

    • @SwiffyDK
      @SwiffyDK 5 років тому +6

      Same, I still have 156 2.0 TS from 1999

    • @SwiffyDK
      @SwiffyDK 4 роки тому +1

      @O 99 What do you mean?
      The BMW 318I (2.0 Liter) is 0-100 km/t in 10,2 sec.
      Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Liter TS is 0-100 km/t in 8.6 sec.
      Is it that you're asking about???

    • @SwiffyDK
      @SwiffyDK 4 роки тому +1

      O 99 320i is faster, but that engine is bigger (2,2 liter)

  • @KanishQQuotes
    @KanishQQuotes 9 років тому +1238

    Who chrome plates engine components.... The italians of course

    • @Spelter
      @Spelter 9 років тому +23

      And freaks like my friend with his Golf Mk2 Head

    • @KanishQQuotes
      @KanishQQuotes 9 років тому +65

      Spelter vw suks

    • @epiphonesg007
      @epiphonesg007 9 років тому +64

      +Spelter You are funny, my brother just sold his 166 2.4jtd with 525k km's no problems at all.
      I've seen plenty of alfa 156/GT's/166 with more then 400k km's.
      I don't know what the hell you are smoking but VW/Mercedes/BMW isn't what it used to be. Especcialy not VW and mercedes.
      BMW's don't even have a dip stick to check the oil, all BMW and Mercedes have "maintenance free" tranmissions= can't change engine oil.
      Any Alfa after the 90's doesn't have a rust problem. My mothers C200 from 2007 has a lot of rust on the bonnet,side skirts, just about everywhere.
      G class from around 2010 had more rust then a 30y old Alfa.( after only 2 years..)

    • @KanishQQuotes
      @KanishQQuotes 9 років тому +8

      Spelter
      I'm not going to talk about Product quality because everyone has different experience but its the attitude of VW, that annoys me.
      They have absolutely no culture of repairing anything, after a year, if there's a problem with say the AC unit, instead of repairing the faulty or damaged part, their solution is to replace the entire unit. Often quoting 50 percent of the resale value of the car.
      My cousin owns a jetta

    • @TheDynoSoar
      @TheDynoSoar 8 років тому +23

      +Spelter volkswagens are absolutely terrible.

  • @SpaghettiKillah
    @SpaghettiKillah 7 років тому +430

    Most people can't understand this but, when you drive lots of cars as a job you get to a point where you don't care about anything else except emotions. I have experienced this in my previous job where I bought, sold and drove pretty much all the models from Ferrari, Lambo, Bmw, Mercedes, Maserati, Abarth and so on. Sure, overall the BMW and Mercs were the best but when we had to sell the Abarth 595 Competizione or the Maserati GTS I literally cried alone in the bathroom. EVERY goddamn' time I was driving them I was laughing like a child who got a crazy present for Xmas. They are alive, they growl, scream, screek, and every turn or downshift are different noises!! It's like they have a mood or something. Specially the Maserati Gts. One day I will own another one.
    Jeremey knows, he "feels" cars rather than just number check them.

    • @ognjeennn
      @ognjeennn 7 років тому +9

      SpaghettiKillah you had a nice job

    • @msg9434
      @msg9434 7 років тому +17

      SpaghettiKillah then you woke up

    • @sultanoftippoo3857
      @sultanoftippoo3857 6 років тому +18

      121bham yeah, yeah we get it that you live a grey miserable world where sneering at people is your only experience of happiness

    • @nudisco300
      @nudisco300 6 років тому +16

      Real cars have personality. I had a new BMW F10 5-series and it was technically superb but it was so dull it felt like I was driving a minibus full of pensioners. I also owned a tatty Jaguar X Type which was inferior in every way but it had some kind of soul and personality and was extremely fun and pleasing to drive.

    • @yannikoloff7659
      @yannikoloff7659 5 років тому +2

      Try abarth 124

  • @clongownian
    @clongownian 11 років тому +50

    I've owned two Alfa 166s. Best and most enjoyable cars I've ever had. Both broke my heart in the
    first 10,000 miles...clutch and gearbox problems. After that, driving bliss

  • @teddy33131
    @teddy33131 9 років тому +1108

    what about buying a car and keeping it? so no problem about depreciation

    • @Pete762
      @Pete762 8 років тому +51

      +teddy33131 my thoughts exaclty.

    • @arafat464
      @arafat464 8 років тому +121

      +teddy33131 it breaks down so often that you won't want to keep it. It will cost more to fix than it's worth.

    • @teddy33131
      @teddy33131 8 років тому +91

      did you have one? with my dad we have 6 alfas, not fiat periods, but no particular problems.

    • @vaclav_fejt
      @vaclav_fejt 8 років тому +12

      +teddy33131 The ghost of Jason Dawe...

    • @mitchellbrown8124
      @mitchellbrown8124 8 років тому +14

      +teddy33131 who really keeps a car over 10 years now a days? oh wait, you probably havent even been driving for 10 years so you cant answer that.... lol

  • @Patruck92
    @Patruck92 10 років тому +743

    I have one. A 2.5 V6, not the most powerful one, probably even slower than some hot hatches now. When I have to go from A to B and I'm alone in the car it's very unlikely I'll take the shortest way. These cars simply make you feel good while you drive them. But they don't make people look at you and say you're rich. The difference between Alfa's (as well Jaguars, Maserati and some other real luxury-sports marques) and BMW/Audi is that if you buy an Alfa you like to stare at it in silence or rev the engine when you're alone and enjoy the car; if you buy a BMW you want people to look at it and hear the engine noise to see how socially far you've gone.

    • @justahyundai
      @justahyundai 10 років тому +19

      I can't believe you have a 166 but I do drive a Jag x-type. I know it's their lowest end model but I totally agree man, When I just sit there looking at the dash (esp the steering wheel - it's so damn nice), I get this amazing feeling I never got from an A4 or a Jetta or a 325i. They're special

    • @Patruck92
      @Patruck92 10 років тому +14

      Why can't you believe I own a 166? Compared to German cars of the same years they're extremely cheap here in Italy, I mean, 1000 euro if you're lucky, I got mine for free by an owner who preferred it to be used and enjoyed than sent to a dealer to the East or scrapped. The mantainance isn't as cheap as the car itself, nor it is the gas, as an NA V6 makes 4 to 11Km/l depending on the street and traffic conditions, but if you can afford to have a car you won't use everyday but only in the weekend, it's a good deal even for a student - like me.

    • @appelpower1
      @appelpower1 10 років тому +1

      Patruck92 What, how old are you then?

    • @justahyundai
      @justahyundai 10 років тому +1

      Patruck92 I'm saying that as a figure of speech I'm not saying I don't believe you

    • @appelpower1
      @appelpower1 10 років тому +9

      Arlind530d. Com It doesn't sell well, because the world is filled with overly image-conscious badge snobs. People like you, who buy BMWs for the badge. The people who buy Alfas, the true car entheusiasts, are simply outnumbered. As a result, the demand for Alfas, and thus the price, is low.

  • @AstralDragoon
    @AstralDragoon 10 років тому +380

    "I'm not sure this glass carpet is very practical..."

  • @goranser8617
    @goranser8617 8 років тому +345

    This is why we miss the old Top Gear so much!

    • @LysergicCasserole95
      @LysergicCasserole95 7 років тому +12

      Goran Ser Grand tour is missing that X factor early 2000's top gear had

    • @johnmiller9024
      @johnmiller9024 5 років тому +2

      The old Top Gear was on the air between 1977 and 2001. The 2002 Top Gear is considered the new Top Gear

  • @MitchellJohnson25
    @MitchellJohnson25 12 років тому +51

    Just bought an Alfa and completely forgot I had a Merc in the garage too. Absolutely beautiful cars, Alfa Romeo's!

  • @juanfarello4676
    @juanfarello4676 4 роки тому +37

    The passion of this nice man about Alfas is priceless!

  • @Jabber-ig3iw
    @Jabber-ig3iw 6 років тому +32

    I had one of these for 6 years, bought it at 6 years old, most reliable car I’ve ever owned, never let me down once, the busso V6 is a fantastic engine and as long as you look after it pretty much buttetproof.
    The big mistake people make with Alfa’s is not looking after them, they MUST be serviced on time, belts done when they should be( or much earlier in the case of the twin spark) the correct oil used and no corners cut.
    They are not cars you can run with no maintenance, look after them an they reward you.
    8 years after I sold mine I still miss it.

    • @valeriobesana4942
      @valeriobesana4942 Рік тому +1

      E la mamma della Ferrari....

    • @WGanesha
      @WGanesha 5 місяців тому

      Bravo esatto ...parole sante ...w alfa

  • @znanjejevelikamoc
    @znanjejevelikamoc 6 років тому +40

    I really, really love my 166. Almost everything about that car is perfect.

  • @DavidMaximilianCathmoirNicoll
    @DavidMaximilianCathmoirNicoll 13 років тому +15

    I have a 166. Fabulous car, beautiful to drive, looks gorgeous. No other car can make you feel so great just from sitting inside it.

    • @Vinni-2K
      @Vinni-2K 2 роки тому

      you still have it?

  • @RMS0180
    @RMS0180 9 років тому +130

    The seats and backseats in the 166 are like sitting on a cloud... Reallllly nice

    • @johanneswarn5488
      @johanneswarn5488 9 років тому +5

      Yep. The back seats are GLORIOUS

    • @zroad96
      @zroad96 8 років тому +9

      +Jonka Olofsson good for sex :D

    • @TheDox451
      @TheDox451 8 років тому +8

      +zroad96 Even better for driving :D

    • @zroad96
      @zroad96 8 років тому +3

      +TheDox451 ahah yeah i know :)

    • @Salman-sc8gr
      @Salman-sc8gr 6 років тому +8

      Because they are by Momo

  • @minoanlight4545
    @minoanlight4545 5 років тому +32

    OMG, just look at that interior! This car TOTALLY mopped the floor with all of its competition. The problem is that looks too good for this world.

  • @PaddyMcQueen
    @PaddyMcQueen 7 років тому +14

    I had a first edition 166 3.2 V6... best GT car ever ! 250k km on the clock, never had a major problem!

  • @rebel8305
    @rebel8305 7 років тому +111

    I have a Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTD, 12 Years in my hands with, no problems.
    Alfa Romeo built very good cars.

  • @23Piccolina
    @23Piccolina 4 роки тому +53

    I love my new Giulia, Alfa Romeo makes some of the most beautiful cars ever in the world. You don't worry about depreciation if you buy a one new and keep it for 10 years. They are far more reliable than their reputation leads one to believe.

    • @nathanclements6635
      @nathanclements6635 9 місяців тому +1

      I’m just checking in three years later… still good so far? 😂

    • @23Piccolina
      @23Piccolina 9 місяців тому

      I have the Stelvio now, but no issues with either@@nathanclements6635

  • @rezaq1
    @rezaq1 3 роки тому +3

    Currently I’m on my fifth 166, a facelifted 2.0 TS. Exactly the same colour combo as this car, it’s spectacular

    • @massimoe402a6
      @massimoe402a6 3 роки тому

      That name, if you are interested, it's called Grigio Marostica

  • @imeprezime9280
    @imeprezime9280 Рік тому +2

    I had this beaute before redesign, 3 cm lower, 17” 159 wheels , best car i ever had. On highway everybody moves from left lane. Uhi miss that car. Black, black leather, i miss my italian girl. In italy maserati quattroporte owner watch my car and said you have nice car. Alfa ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @xszaszax
    @xszaszax 15 років тому +16

    OK, got it...
    It was a long find, but...
    the song is called: heaven scent from Allwood and Cooper. Album is Choral Beats

  • @Vylkeer
    @Vylkeer 7 років тому +17

    Italian here. My family has owned a 166 Automatic and was pretty amazing. Then after several years we changed it with a Giulietta. My personal car is a 147 1.9 JTDm from 2005 and I love it!

  • @ericgeorge5483
    @ericgeorge5483 6 років тому +30

    Even today this cars interior just ooozes style. Absolutely gorgeous.

  • @Harv72b
    @Harv72b 6 років тому +254

    Owning an Alfa is basically like having an 18 year-old mistress. It's not at all practical, it can break down without a moment's warning, and keeping it purring is liable to send you to the poor house. But it's all worth it when you look at it & think, "I get to slide inside that every day."

    • @psk5746
      @psk5746 5 років тому +8

      I've owned 3 Alfa Romeos, 2 still, and never has one ever broken down

    • @bertie6043
      @bertie6043 4 роки тому +52

      That’s the creepiest thing I’ve read all decades

    • @IncApu2025
      @IncApu2025 4 роки тому +2

      Yes, indeed!!

    • @IncApu2025
      @IncApu2025 4 роки тому +1

      @@psk5746 👍🏻😃

    • @adorabasilwinterpock6035
      @adorabasilwinterpock6035 3 роки тому +4

      What a creepy and weird comment, I dont want to meet you

  • @KoenigF50
    @KoenigF50 11 років тому +53

    I somehow end up here every couple of months. Damn she's pretty ! Also I can't wait to see if they ever come up with a replacement for this with the on the new Ghibli platform.

    • @alexshepherd
      @alexshepherd 7 років тому +3

      KoenigF50 me too, and eventually they did :D

  • @COREopa
    @COREopa 12 років тому +6

    02:18 "It's a little black dress. It's the kinda thing you take to an embassy cocktail party. At a Schloss. In Austria."
    That just made me proud of my country :D

  • @TotallyNotASpy1
    @TotallyNotASpy1 8 років тому +70

    It's a shame they didn't do a car review of the Lancia Thesis, that is just a magnificent four door sedan.

    • @lubovavidea2832
      @lubovavidea2832 8 років тому +2

      I completely agree :)

    • @boersjoe
      @boersjoe 8 років тому +7

      The thesis's look in not ugly, its just different. But i can not agree more, its a fantastic car

    • @lubovavidea2832
      @lubovavidea2832 8 років тому +4

      Yes, you're right, I like the way it looks, but the front of the car is too massive I think :/

    • @boersjoe
      @boersjoe 8 років тому +2

      I have seen people who have plastidipped the grill to make it a bit less "showy" i think it works great.

    • @TotallyNotASpy1
      @TotallyNotASpy1 8 років тому +5

      It's supposed to be showy, because it's copying the design of the old Lancia Flaminia's grill. To me that car has the prettiest face a four door sedan can have, and it's definitely better than anything the germans can come up with. Then again, that's my opinion, to me german cars are too dull and try too hard to be something they aren't.

  • @Burebista61
    @Burebista61 Рік тому +1

    Love my Alfas ! Will never drive another brand . I had no problems with reliability and i drive them since 2005 . Happy owner of a standard Stelvio and a Mito QV ( 115.000 km 0 issues ) .

  • @ComandanteJ
    @ComandanteJ 9 років тому +365

    There are a lot of cars that Jezza hates that are actually awesome cars, and you shouldnt pay attention to what he hates or not. BUT, i Clarckson says "i love this car", oh, boy... that means, that car, has something. And yeah, yeah, Alfas lose value fast, electronics are shit, they're FWD (the biggest mistake alfa ever did), and all that. But when you drive an Alfa... you cant hate it. You just cant, even if it ruins you in the repairs garage. They have... "something", i guess. You never regret buying one. Your wallet might, but the heart is always that stupid bloke who doesnt care about that.

    • @leongailberger7676
      @leongailberger7676 9 років тому +25

      +ComandanteJ We had a 166 since 2001 but we sold it in 2013, we have the 3.0 v6 and have 260000km but we haven't got any problems with it

    • @ComandanteJ
      @ComandanteJ 9 років тому +5

      I just sold my GT 2.0 JTS Selespeed, a week ago, and it still hurts LOL. I didnt have any major flaw, some electronics problems, a little problem with one of the locks, a problem with one of the airbag sensors (easily fixable) and that's it, really. Well, i had to change the Selespeed hydraulic actuator because when they changed the clutch on the shop, they didn't screw the transmission fluid reservoir correctly, and it went dry in a couple of months, and ended up killing the actuator. nearly 2000€ in repairs, but it wasnt really the car's problem.

    • @ComandanteJ
      @ComandanteJ 9 років тому +4

      ***** Not too much, it was from 2005 and had around 100.000km, but i have to say that in the last 4 years i didnt maintain it... It might sound like a lot of problems, but the lock was fixable with a litttle grease, the electronics were just cables that got lose and it always said that one light was out when it wasnt (nothing too serious), and the parking radar got disconnected from the control box because the stock cable is too short and and gets disconnected over time. And the big problem, the Selespeed one, wasn't the cars fault, it was the stupid clueless mechanic who didnt know how his way around a car like this. If i sold the car that was because A: It drinks a lot of gas, B: i needed a smaller car that i dont care to park anywhere in the city, and C: I couldnt maintain it properly and it was killing me to see the car deteriorate, better leave it in the hands of someone who would give it some love.

    • @TheKenjoje
      @TheKenjoje 9 років тому +3

      +ComandanteJ clarkson himself avoided owning alfas, as I know. he actually owned german cars and is biggest fan of ANY golf gti of all car journalists....in the world :)
      p.s. NOT TRUE that FWD in today's car means less fun. steerings could be good with FWD and roadhoalding great. unless you are equaling the fun with drift....

    • @TheKenjoje
      @TheKenjoje 9 років тому +1

      +ComandanteJ the worst automatic EVER

  • @bicyclist2
    @bicyclist2 8 років тому +1

    This is so much better than all the other Top Gear videos that are cropped and edited.

  • @TheSkatersoldier
    @TheSkatersoldier 5 років тому +11

    i have had 2 alfas so far, never had major issues with them. even when driving like an idiot allot. alfa is rrly not bad in my opinion.

  • @nononsense2247
    @nononsense2247 4 роки тому +1

    I had an Alfa romeo 147 twin spark red coloured it was such a beautiful striking car well ahead of his time.. It was the first car who used the hidden handles to open the rear doors then every make and model started copying it.. Last but no least the driving was such an experience! To me is the best hatchback ever made

  • @Srbujmakarslamujeo
    @Srbujmakarslamujeo 7 років тому +174

    Comparing Italian and German cars is like chosing between rich,nice but not beautifull, protestant girl and beautifull, pasionate, slylish girl which lives regular life but has " that something" which drives you crazy...

    • @MrBeboopman
      @MrBeboopman 6 років тому +10

      рокај снимај perfect example... the heart wants what the heart wants😊

    • @mattiasantangelo9421
      @mattiasantangelo9421 6 років тому +36

      arthur shopenhauer once said something very similar. "italy is like an affair, a secret lover: today a big, painful fight, tomorrow total adoration. germany is like a housewife: almost no fights at all, but definetely not a great love story".

    • @herrfister1477
      @herrfister1477 5 років тому +2

      Yawn

    • @klimee4699
      @klimee4699 4 роки тому +1

      Drives you crazy in repair shop..

    • @ErmenBlankenberg
      @ErmenBlankenberg 4 роки тому +1

      Call me boring, but I don't want things in my life that would "drive me crazy". I can enjoy my life without those extremes.

  • @josephlewis9237
    @josephlewis9237 Рік тому +2

    I'm a fan of the Alfa 166. I only saw a handful of them when I was growing up, but, I still liked it. I can see it becoming a future classic. Up until recently, I've only ever seen one Alfa 166-a first gen.

  • @liuton2005
    @liuton2005 15 років тому +7

    The end is simply incredible!
    : )

  • @rjb0572
    @rjb0572 4 роки тому +14

    Love how an audi drives past at 3:32 when he says that 😂

  • @DSTAHL-si3cq
    @DSTAHL-si3cq 4 роки тому +10

    Best car I never had. Very reliable as Alfa's always have been. Best in seating and acceleration for the engine class by still excellent gas mileage. Love it.

  • @ferrocky
    @ferrocky 12 років тому +2

    I have the diesel one in France 2.4 JTD and I love it, its a stunning car in every way.

  • @donlaight5943
    @donlaight5943 4 роки тому +5

    They're great when they're going, I've had a 147 TS 2.0 (2001) rarely driven the last two out four years. It started with a camshaft position sensor, then a dropped inlet valve. I've had it all repaired at great expense only to find the Spanish garage that repaired the engine only replaced the broken valve gear and prior to refitting the head( which should be skimmed) rubbed it down with wet n dry paper!!!
    I've since had stripped rebuilt and it was great for about 6k kms, then he cam sensor light came on again followed by the great Spanish lockdown and now a flat battery. Ho hum

    • @michelangeloboldri9893
      @michelangeloboldri9893 2 роки тому

      You should’ve driven it more. The JTS engines literally have to be thrashed to run well.
      I’m happy with a 19 y old 156 since 2018….

  • @lucae6817
    @lucae6817 4 роки тому +2

    What a reminder! My granddad had the first 166 3.0 in dark blue with light brown interior. 20 years, 290‘000 km with no problem. Then another car crashed in his side which caused a heavy crash...

  • @webmasterg3526
    @webmasterg3526 2 роки тому +6

    Watching this video again (after many years) with mixed emotions. I ran a 3litre 166 (from new) for 12 years and not only was it realiable but i absolutely loved that car - still misss her (yes, all my Alfas are ladies). She was a bit thirsty but petrol was a bit cheaper back then too. Purchased a Guilietta 170 and have run Baby B for the past 7 years, no problems except a new battery - just part of wear and tear really. Very inexensive car to run (VED £30pa) too but I have finally been tempted to get a new girlfriend, a Guilia - just waiting for delivery. I read all the Alfa reviews and they are always "It's very good" and then there's a "But...." Well i've owned other car brands and there is no "But" - the only cars I've become really attached to are my Alfas (starting with an Alfetta 2 litre back in 1980). Driving a 3 litre 166 'Busso' over the Alps to Milan is something I will never forget (unlike my BMW 7 Series - which I would much prefer to)

    • @MmacentralNl
      @MmacentralNl Рік тому

      I can only concur. Drove a Giulietta for 7 years as well. 1.4 multiair 170hp, no issues at all. So did you get that Giulia? I did : )

    • @webmasterg3526
      @webmasterg3526 Рік тому +1

      @@MmacentralNl Yes, I've had my Julie (Guilia) for just over a year now. A perfectly balanced car to drive, more than enough performance and just stunning to look at. No issues with reliability, none at all. Short Story. Parked outside a pub last week and was a little bit worried to see a guy walk around her several times and peer in through the drivers side. Went out and the guy apologised and then congratulated me on having such a lovely car. He then asked me what the make was? (!!) You don't see many Guilias around (there is one other in my area) but I was suprised by this question. The car does get a lot of admiring looks though...my wife quite enjoys it (as do I) 🙂

    • @MmacentralNl
      @MmacentralNl Рік тому

      @@webmasterg3526 hah, that's awesome! I must say I've had similar experiences in the 2 months that I've owned it. People glaring at , turning heads. Never had that with the Giulietta though plenty people seemed to somehow.
      What kind of spec do you have?

    • @webmasterg3526
      @webmasterg3526 Рік тому

      @@MmacentralNl Ah! Bit of a story. Wanted to keep costs down so spec'ed a 200bhp Sprint (but with the petal alloys). It's still faster than my old 3litre (with 0-60 6.6 sec) but back then was (just) under the £40k road tax threshold and a few hundred cheaper to insure too. I was also thinking I'd do an "Italian" and remap her after the 3 yr warrenty expired (Stage 1 @ £400 = easy upgrade to 280bhp+). Having had her a year, I'm not not so sure I'm going to bother now. She's a quick (enough) car and I'm not (quite) as crazy as I was 20 years ago. My car looks (to the uninformed) like a Veloce and is really just missing that 80bhp and the limited diff. Today the 'Spint' comes with 280bhp as standard but costs over £40k of course, so you have to pay the extra road tax etc (and you cannot upgrade to the very nice petal alloys either).

    • @MmacentralNl
      @MmacentralNl Рік тому

      @@webmasterg3526 cool! Did you buy it new? I do agree 200bhp is more than plenty. Despite what many other people believe, a true sub 7 second 0-60 is still very quick and I refuse to believe otherwise. Anyway tje Giulia is not a drag-race car anyway, it's the handling that is truly sublime and out of this world.
      But of course I don't have to tell you that :) if you've had her for a year I wouldn't bother either. There's always something faster anyways and 90 percent of the time, you can be the quickest off the mark anyway. Love the petal wheels as well.
      Having said all that, I live near Squadra tuning here in the Netherlands and will be getting the remap next week :) I agree that it's quick enough but the engine sometimes feels like it's "holding back " somehow, though that could also be due to me being used to the Giulietta which held its gears quite a bit longer with the TCT gear box imo.

  • @stanleybuchan4610
    @stanleybuchan4610 Рік тому +1

    The 156 and 166, facelifts, are beautiful. Even today, they still look better than all modern horror-bags.

  • @martin-1965
    @martin-1965 4 роки тому +3

    An amazing advert I just found for a 166 - talk about being honest :)
    ---------
    If you own a diesel Astra or the like and are only interested in the function of a car to get you from point A to point B you are reading the wrong car ad, this ad is for an Alfa Romeo.
    I could list every slight scratch on the car but that would mean the ad was for those that think a 20 year old car will be in pristine, brand new condition.
    I could list it as “Modern Classic” or “Future Classic” indicating that in 50 years time it will be worth a fortune (which it probably would be if you never drove it and vacuum packed it for those 50 years) I could add bullet “proof engine”, “grab a bargin” “pulls like a train” and all the other shite people put in ad’s than ain’t true, so I won’t.
    This ad is for the person that actually wants to own and drive an Alfa, so let me tell you all about Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 ltr manual’s.
    Let me start by saying that if you do decide to buy an Alfa you will find they can burn through your cash quicker than a 22 year old mistress. To find the approximate price of any Alfa spare, cost the Ford one and multiply by ten (you will still be short of the cost but you get the idea)
    The word on the internet is that Alfa’s are unreliable, this is my fourth 166 and I have had two 164’s, not one of them has ever broken down, (actually stopped by the side of the road) That doesn’t mean they haven’t had the odd fault (nearly all Alfa faults are odd) With an Alfa you form a relationship, and in any relationship there is always give and take, an Alfa is a driving pleasure, an experience, and for that the car likes to take your money and your calm, not unlike a wife actually. With 226 BHP they are pretty quick and you can see from the pictures of the interior they are pretty comfortable, airy and roomy with pretty good road holding to match. This doesn’t mean you can just jump in one and expect to drive it like your Astra or Focus, you have to adapt your driving style to the car. As an example you probably change gear like everyone else with your hand over the top of the gear stick, this will change gear for you in a 166 but for 1st and 3rd gear it will also turn off (or on) the stereo, because that is where Alfa put the stereo button, another example would be in a normal car to turn left you just use the indicator, which is fine on right turns for a 166 but the left turn indicator rarely cancels, leaving you driving up the road with your indicator going like a novice. Mine is unusual that 99 times out of a 100 it will cancel. Another source of amusement is the rain sensing wipers, they do sense the rain, and they do wipe, but it will select the speed for what it considers is appropriate, which usually results in going like ‘biily-ho’ for a slight drizzle and 5 mins between wipes for a downpour (the good bit is you can override with a manual selection)
    Let me do an equipment list for you :
    WiFi
    Bluetooth
    Sat Nav
    DVD player
    Reversing sensors
    Reversing camera
    Self park
    Phone
    The good news is the 166 has none of these so they won’t break or act up (Sat Nav was an option on CD, you would have to be very brave to rely on an Alfa CD Sat Nav)
    Think of the warning lights on the dash as more of an entertainment centre. They come on, they go off, indicating that the bulb behind them is still working and that is usually all they mean. On occasion mine likes to tell me I have a complete brake failure, for about 3 minutes, it can be a good heart exercise.
    A common 166 problem is the door locks, the fob usually fails about 2 minutes after the guarantee on the car has run out, mine is very unusual in that it still functions properly.
    Another common issue, that 166 owners will tell you is a feature, is the exhaust note, it is quite ‘meaty’, it wasn’t originally but when the original back box went on the factory supplied exhaust nearly everyone fits an after market stainless steel one, this isn’t because the super throaty sound is sought (can get on your tits on a 4 hour drive, fine for top gear in a 100 yard tunnel) it is because an OEM part will sting you about £500 (or more) and the aftermarket is only £250 (The back box goes all the way to the middle of the car)
    Only really major issues with mine are that the lacquer is coming off, Alfa Lacquer seems to have a 20 year life, and the aircon don’t work, I could say the old lie “probably needs a re-gas” but it doesn’t, it blew a ferule on the last re-gas attempt and I haven’t fixed it, nor will i.
    Now the reason for sale is that I am due to retire and I have 5 cars (an S500, an ST170 and a 9-5 HOT as well, so watch ebay for future sales) and will have no where to go, so the cars have to go, there is nothing worse for a car that sitting doing nothing. I don’t want to part with the car so I am not selling cheap, and if the wife pops her clogs first I may keep it and see if I can find that 22 year old mistress.

  • @cheekibreeki3946
    @cheekibreeki3946 4 роки тому

    I drive an Renault Megane, but God I love Alfa this segment this single video sends shivers down my spine every single time i watch it...

  • @TherymasterWidnes
    @TherymasterWidnes 10 років тому +27

    I love alfa's

  • @Orion3741
    @Orion3741 4 роки тому +1

    That chrome finishing in the Alfa 166's engine is beautiful. As for Jeremy Clarkson, he presents this segment with his heart on his sleeve. Small wonder then, that during a TG poll to find out who the greatest presenter was of this motoring programme, he received 74 % of the votes.

  • @afthefragile
    @afthefragile 15 років тому +8

    The new Alfa 159 looks great too...

  • @pepecapirote7461
    @pepecapirote7461 3 роки тому +1

    One of my favorite sounds, drove an old 75 3.0 V6, no need for a stereo, what an enjoyable drive 😍😍😍

    • @rezaq1
      @rezaq1 3 роки тому +2

      Still got one of those, a 1989 75 3.0 V6 Veloce on which ive just fitted a full Ansa exhaust system

    • @pepecapirote7461
      @pepecapirote7461 3 роки тому

      @@rezaq1 rear wheel drive too, was owned by a high performance driving instructor who played with everything. Excellent balance and road holding, was a little disappointed I stopped at 130mph he’d had 150mph!!!

  • @fadingbeleifs
    @fadingbeleifs 6 років тому +4

    i love depreciation... it meant that i could easily afford what was once a $105,000 Mercedes S-Class, with 90k miles on it, for less than$13k. it was only 8 yrs old, in mint condition.

  • @aceboogie8986
    @aceboogie8986 5 років тому +2

    If you judge a car on how it makes you feel instead of what it can do thats the greatest way to describe how i feel about cars

  • @waltermatthewberg
    @waltermatthewberg 15 років тому +5

    I love this show. Its one of the few British things I like...

  • @andynixon2820
    @andynixon2820 6 років тому +1

    I have a golf and I regard it in the same way as my fridge or cooker . But I also have a 50 year old alfa and regard it like a close loved one .

  • @sporturaman
    @sporturaman 15 років тому +3

    I have one and love it. Great review very accurate.

  • @samwhitehall8545
    @samwhitehall8545 2 роки тому +1

    I'm from the town where he filmed the house, they've all been knocked down now, thankfull and a nice new estate has taken its place.

    • @Gaudine
      @Gaudine 10 місяців тому +1

      That’s so sad to hear. I loved the aesthetics of those houses. :( I even wanted to ask how much one would cost today?

  • @jml8841
    @jml8841 14 років тому +4

    @2:29 I love it that jeremy says: WHEN it breaks down, not IF it breaks down. So it will inevitably happen :P

  • @shieldaigbencher
    @shieldaigbencher 4 роки тому +1

    Alfa offered me a top of the range 3.0 v6 on a lease for four years with 15,000 miles per year for £375 a month with full maintenance in 2002. I opted for a SAAB 9-5 Aero instead for £100 more a month and whilst the SAAB was amazing I have always wondered if the Alfa would have been more fun.

  • @Paulster5
    @Paulster5 15 років тому +3

    This song was in the ski movie "Respect"
    haha nice!

  • @toroseduto93
    @toroseduto93 15 років тому +1

    I'm an italian boy and I love top gear!!!! and the alfa are one of the most beautiful car in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @stoikr
    @stoikr 11 років тому +62

    I still can't decide if they actually like Alfas or not.

    • @appelpower1
      @appelpower1 10 років тому +41

      They do. According to them, you're not a real car enthousiast unless you've had one. Although they added that there are easier ways of becoming broke. Then again, they called Lancia the greatest car maker of all time, despite mocking their reliability. They prefer Italian style over reliability.

    • @ArturKwaszyn
      @ArturKwaszyn 8 років тому +34

      +appelpower1 Because Italian cars are fun to own. Cars should make you feel great. If you want a means to get yourself from point A to point B... get a bus or train.

    • @Ward1706
      @Ward1706 7 років тому +23

      stoikr Can confirm. I have a Fiat and it's an absolute gem to drive. Yes, not an Alfa, but it is an Italian through and through.

    • @EliEli-bu4zn
      @EliEli-bu4zn 5 років тому

      appelpower1 read the history of Lancia, and how they made the Lancia integrale. Have a look and see why. It’s not just about the looks. Italian engineering is quality.

  • @dcukic
    @dcukic 14 років тому

    ive driven alfa. and it tries so much to be a diferent then every other car that it turns out almost unuseable. but it had a sound, it had an acceleration and the look of it... just amazing. me and my friends had a lot of fun with this car, even when it broke down, or couldnt heat up so we were cold inside. so yeah, cars are not reliable nor quality built. but they have personality and sheer silyness of it will make you never forget that car. thats why people love alfa.

  • @srfnus
    @srfnus 5 років тому +3

    Alfa goes down but then goes up.
    Audi-vw goes down slowly but then in a ravine, generally

  • @kieranwhite6647
    @kieranwhite6647 5 років тому +2

    One of my favourite Top Gear reviews, the 166 is so handsome

  • @ericgeorge5483
    @ericgeorge5483 8 років тому +13

    Can't imagine the residents of Hemsworth were too chuffed with this video.

    • @italbabe10
      @italbabe10 6 років тому +2

      they won't care

    • @calj2405
      @calj2405 6 років тому +11

      My dad lives there and he found it pretty funny. They all know it is a shithole.

    • @psk5746
      @psk5746 5 років тому +3

      At least it's not in America

    • @dansharp9095
      @dansharp9095 4 роки тому

      Great place, great community

    • @ericgeorge5483
      @ericgeorge5483 4 роки тому

      @@dansharp9095 I have never been.

  • @JoaoSantos-cx7st
    @JoaoSantos-cx7st 5 років тому

    I have an alfa 156, it looks just like this one but it is black and I prefer the interior. I'm so happy with the car, it speeds okay and can do average consumptions in city. People tend to look at the car a lot and be surprised of the car and i love it. Never expected to buy this car but I am happy with the choice

  • @georgemorley1029
    @georgemorley1029 2 роки тому +9

    I was once given a lift in one of these to a Christmas party and when we got to the party I didn’t want to get out. You may think I’m exaggerating in order to glean likes on my comment but I can assure you that I’m not.

  • @poowaffle
    @poowaffle 15 років тому +1

    I think they do. Left turn, left turn, left turn, left turn and a new lap begins with only 4 left turn left for the next lap! And that is SOOOOOO x-itin'!!!

  • @chapmasi
    @chapmasi 15 років тому +4

    I have a 166 that I've had it coming up on 6 years and love it to bits, its only worth about 2K and I just spent another £1160 on loads of work doing to it.
    The only people who hate Alfa's are those who have never owned one, or those people who bought one expecting to run it on the same budget as their Peugeot 406 Diesel and then moaned when things went wrong.
    If you want a car which is "reliable" or apparently "better" go join all the other boring arrogant wankers down at the Audi Garage

  • @aldo_agazzi
    @aldo_agazzi 3 роки тому

    this video shows why the grand tour will never be like top gear (with J,J&R) we all loved the adventures around the world but ALSO a simple review without crazy budget and with nice editing... were so poetic

  • @jessesymons4335
    @jessesymons4335 2 роки тому +2

    Watch this video at least once a year. One day I will own one..

  • @stefanodandrea9449
    @stefanodandrea9449 6 років тому

    Alfa is a state of mind. My familly is an Alfa Owner since 1930. I drive a lot of cars, my brothers arte Bmw owners but when i sit in my 166 3.0 or in my 164 v6 tb or in my Giulietta sprinta veloce and i turn on the engine i fell my Earth Connect to the engine
    They work togheter.

  • @TheLOL4DUDE
    @TheLOL4DUDE 11 років тому +8

    I'm italian and I always dress in suits. Cause i'm italian.

    • @TheLOL4DUDE
      @TheLOL4DUDE 3 роки тому

      Fuckin hell 7 years have passed and i still dress in suits, cause i’m italian

  • @goprodog4304
    @goprodog4304 2 роки тому +1

    Still a great car. I've had my 145 1.6 giallo zoe for 20 years, it is a great car. Very few cars come close for the price.

  • @haoruchen4216
    @haoruchen4216 5 років тому +41

    i just bought a new alfa stelvio....hahaha......jeremy sold me

    • @ishkaranbrar313
      @ishkaranbrar313 5 років тому +7

      He don't like the Stelvio . He recommended a F150 over the Stelvio . He love the Giulia

    • @jasonnewilloughby6291
      @jasonnewilloughby6291 5 років тому +1

      I'll wait for the giulia quadrifoglio pre owned

    • @ishkaranbrar313
      @ishkaranbrar313 5 років тому +1

      @kt95 gy u can always watch grand tour again

    • @ilpatongi
      @ilpatongi 4 роки тому

      @@ishkaranbrar313 Yeah, and in fact, he liked it.

    • @ishkaranbrar313
      @ishkaranbrar313 4 роки тому

      @@ilpatongi He said that if he had to have a crossover. He would have the stelvio but he wouldn't have a crossover

  • @IncApu2025
    @IncApu2025 2 роки тому

    Today an artist returned to me a completely re-painted Alfa 166 from 2000. I'm really happy now. And I'm an Alfisti.

  • @mikedelicus
    @mikedelicus 4 роки тому +5

    Alfa Romeo>Timeless design

  • @arnoldf78
    @arnoldf78 15 років тому

    I have to say, this car is one of the most handleable, lively car what ever made.
    Live like a human... breath, kill, love and do all human behaviour....
    wonderful!!!!!
    my girlfirend say: "theraphy car"
    when you drive a V6 166 you forget everything...
    excellence through passion...like maserati..
    Thanks Italy!

  • @Casarzino
    @Casarzino 9 років тому +7

    NAUGHT!

  • @lucasworktv
    @lucasworktv Рік тому +1

    Truly underrated car!

  • @jonathantollestrup5207
    @jonathantollestrup5207 11 років тому +5

    the replacement for the 159 is gonna be RWD

  • @JoeDaeHimself
    @JoeDaeHimself 4 роки тому +1

    2.4 JTD, 20 years old going super strong!

  • @MultiTopgearfan
    @MultiTopgearfan 13 років тому +3

    "your very own Alfa Romeo!" *looks out* "OH,F....!!!" LOL classic Jeremy Clarkson humour

  • @MisterGasMan
    @MisterGasMan 13 років тому +1

    Love jeremy's typical pause @ 6:44 "your very own.....ALFA ROMEO!"

  • @caloc2590
    @caloc2590 8 років тому +7

    no matter what Jeremy says about alfa 166, for us Italians is one of the best car infact i posses one beautiful 166 2000cc
    for the past 5 years and now become my toy i will never sell this beutiful beast , 15 years old and is already a collector classic car Jeremy, prize who ncares the love to keep a car like this is honor and respect of proper car , ,alfa romeo is called the daughter of the Ferrari engineering therefor alfa romeo is a mini Ferrari:-) and if you are not a professional driver dont ever buy a alfa romeo, this cars any alfa are only for professionals drivers, and who really nos a alfa romeo cars will appreciate what a proper car IS. unique design and different of any cars in the world. Jeremy have a nice day:-)

    • @banpowel9784
      @banpowel9784 8 років тому

      Calogero C you must work for Alfa. There rubbish, constantly breaking down, a classic???? Not here in England, a disaster??? Yes

    • @caloc2590
      @caloc2590 8 років тому +3

      no offensive but I thing you are the tipical ignorant patroniser nationalist, in England there is people that love alfa to bits by this are the people with the brain:-) capisci:-) ciao and have a nice day

    • @banpowel9784
      @banpowel9784 8 років тому

      Calogero C people with a brain don't buy unreliable Alfas

    • @caloc2590
      @caloc2590 8 років тому +5

      OK buy you self a rover:-) ciao

    • @banpowel9784
      @banpowel9784 8 років тому

      Calogero C well a rover is more reliable than an Alfa, so yes I would buy a rover over an Alfa

  • @diegodz7510
    @diegodz7510 4 роки тому +1

    Jeremy I understand why you love this 166
    that car has Style
    🇮🇹

  • @ChubbsRN
    @ChubbsRN 8 років тому +16

    why was the depreciation on the 166 so high?

    • @vwporschefreak97
      @vwporschefreak97 8 років тому +15

      because it was an absolute POS.

    • @vwporschefreak97
      @vwporschefreak97 8 років тому +1

      because it was an absolute POS.

    • @TheKenjoje
      @TheKenjoje 8 років тому +13

      Bad reputation for reliability

    • @soundseeker63
      @soundseeker63 8 років тому +38

      In the UK, if its big and not German, it always depreciates badly. Big Peugeots, Citroens, Vauxhalls, Nissans, Fords etc. have the same problem. Some real bargains to be had on the used market :-)

    • @TheKenjoje
      @TheKenjoje 8 років тому +3

      soundseeker63 what makes you think uk differs in that from the rest of the europe? :) you are not that special, it's the same from east to west and south to north ;)

  • @shauniannemelody4963
    @shauniannemelody4963 4 роки тому +2

    I mean in hemsworth I can say in all the years I have lived here my wheels have never been pinched but someone did burn a car once

  • @Katana2040
    @Katana2040 15 років тому +4

    "At... Naught!"

  • @Ryoga2K
    @Ryoga2K 4 роки тому +2

    there's a 166 just around the corner from my house.. aparently stopped working years ago and owners had enough.. so it is there.. rusting with flat tires.

    • @greengrass9572
      @greengrass9572 4 роки тому

      ....... you're not convincing anyone..

    • @Ryoga2K
      @Ryoga2K 4 роки тому +1

      No need to, you can either believe me or not, its just a comment , and I have no reason to lie.

    • @greengrass9572
      @greengrass9572 4 роки тому

      @@Ryoga2K, OK sure, but I must congratulate you because that's an incredibly creative imagination you have there... ( not.)

  • @maxcadyuk
    @maxcadyuk 15 років тому +6

    "Some people say......."

  • @andrenow8478
    @andrenow8478 Місяць тому

    most beautifulst standard saloon cars ever... Interior and engine design 9.9999999 of 10

  • @davidebonannini640
    @davidebonannini640 7 років тому +7

    I'm missing the time when Alfas didn't look like any other car, both in & out. The last was the 159.

    • @TC_83
      @TC_83 3 роки тому

      Giulia?

    • @davidebonannini640
      @davidebonannini640 3 роки тому

      @@TC_83 the Giulia's exterior design is too conformist and shows more of a follower's rather than a leader's attitude.

  • @MOOBOOSE
    @MOOBOOSE 3 роки тому

    I have a 159 and I have learned that they can be problems with electrical components. Also it’s most important to find a mechanic who is familiar with them which is very hard in the west of Ireland as they didn’t sell in volume here

  • @mariamimetreveli4536
    @mariamimetreveli4536 7 років тому +6

    WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE CLASSICAL MUSIC PIECE ON 1:50?

  • @andyglewv8
    @andyglewv8 4 роки тому

    I loved my pre facelift 166. Sadly gone to scrap heaven, used to drive it to ferry bridge where Clarkson filmed this. Also gone

  • @ramagliaminuta
    @ramagliaminuta 11 років тому +3

    Alfa Romeo real powerful heart Made in Italy !

  • @msanchezym
    @msanchezym 15 років тому +1

    Love the dog at 5:19! Top Gear is the best!