1993 155 8v would be a good starter alfa for you as it uses a timing chain and you dont have to worry much as it last pretty long (up to 80k i think) so check the mileage on that car that you are buying. I use to have these legendary alfa romeos before and use timing chains from 190E Merc as it is stronger and noisier (i like the garang sound it makes). Mine was a 2.0 8v Super. It came with the Silverstone spoiler.
Do some history background on this car and you'll be surprise on its cult status. Its also the car that saves Alfa Romeo from the downturns of the industry back then when they entered touring car championships and won back to back for many years beating Merc190E, Opel Calibra, BMW E30 and E36, Peugeot Mi16 and Renault Laguna amongst others.
Find a good one, preferably from somebody who takes care of the car with records, then all you need to worry are the fluids and the wear and tear parts on the car due to old age. Try to get the 2.0 instead of the 1.8 or better still, get the 16v 155 that is from 1996 onwards and get the 2.0 as well...lagi oomph! The 16v uses timing belts so it is an extra cost when the time is due whereas the 8v uses the timing chain, tukar lagi lima tahun pun ok. Want something else better, find the 155 with the V6 engine and the rare 155 Q4 (thats 2.0 turbocharged 4WD, only in UK) but if you find one for sale, let me know coz i want it! hehehe
Then check if the electronics are working such as the buttons on the dash, steering stalks, indicator lights on the meters as information from it is vital to tell signs of an unhealthy car. Also check the alternator if it has been replaced due to wear of old age. Check for telltale signs of crashes too. The rooflining of the interior is usually the first to go so check it also....
and i wouldn't recommend putting in a jap engine in it as it loses the soul of it entirely and its cheaper to source a replacement engine for it. Soul. That is what every alfa car has...and you have to ride it hard to train it to run. Highway runs are superb and so as the cornering. Have good tyres and it turn like its on rails. Rev it hard once a week on high speed touring and he'll be happy to give you more smiles per miles than any other car you've driven. That logo or emblem in front of the grill, it is called the "sporting heart" or "Cuore Sportivo". That is what other cars don't have when it beats along your heart in unity...
Gosh, i must buy one back la...Alfa 155, the most macho car a car can be...
tell me why you choose it other than the rest of the continental out there la...wanna hear your story...
