The 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde we featured back in February is back up for sale. As our friends our friends at BlythBros. can attest, owning one of these cars can provide the owner pleasure and pain. For the days these cars run right, however, they reward you with lots of pleasure. This car is quite presentable, harboring a few issues consistent with its age and easy enough for those handy with a wrench to tackle.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde on eBay

The below post originally appeared on our site February 3, 2014:

Alfa Romeo often is likened to the heart and soul of the motor industry, producing cars that are sometimes less than rational as a consequence of the pursuit for sheer driving ecstasy. Even their more practical offerings have had an individualistic flair about them, witness this Milano Verde for sale in Vancouver, British Columbia. I was never too keen on these cars when they were new, but after visiting my local auto show, the sharp lines courtesy of Centro Stile Alfa Romeo are a refreshing break from the ho-hum styling of modern day sedans.

Year: 1989
Model: Milano Verde
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 173,000 km (~ 107,497 mi)
Price: Reserve auction

This 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde is a lifetime Vancouver BC car. Mileage is approximately 173,000 km. These cars have some well documented design features and quirks, so if you aren't already aware of the history of Milanos it is worth doing a quick read on Wikipedia. This is the top-spec Verde model, with 3.0 L V6, fantastic Recaro interior, body kit, unique instrument cluster, LSD, and ABS. Verdes were quite rare with estimates of fewer than 1,000 being sold in North America during their three year production.

In general the condition of the car is good. Paint shows a few small marks. The grey trim on the sides and spoiler is the weakest point on the exterior and would benefit from fresh paint. There is one rust hole in the rear passenger wheel well, visible in the passenger door jamb (common area). There are no other rust areas. The interior is decent with the exception of the bottoms of the front seats which show wear but no holes. The headliner is sagging. The wheels have some scuffs but are straight and bend-free. Tires are getting older but have decent tread. Glass is original and good. These issues noted, the car cleans up very well and turns heads at most car meets.

Mechanically the car is good to very good, with details listed below. As can be seen in the photos, the car has not been freshly detailed but photos represent its normal state, e.g. tidy but not spotless. This car has benefited from quite a bit of attention while under my care.

Maintenance in the last two years
- Transaxle mounts (3) replaced
- Rear calipers, rear wheel bearings, and brake flex lines replaced
- de Dion bushing (poly) replaced
- Watts linkage bushings (5) replaced
- Timing belt, tensioner, water pump, aux belts, and associated seals replaced
- Clutch master and slave cylinders replaced
- Steering rack replaced
- Caster bushings replaced
- Front roll bar end links replaced
- Air inlet box, inlet hose, and MAF restored
- Floor mats replaced
- Oil pressure sender replaced

Other good stuff
- The Alfa 'Busso' has been described as one of the best sounding motors ever built. It is glorious.
- Set of 5 @ 15x7 Fondmetal basketweave alloy wheels with centercaps included with sale
- Aftermarket headers installed (brand unknown)
- OEM first aid kit included
- Box of random small spares included

Quirks (besides the well documented ones from the factory)
- ARC panel has blinky lights for brakes, oil level, brake lights and side-marker lights (but all reported functions do actually work correctly)
- Intermittent wiper setting works intermittently
- Shifting between 1st and 2nd needs a slight pause
- Limited range on the sun-roof due to the sagging headliner (works properly otherwise)

Issues
- Front passenger side window motor/regulator doesn't work reliably
- ABS warning light won't go out, and in the past pedal feel changes after a drive longer than one hour. I've had this checked at two mechanics and they haven't found a fault. Brakes work fine and the warning light could be due to a failed ABS sensor (which is no longer available). A spare ABS pump/accumulator, reported to be working, is included with the sale should buyer wish to troubleshoot further.
- Two small oil leaks present under the motor, generally only occur if the car is parked on a slope.

If you are reading this add from the USA, price is in CAN$, and the car is 25 years old so per previous experience import to the US is easy. Information is available on your government websites.

A lot of the major mechanical points have been addressed on this car. There are a few remaining issues, but nothing too catastrophic as to deter those handy with a wrench or friendly with a good mechanic. Those who have driven these sedans know what a great drive they are. With a throaty V6 and rear-mounted gearbox, it allows this car to stand out with performance rarely seen at this price point. These are cars that are certainly worth preserving, as they are the last Alfas designed before the Fiat takeover and the last rear-drive sedans from the company to this day.

-Paul