How about a 164 to follow up yesterday's Milano Platinum? We're on a roll with clean, cared-for examples this weekend, and today's 164 is even better than the Milano listed yesterday.

The 164 is what followed the Milano as the North American sedan offering from Alfa Romeo, but it's not really an honest successor to the Milano. The 164 rides on an appreciably larger platform than the Milano does, and coupled with features like automatic climate control and leather seating surfaces - some of the best on any car, if you ask us - really feels upmarket to the Milano. Row through its five gears, though, and you won't be let down in the driving dynamics department. We'd recommend withholding judgment of the FWD platform until you drive one - you won't be let down.

Year: 1991
Model:  Alfa Romeo 164 L
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  57,000
Price: $7,500 obo
Location: New Hyde Park, NY

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 L

Rare combo 5 speed all original with many upgrades. Excellent condition. Excellent price. New clutch New exhaust system New brakes New timing chain New motor mounts New battery Power sunroof, headlight washers, heated front and back seats, cruise control, AC, power everything, rear window sunshades, power door locks. Bring any mechanic you want and let him tell you how good this deal is!

We won't say that this car will be free of trouble, but we will say that it's a great starting point if you're looking to get into one of the best 164s available. The major sticking points - HVAC stepper motor gears, transmission input shaft bearing, and more - will need to be checked on like on any 164. Thankfully, the major items such as engine mounts, clutch, and brakes, have been taken care of.

This example is exactly the sort of thing that we seek out - fresh enough to be enjoyed as a nearly new car, but not a museum piece. If we add 3-5k miles to a 50k mile each year and extend the proper mechanical care to the car, we can expect to keep the car in very nice condition. The key is to catch the car before it has the chance to descend into disrepair - in the case of this car, that fate has been prevented.

-Graham