In a perfect world, the 164 LS would exist only in the domain of white-haired men over 70 who wear scarves like a priest's stole over their overcoat and enjoy classical music with their drives. In reality, the 164 LS is adored by dorks like us who wish they gave off that aura.

We will ignore our stubborn insistence on manual transmissions for the sake of this example, because other than the auto trans, it is a perfect 164 LS spec to us. A 1994 model would be non-EGR, which makes service slightly easier. The green exterior over tan interior is one of our favorite color combinations, and anyone who hasn't experienced the leather on a 164 owes it themselves to check it out - it's seriously nice leather for a mass-produced sedan. Euro headlights and the wood steering wheel are nice (expensive) additions that we really like to see.

Year: 1994
Model:  Alfa Romeo 164 LS
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage:  112,000 mi
Price: $3,550 BIN
Location: Wantagh, NY

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 LS

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS in Alfa Verde with Camel leather interior. Normal dings and dents, but absolutely no rust anywhere. Car has 112k miles on 24V 3.0 V6. All gauges and lights work, as does power windows and moonroof. Car runs and shifts smoothly, no issues. Starts right up on first try, no smoke. Many new parts, including injectors, plugs, wires, exhaust, and brakes.Recently tuned and serviced. Timing belt replaced at 80k miles. Car has been maintained by Alfa mechanic on Long Island. Reciepts dating back to 1998. Rare options, including wood steering wheel, and European headlights. Comes with new year correct floor mats(in box, shipped from Italy six months ago, finally got them last week) original AM/FM/Cassette (aftermarket currently installed) and optional Q model spoiler (not mounted). Car is very fun to drive, loads of pickup.

This example is overdue for a timing belt service, if you ask us. At the same time, it's priced fairly, so whether you have a shop complete the service (think $1,200-1,500 with parts) or do it yourself (closer to $600-800 if you replace all of the idlers and tensioner / pulley), you'll be in ok shape. The 164 isn't known to rust severely, and the claim of no rust on this example is believable but would need to be verified. HVAC stepper motors can be an issue on these, so we would ask the seller if those have been addressed yet.

Berlinas are going up in price and Giulias haven't been cheap in a long time. But you can still buy a clean 164 for $3,500, and that's something to enjoy while it lasts. What's better is that we don't think the 164 will every become a collector item, leaving these to be enjoyed by anyone with the dedication to keep one on the road. If we were in the market for an auto 164 LS, we would seriously consider this example.

-Graham