Alfa Romeo 166
When it comes to your heart ruling your head, buying a large Alfa Romeo is up there with abandoning your home for a life of solitude on a desert island. It's an idea that appeals to your emotions, but you know makes no economic sense.
There's no denying that the 166 looks great, has a good choice of engines and is a wonderful long-distance cruiser. But buyers are scared of sinking £25,000 into a large Alfa Romeo, given the marque's reputation for depreciation. If you can find a used one in a couple of years' time, the big Alfa will be a more appealing prospect.
When it comes to your heart ruling your head, buying a large Alfa Romeo is up there with abandoning your home for a life of solitude on a desert island. It's an idea that appeals to your emotions, but you know makes no economic sense.
The 166 is a case in point. It's beautifully styled and dynamically talented, but crippling depreciation and a profusion of electrical faults have seen it sell in tiny numbers in the UK. Alfa hopes the facelifted 2004 model will change that, with improved build quality and fresh looks. Its 156-style nose is elegant and imposing, while the chrome detailing and art deco cabin add to its appeal.
It's still fabulous to drive, too. The handling is agile, with excellent steering feel for a big exec, and a chassis that seems planted to the ground. All models now get a six-speed gearbox as standard, while there have been notable quality improvements inside.
The 2.0-litre JTS engine fitted to our car is new, but it needs to be revved hard to make progress. It's characterful, though - and in this marketplace such a virtue shouldn't be overlooked.
