About the Alfa Romeo 166
Produced from 1998 to 2007, the Alfa Romeo 166 was Alfa's flagship saloon, competing with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. The 166 featured distinctive Pininfarina styling, premium leather interiors and a range of smooth V6 petrol engines alongside economical diesel options. Equipment levels were generous across the range, with even early models featuring climate control, alloy wheels and electric seats as standard.
The 166 was available in various trim levels including Lusso, Turismo and the range-topping Super, which added extra luxury features. Engine choices included 2.0 and 2.5-litre V6 petrols, a powerful 3.2-litre V6, and 2.4-litre five-cylinder diesel units. A facelift in 2003 brought updated styling, improved build quality and revised interiors, making post-2003 models particularly desirable.
What Affects the Price
Age and mileage are the primary factors influencing 166 values. Earlier pre-facelift models from 1998-2002 start at around £1,500 for high-mileage examples, whilst low-mileage facelift cars from 2003-2007 can command £6,000 or more. Exceptionally preserved, low-mileage final-year examples occasionally reach £9,000-£10,000.
Engine choice significantly impacts pricing. The 3.2-litre V6 models are the most sought-after, commanding a premium of £1,000-£2,000 over equivalent 2.0 or 2.5-litre versions. Diesel models tend to be valued similarly to smaller petrol variants but sell more quickly due to better fuel economy. Condition is critical, as these cars can suffer from electrical gremlins, suspension wear and interior trim deterioration. A well-maintained example with full service history will command substantially more than a neglected one.
Specification also matters. Models with desirable features like leather upholstery, satellite navigation, xenon headlights and the Bose sound system attract higher prices. Colour choice affects desirability too, with traditional Alfa colours like Rosso Red and metallic blues being more popular than beige or gold.
Buying Tips
Always insist on a comprehensive service history, particularly evidence of cambelt changes, which should be done every four years or 36,000 miles. Check for oil leaks, particularly from the V6 engines, and listen for any unusual noises from the engine or gearbox. Examine the suspension thoroughly as worn bushes and dampers are common on higher-mileage cars.
Interior quality varies significantly between examples. Check all electrical functions including windows, seats, air conditioning and the trip computer, as electrical faults can be expensive to diagnose and repair. Look for wear on the leather seats and peeling lacquer on interior trim pieces. Test the Selespeed automated manual gearbox thoroughly if present, as it can develop problems and is costly to repair.
Rust is uncommon but check the rear wheelarches and undersides for corrosion, particularly on earlier cars. Verify the VIN matches all documentation and check for evidence of accident damage. Consider having an independent inspection carried out, as repair costs can quickly exceed the car's value. Budget for maintenance, as parts and specialist labour can be pricey compared to German rivals.