Alfa 164 Q4 3.5 'Savali' progress thread

[alfa east]

Did the Recaros go to a fellow 164 owner on our site here maybe?

I further agree with alfan (that you'd change your mind again and not sell it) as it could be that the only thing missing to make it perfect is the gearbox. See link:
GETRAG 6-speed gearbox (new)
OK, that's an expensive part but it will last the life of the car. Anyway, whatever you decide, I wish you all the best!

[HaydnW92]

Well I thought I was getting somewhere, because somebody offered me a gearbox for free (though I of course offered to pay or swap some parts for it) but they suddenly stopped replying to my messages. Not sure what happened.

If I had more time and money I would keep it and fix it again, but I have too many cars and my free time is shrinking too. I'd rather focus on my other cars for now.

[HaydnW92]

Alfa East - I sold them to my friend Daryl, who owns one of the other Q4s in the UK. He is called 'Alfamuppet' on here I think.

The gearbox isn't the only problem, in fact it's only half of my concern with the car. The paintwork is a bit tatty, I don't think the 4wd is working, it has the wrong instrument binnacle, there's an oil and PS fluid leak, it still has an engine idle problem when cold, etc... I feel like my efforts so far on this car have barely rewarded me, so I'm reticent to carry on spending time and money on it really.

I have no idea what it's worth though - probably not a lot.

[HaydnW92]

I hope you guys understand how I feel at the moment. I still like the car and don't really want to sell it, especially in its current condition, but the facts are that my circumstances are changing and I've got too many cars under my care. The Q4 was supposed to be my 'daily' car (not that I drive daily, but you know what I mean) however it's just given me quite a few headaches really. I didn't want to pull the engine out back in May, when the gearbox first broke, so now that it's broken again... No, just no!

according to my receipts I've spent around £5.8k on parts and upgrades since January 2015. It must be worth at least a couple of thousand in parts?

Also, don't forget the car has very little service history, so I can't prove what modifications were made to the car. This will affect its value quite a lot, I think.

At the end of the day, I've lost lots of time and money fixing this car this year, only for it to break again straight away. I could have had the Maserati running, and maybe even driving on the roads

I'll still own Alfas anyway. It looks like I might buy a 156 V6 this weekend, plus there's a 75 QV that needs some work, which has been passed down to me, which I am very fond of.

[Alfan]

I do understand your decision and some times you have to cut your loses... I just think it is a shame that you have learned some things on this specific model and won't be able to contribute to the forum with more details on it - unless you buy another one in the future

But I hope that you find another enthusiastic buyer who will join this site - if not already present!

I have also decided not to stress and get the Q4 ready for winter driving this season, so I have leased a car for the next 5 months - then I can spend more time in the garage

[HaydnW92]

The car is now for sale on eBay.
https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/1994-Alfa-Rome ... Ciid%253A1

[Alfan]

Sold?

[MikeCZ]

Only for 2k GPB? This is insane

[HaydnW92]

I couldn't agree more. I'm really surprised it didn't go for more than that, even taking into account its issues. Oh well :/

[Alfamuppet]

Haydn - that's really disappointing for you. Who bought her, sombody we know?

[Alfan]

That is a bargain! Hopefully the new owner will get it sorted and enjoy driving it...

[MikeCZ]

That gives completely new meaning to sentence "Drive it like you stole it"

[HaydnW92]

Well, I'm currently waiting to see when the winning bidder can collect the car. There's a few issues currently under discussion, include the method of payment, but we'll see what happens. I don't think the buyer is a member of this site, and thus I don't know if they'll continue this thread or begin a new one of their own. Time will tell I suppose.

[Alfan]

So how did this turn out? I still hope it was picked up by someone, as enthusiastic as you

Oh, and don't forget to keep us updated on your other projects!

[HaydnW92]

Hi Alfan,

The buyer collected the car last month and took it back to the Netherlands on a trailer. I haven't heard from them since but I assume they're happy with it so far. I have also noticed that since I sold mine, I keep seeing lots of pictures of red Q4s (different cars) on Alfa pages on Facebook...

I can keep this thread updated re: other projects if you like? I only have one project though which is the Maser.

I also bought a 1999 GTV 3.0 to replace the 164. Silver with tan leather and the aero kit spoiler. It's great It feels quicker than the Q4 and sounds just as good, if not better. I love the interior too. I'm currently in the middle of replacing the belts, tensioners, idlers, water pump, fluids, etc etc... To my surprise, it's more difficult to work on the belt side of the engine, compared to the 164. There's more room pretty much everywhere else in the engine bay though.

Haydn

[Alfan]

We love Italian cars, so bring on some photos and progress Also traffic is a bit slow in here, so it might attract more people....

Congrats on the GTV, also a great car and I am sure that it sounds nice too!

Maybe the new Q4 owner is writing on the Dutch part of the register, they are generally not that active here anymore.

[alfa east]

Maybe the new Q4 owner is writing on the Dutch part of the register

Not yet, but that may still happen of course; will let you guys know if it does.