Would you take Anna
for a ride in a Rabbit?
Go for the Alfa . . .
Posted on 05/20/2006 7:44:53 AM PDT by Tennessee_Bob
Almost swapped a lower end Dell Inspiron 1200 for a 1984 300ZX the other day. Despite the fact that it was full of rust, if the motor had been running, I would have taken it. But there's something about a slipped timing belt and valve slap that made me say no.
So I'm discussing it with a friend here at work, and he mentions that he has a 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum that he would be interested in swapping for the laptop. Only problems is that it needs a new headlight cluster switch inside the steering column, and there's an issue with the transmission linkage going from second to third.
Granted, I'd still like to find an old (81 or earlier) VW Rabbit, but I think the odds of that are slim to none. Besides - this is an Alfa Romeo...
Any thoughts or experiences out there on the Alfa Romeo Milano?
Anna in an Alfa with me - just about as likely as George Bush calling me and saying he wants me to be the White House Comedian. I don't see either one happening soon...but a man can dream....
Youth and inexperience show. Anna in Alfa Romeo, or White House Comedian... A truly good thing to aspire to would be a tropical ambassadorship, say, in Fiji - beach and golf, golf and beach...
Ahhhh..decisions, decisions....how 'bout letting Anna drive us to the beach after she puts the clubs and the cooler of cold beer in the trunk of the Alfa? We can, if we want, let her give us a rubdown of suntan oils when we reach the cabana, after showering from the golf game.
"...let her give us a rubdown of suntan oils.."
No thanks. I'd rather give *her* the rubdown...
One of my co-workers had a Milano for years, '87 also IIRC. Back then it was pretty trouble free (esp for an Italomobile). He was an Alfamaniac.
I've owned several (Alfas, not Annas) and can tell you that they've been damned reliable. This particular model was the last of the real Alfa sedans before they went to FWD.
Keep one thing in mind...these are exotics. If the engine or tansaxel goes bad, and you're not capable of fixing it yourself, be ready for a repair bill worthy of a Ferrari or Maserati.
For sheer driving pleasure, Alfas can't be beaten.
Thanks for the heads up - both good and bad. I'm betting that even at the age the car is at, it's more reliable than Anna...
I don't know...they both look like they're built for speed.
I own an old Alfa,and you are correct about the price of any repair.I had a piston go out and what I would have to go through just to fix it,was such a hassle,it now adorns my yard as a flower planter.
You're a glutton for punishment and have way too much money, T. Those *money pits* are like cocaine: God's way of telling you that you have too much money (old Robin Williams joke).
There's *always something else* that needs fixing or replacing.
LOL!
I have access to Alfa engines and parts. What state are you in? I own 11 Fiats and 2 Alfas, own a repair shop and am nationaly certified with engines. Is the body still good. First which year/model is it. the 4 or v6? I may know someone who would buy it or can get you a running engine. che machina!
Is this a 2.5 or 3 liter? They are great cars. Parts are a lil pricey. and they have all those donuts in the driveshaft and it sounds like it needs a second gear synchro, (An ALFA with a beat 2nd gear, imagine that!). If the body is good and you're willing to put some effort in it, then I'd saythat it could be a fantastic deal. They are a joy to drive. Where in the country are you? I may be able to steer you to a good italian wrench. Its a small but old community.
The piston or the Alfa?
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