Alfa Romeo 166 3L V6 24V "Sportronic"

[Richard Moss]

I took this down for its local "MOT" earlier. The cost is 120 Dirhams (£20) and it goes through a production line-type arrangement (as I remember the Spanish ITV test doing).

Anyway , I got a first time pass - which is staggering given that the suspension is completely shagged out! I knew that the brakes would be OK, though, they are fantastic. I expected it to be a case of "if it starts, stops, doesn't catch fire and nothing falls on the tester's head - you pass" and that is pretty much what it looked like.

What made me laugh was that the chap in front of me at the paperwork desk got a "fail" on his car - I wonder how bad that had to be to fail?

[Richard C]

So you can sell it now

[Richard Moss]

indeed

[Richard Moss]

Just a (hopefully) interesting snippet of information. Unfortunately for me, my nearest Alfa dealer is in another COUNTRY so I often have to source parts where and when I can:

The oil filter used on 3.3L and 3.8L Chrysler Voyagers is a direct fit for the one on an Alfa 166 V6 and also on the Alfa 164 and Lancia Kappa. Same size, shape etc and it does have the required anti-drain valve in it, too.

I used a CHAMP (Champion) PH2835 but it can also be a FRAM PH3614, Mopar ML3614 and dozens of other ones. Interestingly, it also fits a load of tractors, combine harvesters, lawn mowers, Yugos and Toyota Supras!

As for selling the car, I'm holding off until august/september because June is when hoards of expats finish their contracts, sell their cars and leave the UAE. This floods the second-hand market and makes it hard to shift old bangers. Conversely, the end of the summer is when the new arrivals need cheap transport........