Image courtesy of Corvettec6r, Wikimedia Commons.
Alfa Romeo 166 Pre-facelift (1999–2002) Price Guide
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typical price 7 October, 2026
The pre-facelift 166, produced from 1998 to 2003, is the original and more distinctive-looking version. Its sharply creased nose divides opinion more than the softer facelift that followed, but it is arguably the purer design.
Engine Choices
The pre-facelift range included the 2.0 Twin Spark, the rare 2.0 V6 Turbo, the 2.5 and 3.0-litre Busso V6, and the 2.4 JTD five-cylinder diesel. The 2.0 V6 Turbo was only available until 2001 and is now the rarest engine in the range. The 3.0 V6 is the natural choice for anyone buying a 166 for its driving experience — the smaller 2.5 lacks the low-end authority that suits the car’s weight. The 2.4 JTD is the pragmatic option for higher-mileage use but check for turbo wear and injector problems on cars that have not been scrupulously maintained.
Buying
Pre-facelift 166s are now very affordable. The interior quality is high, with genuine leather and wood trim on most specifications. Electrical gremlins are common, particularly with the dashboard display and central locking. The pre-facelift shares its Busso V6 options with the older 164, and many mechanical components interchange between the two.
