Re: Milano Verdi

[Mark Denovich <mark@domain.elided>]

First off it's Verde not Verdi.

Next check out these sites:
http://denovich.com/alfa/sikand_mti/milano.html
http://members.home.net/75milano/index.htm
http://www.clanger9.org.uk/alfa/index.html
http://www.gtv6.org/

By reading them you'll be able to identify some of the things to watch 
out for.   But here's a short summary:

Rust:  Wheel arches and jack points can be very quick to rust out. 
Definately check the front jack points and the surrounding sheet metal. 
  Questionable design can fill with debris, the sun roof drains into 
that area too, very prone to rust.  Spare tire wheel well will rust too.

ABS (standard in the Platinum and Verde models):  The pump and the 
reservoir are the most likely to cause problems.  Read the article on 
denovich.com for debugging info.   The cost for a new reservior is about 
$200... hopefully the pump isn't bad.    Make sure when you test drive 
that you get the engine nice and hot...   ABS problems are much more 
likely to happen when warm...  the exhaust cooks the pump and reservoir.

Driveline:  Check the condition of the driveline quibos (rubber donuts.) 
  Big cracks or missing chunks mean replacement is due immediately.

Transmission:  The transaxle cars have weak 2nd gear synchros too.   The 
shifter may rattle... not an expensive fix, but a bit of a pain to 
replace the bushing.

Engine:  Timing belt and water pump should be replaced every 30k miles 
or so.   The timing belt tensioner can be problematic.   Make sure you 
follow the procedure exactly if/when you replace the timing belt.

Other than that, remember that all the rubber parts (bushings, hoses, 
etc) are 13 years old if they haven't been replaced yet.   You should 
count on replacing some of them soon if they haven't been already.  Not 
too hard or expensive (see AlfaBill for swank polyurethane bushes, 
extremely easy to install.)   Check to see if the exhaust is rusting 
out, especially where it goes over the half axle on the passenger side. 
   If the mounts sag the pipe can hit the half axle which will 
eventually wear a hole in the pipe.

All in all, an easy car to work on, and reliable if you treat it right. 
     Properly maintained it starts easy, has very good gas mileage, and 
handles very well.   Rust is probably the biggest thing to watch out 
for.  Not only is it a pain to repair, but it makes every other job a 
pain too (ask me how I know.)

	--Mark
	--1988 Milano Verde

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