No the engine issue had zero effect. Economy and pressure from the feds was key. Also the price of a new Alpha was anywhere from 136-148K in 2006. Low mileage 06 models sell for over 200K now. Sales were slow. Only approximately 670 06 models were built and they took about 2 years to sell. Most 96-00 engines failed in the first 30K miles and were covered under warranty. I had one fail at 82K. I know many are still on the original blocks. Heat is the key. Keep your driving temps in normal range. I would say 03-06 are the most expensive years. 00 slantbacks and 02 10th Anniversary Editions are higher than the rest of their model years. A nice 97.5 is more desirable in my estimation than an 01 or 02.