Alfa Romeo 146 (1996)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 30 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,561
£213/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1970cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 9 points below average.
Check a specific Alfa Romeo 146
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.
73% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 146s from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 30 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 117,974 miles.
Got a Alfa Romeo 146 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
117,974
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 had 117,974 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Looking at a specific Alfa Romeo 146?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Alfa Romeo 146
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
The 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is a premium car. Our records list a 1970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 30 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 117,974 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 146 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 Alfa Romeo 146 Fuel Costs
The 1970cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 Alfa Romeo 146?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
At 30 years old, the Alfa Romeo 146 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 30 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 118k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Romeo 146(1996) | 73% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561 |
| Mazda MX-5(1998) | 75% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328-£233 |
| BMW 3 Series(1998) | 79% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561same |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561same |
| Volkswagen Golf(1998) | 71% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
Is the 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 1996 Alfa Romeo 146s ended in a pass, from 30 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Alfa Romeo 146?
73% of 30 MOT tests on the 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 157th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom half).
What is the average mileage for a 1996 Alfa Romeo 146?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is 117,974 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Alfa Romeo Models
Explore other Alfa Romeo cars or similar models in the same category.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
2011 · 1956cc Diesel
Alfa Romeo Mito
2009 · 1368cc Petrol
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2017 · 2891cc Petrol
Mazda MX-5
1998 · 1597cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
1998 · 1796cc Petrol
BMW Z3
1997 · 1900cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Alfa Romeo 146.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Alfa Romeo 146
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Alfa Romeo 146? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included