ALFA ROMEO 146 (1996)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1970cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1970cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 30 years old, 73% of ALFA ROMEO 146s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,974 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
117,974
Average miles
222,000
Expected for age
The average 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146 has 117,974 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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About the 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146
The 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146 is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 117,974 miles at 30 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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
Based on the 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALFA ROMEO 146(1996) | 73% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1998) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1998) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1998) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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