ALFA ROMEO 146 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 30 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
30
Avg Mileage
117,974 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146 reliable?
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 28 years old, 73% of ALFA ROMEO 146s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,974 miles.
How does the 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146 has 117,974 miles on the clock, 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.
How much does a 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Checking a specific ALFA ROMEO 146?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 28 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 £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 28 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 ALFA ROMEO 146
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (+2%) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+6%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+2%) from 5,268 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1998) 71% pass rate (-2%) from 4,066 tests