ALFA ROMEO 146 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 66 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
58%
Total Tests (2024)
66
Avg Mileage
73,877 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 24 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 58% of ALFA ROMEO 146s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 66 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,877 miles.
How does the 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146 has 73,877 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1997 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 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146
The 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146 is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 66 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 73,877 miles at 27 years old, ALFA ROMEO 146 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1997 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 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 58% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146
At 27 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 66 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+15%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+13%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+21%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+17%) from 5,268 tests