ALFA ROMEO 146 (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 66 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
58%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1970cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
58% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 24 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
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 29 years old, 58% of ALFA ROMEO 146s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 66 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,877 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
73,877
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146 has 73,877 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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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 2026, 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 29 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 £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 29 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1997 ALFA ROMEO 146's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 29 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 58% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 1997 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(1997) | 58% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£380 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1998) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£380 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£380 |
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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