ALFA ROMEO 147 (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 85 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 25 years old, 67% of ALFA ROMEO 147s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 85 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 81,224 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
81,224
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 ALFA ROMEO 147 has 81,224 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2001 sits between the two at 67%.
ALFA ROMEO 147 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 ALFA ROMEO 147
The 2001 ALFA ROMEO 147 is a premium with a 1598cc petrol engine. 85 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2001 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 81,224 miles at 25 years old, ALFA ROMEO 147 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.
2001 ALFA ROMEO 147 Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 ALFA ROMEO 147?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
ALFA ROMEO 147 Reliability Trend
Older ALFA ROMEO 147s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 3 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2001 ALFA ROMEO 147
At 25 years old, the ALFA ROMEO 147 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 78%. Note: with only 85 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 ALFA ROMEO 147's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 81k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% 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 2001 ALFA ROMEO 147 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALFA ROMEO 147(2001) | 67% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| MINI MINI(2003) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FOCUS(2003) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2003) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£235 |
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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