ALFA ROMEO 147 (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 219 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
219
Avg Mileage
91,972 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 22 years old, 71% of ALFA ROMEO 147s from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 219 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,972 miles.
How does the 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147 has 91,972 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a ALFA ROMEO 147?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2002 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147 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.
ALFA ROMEO 147 by Year
Checking a specific ALFA ROMEO 147?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147
The 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147 is a premium with a 1598cc petrol engine. 219 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 91,972 miles at 22 years old, ALFA ROMEO 147 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 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 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147
At 22 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%.
Alternatives to the 2002 ALFA ROMEO 147
The ALFA ROMEO 147 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2004) 71% pass rate (same) from 36,444 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2004) 69% pass rate (-2%) from 29,927 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (same) from 29,898 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2004) 67% pass rate (-4%) from 26,290 tests