Alfa Romeo 147 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 358 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc23 years old358 tests92k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.

74% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 147s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 358 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,610 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models193rd of 429(top half)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models105th of 158(bottom half)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+2%(72% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average-6%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,610

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 had 91,610 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2003 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Alfa Romeo 147 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2009	74%	340	102,798 mi
2008	69%	685	105,409 mi
2007	68%	626	99,708 mi
2006	66%	470	101,968 mi
2005	70%	375	96,835 mi
2004	78%	314	87,401 mi
2003	74%	358	91,610 mi
2002	71%	219	91,972 mi
2001	67%	85	81,224 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-3%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-3%

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-3%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

-1%

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About the 2003 Alfa Romeo 147

The 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 is a premium car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 358 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 91,610 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 147 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Alfa Romeo 147?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% 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 4 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 2003 Alfa Romeo 147

At 23 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

With an average of 92k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Alfa Romeo 147(2003)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Toyota Yaris(2005)	73%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Alfa Romeo 147

Is the 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2003 Alfa Romeo 147s ended in a pass, from 358 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Alfa Romeo 147?

74% of 358 MOT tests on the 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 193rd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year Alfa Romeo 147 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 Alfa Romeo 147 has the highest MOT pass rate at 78% and the 2006 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Alfa Romeo 147?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 is 91,610 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.