ALFA ROMEO 147 (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 314 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £1957/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 22 years old, 78% of ALFA ROMEO 147s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 314 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,401 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
87,401
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 ALFA ROMEO 147 has 87,401 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.
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ALFA ROMEO 147 by Year
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About the 2004 ALFA ROMEO 147
The 2004 ALFA ROMEO 147 is a premium with a 1598cc petrol engine. 314 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 87,401 miles at 22 years old, ALFA ROMEO 147 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 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 2004 ALFA ROMEO 147?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2004 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 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 87k 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.
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 2004 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(2004) | 78% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£90 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2006) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£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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