Alfa Romeo 155 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 48 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1970cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1970cc29 years old48 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1970cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.

88% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 155s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 48 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 98,660 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models44th of 306(top 15%)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models45th of 158(top half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+13%(75% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average+8%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,660

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 had 98,660 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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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Alfa Romeo 155 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	88%	48	98,660 mi
1996	81%	54	117,476 mi
1995	100%	55	124,919 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-15%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-17%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-9%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-13%

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About the 1997 Alfa Romeo 155

The 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 is a premium car. Our records list a 1970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 48 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 98,660 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 155 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 155 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 £1,631 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 1997 Alfa Romeo 155?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1997 Alfa Romeo 155

At 29 years old, the Alfa Romeo 155 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 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 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 99k 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 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 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 155(1997)	88%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£150

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 1997 Alfa Romeo 155

Is the 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1997 Alfa Romeo 155s ended in a pass, from 48 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Alfa Romeo 155?

88% of 48 MOT tests on the 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 44th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 15%).

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Alfa Romeo 155?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 is 98,660 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.