ALFA ROMEO 155 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 48 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
48
Avg Mileage
98,660 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1997 ALFA ROMEO 155 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 88% of ALFA ROMEO 155s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 48 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,660 miles.
How does the 1997 ALFA ROMEO 155 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 ALFA ROMEO 155 has 98,660 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a ALFA ROMEO 155?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1997 sits between the two at 88%.
How much does a 1997 ALFA ROMEO 155 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
ALFA ROMEO 155 by Year
Checking a specific ALFA ROMEO 155?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 ALFA ROMEO 155
The 1997 ALFA ROMEO 155 is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 48 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 98,660 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 ALFA ROMEO 155?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 27 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 100%. Note: with only 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 ALFA ROMEO 155
The ALFA ROMEO 155 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-15%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-17%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (-9%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (-13%) from 5,268 tests