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Alfa Romeo 156

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 10 model years from 2,379 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

73%

Total Tests

2,379

Highest Pass Rate

2003 (77%)

Years Covered

10

About the Alfa Romeo 156

The Alfa Romeo 156 was MOT tested 2,379 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 10 model years (1998 to 2007), with an average pass rate of 73%. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 77% from 501 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 11 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Alfa Romeo 156 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1998) averages 97,618 miles, while the newest (2007) averages 108,789 miles.

Compared to the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%, the 156 is 7 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Alfa Romeo models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1970cc)
£1,631
Road Tax
£325
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700
Total per year£2,711
Per month£226/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2007 details

How reliable is the Alfa Romeo 156?

vs average of all models-9% (82% avg)
vs Alfa Romeo brand average-7% (80% avg)
Best to worst year spread11 percentage points
Reliability trendStable over years

Alfa Romeo 156 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200762%52108,789 mi
200674%3985,414 mi
200575%279110,047 mi
200474%390103,205 mi
200377%50196,918 mi
200274%348101,741 mi
200177%255101,012 mi
200066%19397,204 mi
199976%16589,588 mi
199871%15797,618 mi

Questions about the Alfa Romeo 156

Is the Alfa Romeo 156 reliable?

Across its 10 model years in our data (1998 to 2007), the Alfa Romeo 156 averages a 73% MOT pass rate, from 2,379 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2003 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 77%.

Which year Alfa Romeo 156 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%, a 11 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Are newer Alfa Romeo 156s more reliable?

The Alfa Romeo 156 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Alfa Romeo 156 Guides & Articles

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