ALFA ROMEO 156 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 165 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
165
Avg Mileage
89,588 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 25 years old, 76% of ALFA ROMEO 156s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 165 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 89,588 miles.
How does the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156 has 89,588 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 156?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1999 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156 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 156 by Year
Checking a specific ALFA ROMEO 156?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156
The 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156 is a premium with a 2492cc petrol engine. 165 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 89,588 miles at 25 years old, ALFA ROMEO 156 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.
1999 ALFA ROMEO 156 Fuel Costs
The 2492cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
ALFA ROMEO 156 Reliability Trend
The ALFA ROMEO 156 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156
At 25 years old, the ALFA ROMEO 156 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.
Alternatives to the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 156
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (+1%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+2%) from 7,815 tests
- MERCEDES SLK (1999) 79% pass rate (+3%) from 4,295 tests
- PEUGEOT BOXER (1998) 71% pass rate (-5%) from 3,992 tests