ALFA ROMEO 156 (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 255 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2492cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2492cc
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 25 years old, 77% of ALFA ROMEO 156s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 255 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,012 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
101,012
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 ALFA ROMEO 156 has 101,012 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2001 sits between the two at 77%.
ALFA ROMEO 156 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 ALFA ROMEO 156
The 2001 ALFA ROMEO 156 is a premium with a 2492cc petrol engine. 255 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 101,012 miles at 25 years old, ALFA ROMEO 156 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 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 2001 ALFA ROMEO 156?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2001 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 ALFA ROMEO 156's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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
Watch outWith an average of 101k 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 2001 ALFA ROMEO 156 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALFA ROMEO 156(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2003) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2003) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| BMW Z4(2003) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
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.
Related Alfa romeo Models
Explore other Alfa romeo cars or similar models in the same category.
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