Alfa Romeo 156 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 501 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1970cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol1970cc23 years old501 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1970cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

77% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 156s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 501 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 96,918 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models135th of 429(top half)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models84th of 158(bottom half)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+5%(72% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average-3%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

96,918

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 had 96,918 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Alfa Romeo 156 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2007	62%	52	108,789 mi
2006	74%	39	85,414 mi
2005	75%	279	110,047 mi
2004	74%	390	103,205 mi
2003	77%	501	96,918 mi
2002	74%	348	101,741 mi
2001	77%	255	101,012 mi
2000	66%	193	97,204 mi
1999	76%	165	89,588 mi
1998	71%	157	97,618 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-6%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-6%

Toyota Corolla

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

76%

-1%

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-10%

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About the 2003 Alfa Romeo 156

The 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is a premium car. Our records list a 1970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 501 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 96,918 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 156 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Alfa Romeo 156 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 2003 Alfa Romeo 156?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 Alfa Romeo 156

At 23 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.

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 23 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 97k 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 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 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 156(2003)	77%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Toyota Corolla(2005)	76%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£200

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 2003 Alfa Romeo 156

Is the 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156s ended in a pass, from 501 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Alfa Romeo 156?

77% of 501 MOT tests on the 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 135th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

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% and the 2000 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Alfa Romeo 156?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is 96,918 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.