ALFA ROMEO 156 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 501 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
501
Avg Mileage
96,918 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2003 ALFA ROMEO 156 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 21 years old, 77% of ALFA ROMEO 156s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 501 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 96,918 miles.
How does the 2003 ALFA ROMEO 156 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 ALFA ROMEO 156 has 96,918 miles on the clock, 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.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 ALFA ROMEO 156
The 2003 ALFA ROMEO 156 is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 501 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 96,918 miles at 21 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 ALFA ROMEO 156?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 2003 ALFA ROMEO 156
At 21 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.
Alternatives to the 2003 ALFA ROMEO 156
The ALFA ROMEO 156 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-6%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-6%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (-1%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-10%) from 18,423 tests