ALFA ROMEO 156 (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 390 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
390
Avg Mileage
103,205 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2004 ALFA ROMEO 156 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 20 years old, 74% of ALFA ROMEO 156s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 390 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,205 miles.
How does the 2004 ALFA ROMEO 156 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 ALFA ROMEO 156 has 103,205 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 2004 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2004 ALFA ROMEO 156 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 2004 ALFA ROMEO 156
The 2004 ALFA ROMEO 156 is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 390 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 103,205 miles at 20 years old, ALFA ROMEO 156 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 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 2004 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 74% 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 2004 ALFA ROMEO 156
At 20 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 2004 ALFA ROMEO 156
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (-1%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-3%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+6%) from 40,353 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2006) 68% pass rate (-6%) from 31,061 tests