Alfa Romeo 156 (2007)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 52 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,711
£226/month
MOT Pass Rate
62%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1970cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
62% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 20 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 20 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.
62% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 156s from 2007 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 17 years old. That's based on 52 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,789 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
108,789
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 had 108,789 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2007 scores 62%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Alfa Romeo 156 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2007 Alfa Romeo 156
The 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is a premium car. Our records list a 1970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 52 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 3% of 2007 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 108,789 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 156 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2007 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 2007 Alfa Romeo 156?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 62% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2007 Alfa Romeo 156
At 19 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%. Note: with only 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 outAt 19 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 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 109k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 62% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2007 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(2007) | 62% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711 |
| Ford Focus(2009) | 74% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£483 |
| MINI(2009) | 75% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£483 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£350 |
| Audi A3(2009) | 77% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£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 2007 Alfa Romeo 156
Is the 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 62% of MOT tests on 2007 Alfa Romeo 156s ended in a pass, from 52 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 20 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2007 Alfa Romeo 156?
62% of 52 MOT tests on the 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 562nd of 574 models first registered in 2007 (bottom 3%).
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 2007 Alfa Romeo 156?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is 108,789 miles, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Alfa Romeo Models
Explore other Alfa Romeo cars or similar models in the same category.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
2011 · 1956cc Diesel
Alfa Romeo Mito
2009 · 1368cc Petrol
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2017 · 2891cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2009 · 1596cc Petrol
MINI
2009 · 1598cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
2007 · 1796cc Petrol
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