Alfa Romeo 159 (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 418 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1910cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Diesel1910cc20 years old418 tests121k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1910cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.

67% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 159s from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 418 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 120,657 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models494th of 554(bottom 12%)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models144th of 158(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average-6%(73% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average-13%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

120,657

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 had 120,657 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 67%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Alfa Romeo 159 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	76%	149	100,949 mi
2011	74%	998	123,403 mi
2010	71%	1,406	121,658 mi
2009	72%	1,517	122,974 mi
2008	71%	1,527	125,069 mi
2007	69%	1,364	118,491 mi
2006	67%	418	120,657 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2007 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

+6%

Vauxhall Astra

2007 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

71%

+4%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

+5%

Audi A4

2008 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+11%

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About the 2006 Alfa Romeo 159

The 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is a premium car. Our records list a 1910cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 418 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 12% of 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 120,657 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 159 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 Alfa Romeo 159 Fuel Costs

The 1910cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2006 Alfa Romeo 159?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Alfa Romeo 159 Reliability Trend

Newer Alfa Romeo 159s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 Alfa Romeo 159

At 20 years old, the Alfa Romeo 159 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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

Watch out

With an average of 121k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 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 159(2006)	67%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,427
Volkswagen Golf(2007)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200
Vauxhall Astra(2007)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£214
Audi A4(2008)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£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 2006 Alfa Romeo 159

Is the 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 2006 Alfa Romeo 159s ended in a pass, from 418 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,427 a year (£202 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 2006 Alfa Romeo 159?

67% of 418 MOT tests on the 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 494th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom 12%).

Which year Alfa Romeo 159 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 2006 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 Alfa Romeo 159?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is 120,657 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.