Alfa Romeo 159 (2009)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,517 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1742cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1742cc17 years old1,517 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1742cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.

72% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 159s from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 1,517 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 122,974 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 models396th of 555(bottom half)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models118th of 158(bottom half)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2009 models average-2%(74% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average-8%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

122,974

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 had 122,974 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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%. The 2009 scores 72%. 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

Ford Focus

2011 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

75%

+3%

Vauxhall Corsa

2011 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

75%

+3%

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

same

Nissan Qashqai

2011 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,711/year

69%

-3%

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About the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159

The 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is a premium car. Our records list a 1742cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,517 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 122,974 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 159 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 Alfa Romeo 159 Fuel Costs

The 1742cc 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 2009 Alfa Romeo 159?

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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2009 Alfa Romeo 159

At 17 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

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 17 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

Watch out

With an average of 123k 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.

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 2009 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(2009)	72%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Focus(2011)	75%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Vauxhall Corsa(2011)	75%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Nissan Qashqai(2011)	69%	£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 2009 Alfa Romeo 159

Is the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2009 Alfa Romeo 159s ended in a pass, from 1,517 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 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 2009 Alfa Romeo 159?

72% of 1,517 MOT tests on the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 396th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (bottom half).

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 2009 Alfa Romeo 159?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is 122,974 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.