Alfa Romeo 164 (1994)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,738
£228/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2959cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
80% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 164s from 1994 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 30 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 135,264 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
135,264
Average miles
222,000
Expected for age
The average 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 had 135,264 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Alfa Romeo 164 by Year
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About the 1994 Alfa Romeo 164
The 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2959cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 135,264 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 164 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1994 Alfa Romeo 164 Fuel Costs
The 2959cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 1994 Alfa Romeo 164?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1994 Alfa Romeo 164
At 32 years old, the Alfa Romeo 164 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. Note: with only 44 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 32 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 135k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn 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 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 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 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 164(1994) | 80% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738 |
| BMW 3 Series(1995) | 80% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738same |
| Mercedes SL(1996) | 88% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738same |
| Mercedes 300(1992) | 83% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738same |
| Volkswagen Caravelle(1996) | 64% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 25-38 | £3,088+£350 |
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 1994 Alfa Romeo 164
Is the 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 1994 Alfa Romeo 164s ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Alfa Romeo 164?
80% of 44 MOT tests on the 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 75th of 204 models first registered in 1994 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 1994 Alfa Romeo 164?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 is 135,264 miles, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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
BMW 3 Series
1995 · 2793cc Petrol
Mercedes SL
1996 · 2779cc Petrol
Mercedes 300
1992 · 2996cc Petrol
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