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ALFA ROMEO 166 (1999)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 43 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,047

£171/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1970cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1970cc27 years old43 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1970cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1970cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,047
Per month£171/mo
Per week£39/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.

At 27 years old, 84% of ALFA ROMEO 166s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 43 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,482 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 cars79th of 375(top 21%)
Rank among ALFA ROMEO models56th of 158(top 35%)
vs national average+2%(82% avg)
vs 1999 cars average+9%(75% avg)
vs ALFA ROMEO average+4%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

127,482

Average miles

vs

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166 has 127,482 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 79% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1999 sits between the two at 84%.

ALFA ROMEO 166 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200573%73100,480 mi
200479%61107,938 mi
200363%3592,585 mi
200266%4790,786 mi
200169%67104,185 mi
200062%45111,782 mi
199984%43127,482 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166

The 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166 is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 43 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1999 cars for reliability.

With an average of 127,482 miles at 27 years old, ALFA ROMEO 166 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 ALFA ROMEO 166 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 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

ALFA ROMEO 166 Reliability Trend

Newer ALFA ROMEO 166s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166

At 27 years old, the ALFA ROMEO 166 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 79%. Note: with only 43 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 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 127k 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 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
ALFA ROMEO 166(1999)84%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2047
FORD FOCUS(2001)68%£1137£135Grp 12-25£2027-£20
MAZDA MX-5(1999)73%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£220
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)71%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£30
HONDA CIVIC(2001)70%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£220

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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Explore other Alfa romeo cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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