ALFA ROMEO 166 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 43 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Total Tests (2024)
43
Avg Mileage
127,482 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166 reliable?
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 25 years old, 84% of ALFA ROMEO 166s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 43 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,482 miles.
How does the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166 has 127,482 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a ALFA ROMEO 166?
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%.
How much does a 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
ALFA ROMEO 166 by Year
Checking a specific ALFA ROMEO 166?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 25 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 £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 25 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.
Alternatives to the 1999 ALFA ROMEO 166
The ALFA ROMEO 166 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (-16%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-11%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-13%) from 8,442 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2001) 70% pass rate (-14%) from 8,335 tests