ALFA ROMEO 166 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 35 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Total Tests (2024)
35
Avg Mileage
92,585 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 21 years old, 63% of ALFA ROMEO 166s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 35 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,585 miles.
How does the 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166 has 92,585 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 sits between the two at 63%.
How much does a 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166
The 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166 is a premium performance with a 2959cc petrol engine. 35 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 95% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 92,585 miles at 21 years old, ALFA ROMEO 166 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 ALFA ROMEO 166 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166
At 21 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 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 ALFA ROMEO 166
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (+14%) from 9,406 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (+15%) from 8,333 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2005) 86% pass rate (+23%) from 6,992 tests
- VOLVO XC90 (2005) 73% pass rate (+10%) from 6,336 tests