ALFA ROMEO 166 (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 61 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2959cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £2577/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2959cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 22 years old, 79% of ALFA ROMEO 166s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 61 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,938 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
107,938
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 ALFA ROMEO 166 has 107,938 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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ALFA ROMEO 166 by Year
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About the 2004 ALFA ROMEO 166
The 2004 ALFA ROMEO 166 is a premium performance with a 2959cc petrol engine. 61 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 107,938 miles at 22 years old, ALFA ROMEO 166 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 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 2004 ALFA ROMEO 166?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2004 ALFA ROMEO 166
At 22 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. Note: with only 61 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 ALFA ROMEO 166's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 22 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 108k 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.
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 2004 ALFA ROMEO 166 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALFA ROMEO 166(2004) | 79% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2577 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2006) | 70% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES E(2004) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£180 |
| NISSAN X-TRAIL(2006) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£20 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£330 |
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.
Related Alfa romeo Models
Explore other Alfa romeo cars or similar models in the same category.
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