ALFA ROMEO 166 (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 73 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1970cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1970cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 21 years old, 73% of ALFA ROMEO 166s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 73 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,480 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
100,480
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 ALFA ROMEO 166 has 100,480 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.
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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 2005 sits between the two at 73%.
ALFA ROMEO 166 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 ALFA ROMEO 166
The 2005 ALFA ROMEO 166 is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 73 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 100,480 miles at 21 years old, ALFA ROMEO 166 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 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 2005 ALFA ROMEO 166?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% 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 2005 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 73 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 ALFA ROMEO 166's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 21 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 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 100k 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 2005 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(2005) | 73% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| FORD FOCUS(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£330 |
| MINI MINI(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2007) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£20 |
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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