Alfa Romeo 33 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1712cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1712cc36 years old32 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1712cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.

75% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo 33s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 32 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,020 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models137th of 182(bottom half)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models98th of 158(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-4%(79% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average-5%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,020

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 had 87,020 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+5%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+9%

Rover Mini

1991 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

+5%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+10%

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About the 1990 Alfa Romeo 33

The 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is a premium car. Our records list a 1712cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 32 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 87,020 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo 33 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 Alfa Romeo 33 Fuel Costs

The 1712cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 Alfa Romeo 33?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1990 Alfa Romeo 33

At 36 years old, the Alfa Romeo 33 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 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 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

Medium risk

With an average of 87k 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.

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 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Alfa Romeo 33(1990)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Rover Mini(1991)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033-£528
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£383

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1990 Alfa Romeo 33

Is the 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1990 Alfa Romeo 33s ended in a pass, from 32 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Alfa Romeo 33?

75% of 32 MOT tests on the 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 137th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Alfa Romeo 33?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is 87,020 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.