Alfa Romeo GTV (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 225 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1970cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol1970cc29 years old225 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1970cc)

~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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

77% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo GTVs from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 225 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,988 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models123rd of 306(top half)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models86th of 158(bottom half)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+2%(75% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average-3%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,988

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV had 92,988 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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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Alfa Romeo GTV by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2005	68%	44	83,042 mi
2004	72%	110	81,079 mi
2003	70%	138	91,352 mi
2002	76%	246	91,612 mi
2001	72%	313	93,021 mi
2000	69%	358	96,725 mi
1999	69%	759	98,311 mi
1998	72%	461	100,730 mi
1997	77%	225	92,988 mi
1996	77%	83	101,947 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-4%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-6%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+2%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-2%

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About the 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV

The 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV is a premium car. Our records list a 1970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 225 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 92,988 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo GTV 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.

1997 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 £1,631 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 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV?

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 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Alfa Romeo GTV Reliability Trend

The Alfa Romeo GTV has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV

At 29 years old, the Alfa Romeo GTV 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.

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 29 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 93k 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 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 GTV(1997)	77%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

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 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV

Is the 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 1997 Alfa Romeo GTVs ended in a pass, from 225 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV?

77% of 225 MOT tests on the 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 123rd of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).

Which year Alfa Romeo GTV has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 2000 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV is 92,988 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.