ALFA ROMEO SPIDER (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 298 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1962cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1962cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 35 years old, 81% of ALFA ROMEO SPIDERs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 298 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,647 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,647
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER has 74,647 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1991 sits between the two at 81%.
ALFA ROMEO SPIDER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 98% | 44 | 56,956 mi | |
| 2010 | 86% | 201 | 66,384 mi | |
| 2009 | 83% | 230 | 66,700 mi | |
| 2008 | 82% | 1,036 | 69,381 mi | |
| 2007 | 79% | 1,012 | 76,866 mi | |
| 2005 | 79% | 113 | 59,726 mi | |
| 2004 | 87% | 102 | 74,816 mi | |
| 2003 | 73% | 186 | 83,492 mi | |
| 2002 | 83% | 201 | 86,604 mi | |
| 2001 | 80% | 522 | 82,494 mi | |
| 2000 | 73% | 285 | 87,083 mi | |
| 1999 | 74% | 672 | 87,986 mi | |
| 1998 | 73% | 532 | 85,540 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 515 | 89,378 mi | |
| 1996 | 74% | 322 | 77,780 mi | |
| 1995 | 59% | 37 | 71,483 mi | |
| 1993 | 84% | 51 | 57,573 mi | |
| 1992 | 78% | 160 | 78,273 mi | |
| 1991 | 81% | 298 | 74,647 mi | |
| 1990 | 83% | 221 | 64,287 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
The 1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER is a premium with a 1962cc petrol engine. 298 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 74,647 miles at 35 years old, ALFA ROMEO SPIDER 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.
1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER Fuel Costs
The 1962cc 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 1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
ALFA ROMEO SPIDER Reliability Trend
Newer ALFA ROMEO SPIDERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
At 35 years old, the ALFA ROMEO SPIDER 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 87%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 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.
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 1991 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALFA ROMEO SPIDER(1991) | 81% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1990) | 84% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1991) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
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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