ALFA ROMEO SPIDER (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 515 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
515
Avg Mileage
89,378 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 71% of ALFA ROMEO SPIDERs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 515 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 89,378 miles.
How does the 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER has 89,378 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a ALFA ROMEO SPIDER?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific ALFA ROMEO SPIDER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
The 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER is a premium with a 2000cc petrol engine. 515 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 89,378 miles at 27 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.
1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER Fuel Costs
The 2000cc 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 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% 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 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
At 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-4%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (same) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+7%) from 7,815 tests