ALFA ROMEO SPIDER (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 532 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
532
Avg Mileage
85,540 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER reliable?
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 26 years old, 73% of ALFA ROMEO SPIDERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 532 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 85,540 miles.
How does the 1998 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER has 85,540 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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%. The 1998 sits between the two at 73%.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
The 1998 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 532 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 85,540 miles at 26 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.
1998 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER 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 1998 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 73% 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 1998 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
At 26 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%.
Alternatives to the 1998 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:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (same) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-2%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+6%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+2%) from 5,268 tests