Alfa Romeo Spider (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 672 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1970cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1970cc27 years old672 tests88k 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

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.

74% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo Spiders from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 672 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,986 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models185th of 361(bottom half)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models103rd of 158(bottom half)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-1%(75% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average-6%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,986

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider had 87,986 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1999 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-6%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-1%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-3%

Honda Civic

2001 · 1590cc Petrol

£2,228/year

70%

-4%

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About the 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider

The 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider is a premium car. Our records list a 1970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 672 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 87,986 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

1999 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 £1,631 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 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider?

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 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Alfa Romeo Spider Reliability Trend

Newer Alfa Romeo Spiders pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1999 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

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 27 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 88k 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 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 Spider(1999)	74%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£133
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
Honda Civic(2001)	70%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£333

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 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider

Is the 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1999 Alfa Romeo Spiders ended in a pass, from 672 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider?

74% of 672 MOT tests on the 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 185th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom half).

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

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 1997 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider is 87,986 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.