CarCostCheck

Alfa Romeo Spider (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 201 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2959cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2959cc24 years old201 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2959cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,808
Per month£234/mo
Per week£54/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

83% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

83% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo Spiders from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 201 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 86,604 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models65th of 391(top 17%)
Rank among Alfa Romeo models60th of 158(top half)
vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)
vs 2002 models average+10%(73% avg)
vs Alfa Romeo average+3%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,604

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider had 86,604 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 2002 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Alfa Romeo Spider by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201198%4456,956 mi
201086%20166,384 mi
200983%23066,700 mi
200882%1,03669,381 mi
200779%1,01276,866 mi
200579%11359,726 mi
200487%10274,816 mi
200373%18683,492 mi
200283%20186,604 mi
200180%52282,494 mi
200073%28587,083 mi
199974%67287,986 mi
199873%53285,540 mi
199771%51589,378 mi
199674%32277,780 mi
199559%3771,483 mi
199384%5157,573 mi
199278%16078,273 mi
199181%29874,647 mi
199083%22164,287 mi

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About the 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider

The 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2959cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 201 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 86,604 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo Spider owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Alfa Romeo Spider Fuel Costs

The 2959cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider

At 24 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 24 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 87k 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 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Alfa Romeo Spider(2002)83%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808
BMW 3 Series(2001)77%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,958+£150
Mercedes E(2004)78%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303+£495
BMW Z4(2003)79%£1,958£445Grp 25-38£2,958+£150
Porsche Boxster(2003)82%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153+£345

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 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider

Is the 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 2002 Alfa Romeo Spiders ended in a pass, from 201 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider?

83% of 201 MOT tests on the 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 65th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 17%).

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 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider is 86,604 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Related Alfa Romeo Models

Explore other Alfa Romeo cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Alfa Romeo Spider.

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