ALFA ROMEO SPIDER (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 186 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3170cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3170cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
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 23 years old, 73% of ALFA ROMEO SPIDERs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 186 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,492 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,492
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER has 83,492 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2003 sits between the two at 73%.
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 2003 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
The 2003 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER is a premium performance with a 3170cc petrol engine. 186 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 83,492 miles at 23 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.
2003 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER Fuel Costs
The 3170cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 2003 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
At 23 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 2003 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 23 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 riskLarger 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 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 83k 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 riskHigh-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 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 2003 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(2003) | 73% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£510 |
| MERCEDES E(2004) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| VOLVO XC90(2005) | 73% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£510 |
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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