Alfa Romeo Spider (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 186 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,303

£275/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3170cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol3170cc23 years old186 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3170cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£3,303

Per month£275/mo

Per week£64/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.

73% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo Spiders from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 186 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,492 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models212th of 429(top half)

Rank among Alfa Romeo models114th of 158(bottom half)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Alfa Romeo average-7%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,492

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider had 83,492 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 scores 73%. 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

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

+4%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

+5%

Porsche Boxster

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+13%

Volvo XC90

2005 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,958/year

73%

same

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About the 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider

The 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3170cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 186 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 83,492 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo Spider owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

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 £1,958 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 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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 2003 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(2003)	73%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£345
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303same
Porsche Boxster(2005)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£150
Volvo XC90(2005)	73%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£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 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider

Is the 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2003 Alfa Romeo Spiders ended in a pass, from 186 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider?

73% of 186 MOT tests on the 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 212th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 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 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is 83,492 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.