ALFA ROMEO SPIDER (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 102 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1970cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2047/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1970cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the ALFA ROMEO brand average of 80%.
At 22 years old, 87% of ALFA ROMEO SPIDERs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 102 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,816 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,816
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER has 74,816 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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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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 2004 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
The 2004 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER is a premium with a 1970cc petrol engine. 102 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 13% of all 2004 cars for reliability.
With an average of 74,816 miles at 22 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.
2004 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 2004 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% 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 2004 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
At 22 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 22 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 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.
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 2004 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(2004) | 87% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2006) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£170 |
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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