ALFA ROMEO SPIDER (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,036 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2198cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2198cc
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%.
At 18 years old, 82% of ALFA ROMEO SPIDERs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,036 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,381 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,381
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER has 69,381 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2008 sits between the two at 82%.
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 2008 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
The 2008 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER is a premium with a 2198cc petrol engine. 1,036 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 69,381 miles at 18 years old, ALFA ROMEO SPIDER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER Fuel Costs
The 2198cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2008 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 2008 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
At 18 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 2008 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 18 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.
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 2008 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(2008) | 82% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2427 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£560 |
| AUDI A3(2010) | 77% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£410 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2010) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£210 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2007) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£410 |
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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