Alfa Romeo Spider (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,036 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,808
£234/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2198cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
82% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo Spiders from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 1,036 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 69,381 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,381
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider had 69,381 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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 2008 scores 82%. 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
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About the 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider
The 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is a premium car. Our records list a 2198cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,036 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 69,381 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 2008 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 82% 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 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
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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Romeo Spider(2008) | 82% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£447 |
| Audi A3(2010) | 77% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£297 |
| Renault Clio(2010) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£97 |
| Toyota Yaris(2007) | 75% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£297 |
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 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider
Is the 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2008 Alfa Romeo Spiders ended in a pass, from 1,036 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 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 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider?
82% of 1,036 MOT tests on the 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 161st of 566 models first registered in 2008 (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 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is 69,381 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Alfa Romeo Models
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