CarCostCheck

Alfa Romeo SZ (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 48 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2959cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2959cc35 years old48 tests38k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2959cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,738
Per month£228/mo
Per week£53/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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Alfa Romeo brand average of 80%.

85% of MOT tests on Alfa Romeo SZs from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 48 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 37,870 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models60th of 172(top half)
Rank among Alfa Romeo models52nd of 158(top half)
vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)
vs 1991 models average+6%(79% avg)
vs Alfa Romeo average+5%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

37,870

Average miles

vs

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ had 37,870 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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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About the 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ

The 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2959cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 48 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 37,870 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Alfa Romeo SZ 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.

1991 Alfa Romeo SZ Fuel Costs

The 2959cc 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 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ

At 35 years old, the Alfa Romeo SZ 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. Note: with only 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 35 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.

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 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Alfa Romeo SZ(1991)85%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,738
Mercedes 300(1992)83%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,738same
Porsche 911(1991)91%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,588-£150
Porsche 944(1990)85%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,738same
Porsche 968(1993)85%£1,958£375Grp 30-42£2,738same

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 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ

Is the 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 1991 Alfa Romeo SZs ended in a pass, from 48 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ?

85% of 48 MOT tests on the 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 60th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is 37,870 miles, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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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Explore other Alfa Romeo cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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