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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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
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. 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?
Mileage Analysis
37,870
Average miles
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 outAt 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 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 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ 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 SZ(1991) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738 |
| Mercedes 300(1992) | 83% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738same |
| Porsche 911(1991) | 91% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588-£150 |
| Porsche 944(1990) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738same |
| Porsche 968(1993) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 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.
Related Alfa Romeo Models
Explore other Alfa Romeo cars or similar models in the same category.
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Alfa Romeo Mito
2009 · 1368cc Petrol
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2017 · 2891cc Petrol
Mercedes 300
1992 · 2996cc Petrol
Porsche 911
1991 · 3164cc Petrol
Porsche 944
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