1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Alfa Romeo Spider MOT pass rate and common faults

167 MOT tests in 2024. 64.1% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time64.1%
Failed or needed repairs35.9%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 167 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements10.2%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements9.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.8%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.6%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.6%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.0%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid3.0%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.0%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes46.1%
  2. Emissions & leaks23.4%
  3. Lights & electrics18.0%
  4. Suspension12.0%
  5. Body & chassis9.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags6.0%
  8. Tyres3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened22.8%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases16.2%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.4%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened10.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: service brake performance: efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1996 SpiderAll Spider years1998 Spider →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider?

In 2024, 64.1% of 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider cars passed their MOT first time, across 167 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider?

The most common failure reasons were service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).