1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Alfa Romeo Spider MOT pass rate and common faults

175 MOT tests in 2024. 65.7% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time65.7%
Failed or needed repairs34.3%
Typical mileage at test84,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 175 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements8.0%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements8.0%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.0%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.9%
  5. Service brake performance: effort inadequate at a wheel2.9%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.3%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low2.3%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes32.6%
  2. Suspension16.0%
  3. Lights & electrics15.4%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.3%
  5. Body & chassis9.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags6.9%
  8. Tyres4.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened19.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.4%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened14.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider?

In 2024, 65.7% of 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider cars passed their MOT first time, across 175 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider?

The most common failure reasons were service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).