1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Alfa Romeo Spider MOT pass rate and common faults

226 MOT tests in 2024. 65.5% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time65.5%
Failed or needed repairs34.5%
Typical mileage at test88,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 226 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements12.8%
  2. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements9.3%
  3. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.5%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.1%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.1%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.7%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.2%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.2%
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes33.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks18.1%
  3. Lights & electrics10.6%
  4. Body & chassis9.7%
  5. Suspension9.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.9%
  8. Tyres3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.8%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened17.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): 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 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider?

In 2024, 65.5% of 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider cars passed their MOT first time, across 226 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1999 Alfa Romeo Spider reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).