What are the most common problems with a 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider?

The biggest MOT weak spot is brake discs: flagged on 19.9% of tests, 2.1× the rate for all 1997 cars, followed by exhaust system (18%).

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider?

Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider as on other cars the same age.) Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

1997 Alfa Romeo Spider: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Alfa Romeo Spider first registered in 1997: we looked at the 528 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

528MOTs of 1997 cars, done in 2023–2025

66%pass first time (all 1997 cars: 65%)

3,400typical miles a year

2.1×the usual rate for brake discs

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider than on all cars registered in 1997.

Brake discs2.1× usual

Alfa Romeo Spider
19.9% All 1997 cars
9.3%

Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.
Exhaust system2× usual

Alfa Romeo Spider
18% All 1997 cars
9%

Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.6% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
Braking performance2.1× usual

Alfa Romeo Spider
14.4% All 1997 cars
6.9%

Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 3.6% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Suspension arm2.6× usual

Alfa Romeo Spider
7% All 1997 cars
2.7%

Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 7% here, against 14.6% of all 1997 cars.

Common 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Brakes

40% of testsRough price £150–£350

At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
Suspension

33% of testsRough price £120–£400

At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Exhaust and emissions

23% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Lights and electrics

23% of testsRough price £10–£80

At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Tyres

16% of testsRough price £70–£150

At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
Oil and fluid leaks

16% of testsRough price £80–£600

At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider as on other cars the same age.)
Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at an Alfa Romeo Spider?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Alfa Romeo Spider compared

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2018	–	Too few tests
2017	–	Too few tests
2016	–	Too few tests
2015	–	Too few tests
2011	–	Too few tests
2010	290	Tyres 21%
2009	374	Tyres 23%
2008	1,633	Tyres 27%
2007	1,494	Suspension 30%
2006	–	Too few tests
2005	170	Suspension 29%
2004	172	Suspension 28%
2003	268	Brakes 40%
2002	332	Brakes 31%
2001	737	Suspension 34%
2000	487	Brakes 43%
1999	716	Suspension 38%
1998	552	Brakes 40%
1996	308	Brakes 46%
1992	181	Lights and electrics 32%
1991	335	Lights and electrics 29%
1990	253	Lights and electrics 27%
1978	–	Too few tests
1977	–	Too few tests
1976	–	Too few tests
1975	–	Too few tests
1974	–	Too few tests
1973	–	Too few tests
1972	–	Too few tests
1971	–	Too few tests
1970	–	Too few tests
1969	–	Too few tests
1968	–	Too few tests
1967	–	Too few tests
1966	–	Too few tests
1965	–	Too few tests
1964	–	Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Alfa Romeo Spider cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score