2000 Alfa Romeo Spider: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2000 Alfa Romeo Spiders, from 152 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 152 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2000 Alfa Romeo Spiders than on all cars registered in 2000.
- Brake discs2.1× usualAlfa Romeo Spider23% All 2000 cars11.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.7% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt 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.
- Coil springs2.3× usualAlfa Romeo Spider19.7% All 2000 cars8.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 1.4% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
By area
The share of 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes49% 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.
- Suspension43% 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.
- Tyres25% 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 leaks24% 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.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions19% 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.
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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 126 | Tyres 21% |
| 2008 | 541 | Tyres 28% |
| 2007 | 465 | Suspension 30% |
| 2002 | 108 | Brakes 31% |
| 2001 | 225 | Suspension 32% |
| 1999 | 227 | Suspension 37% |
| 1998 | 176 | Brakes 41% |
| 1997 | 164 | Brakes 38% |
| 1991 | 111 | Lights and electrics 29% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2000 Alfa Romeo Spiders registered in 2000. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score