Used car guide

2004 Alfa Romeo Spider: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Alfa Romeo Spider first registered in 2004: we looked at the 172 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 172 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

172MOTs of 2004 cars, done in 2023–2025
79%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 57%)
3,500typical miles a year
28%had suspension flagged

Common 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    28% 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.

  • Brakes
    23% 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.

  • Tyres
    19% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    12% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    10% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider

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

  1. 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018–Too few tests
2017–Too few tests
2016–Too few tests
2015–Too few tests
2011–Too few tests
2010290Tyres 21%
2009374Tyres 23%
20081,633Tyres 27%
20071,494Suspension 30%
2006–Too few tests
2005170Suspension 29%
2003268Brakes 40%
2002332Brakes 31%
2001737Suspension 34%
2000487Brakes 43%
1999716Suspension 38%
1998552Brakes 40%
1997528Brakes 40%
1996308Brakes 46%
1992181Lights and electrics 32%
1991335Lights and electrics 29%
1990253Lights 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 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score