Beautiful Italian drop-top with character to spare
The Alfa Romeo Spider spans multiple generations, from the iconic 1960s Duetto through to the Brera-based 939 of 2006-2010. On the used market, the 916 series (1995-2005) offers affordable open-top Italian style but many examples have been neglected due to years of low values. The later 939 Spider commands higher prices but is scarce. V6 models in both generations attract strong premiums. It appeals to buyers who prioritise style and character over outright driving precision.
We track 5 known issues across the Alfa Romeo Spider range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Alfa Romeo Spider? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Series 2 (1970–1982) — Engine options included the 2.0L Twin Cam, 2.0L Twin Cam.
Series 3 (1983–1993) — Engine options included the 2.0L Twin Cam, 2.0L Twin Cam.
916 (1995–2006) — Engine options included the 2.0L Twin Spark, 2.0L Twin Spark, 3.0L V6. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake caliper seizure and grabbing (£200–£400 to address).
939 (2006–2010) — Petrol options included the 2.2L JTS, 3.2L V6, with 2.4L JTD on the diesel side. Our database flags 3 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension component corrosion (£300–£800 to address).
The 916 Spider shows severe brake problems with calipers grabbing at 34.1 times the fleet average and general brake efficiency issues at 35.2 times average. The front brake calipers are prone to seizure, causing uneven braking, dangerous pulling under braking, and rapid pad wear. This is a safety-critical issue that can cause loss of vehicle control during emergency stops.
Seized brake calipers create immediate safety risks including vehicle pulling under braking, reduced stopping distance on the affected side, and potential brake fade from overheating. In severe cases, complete brake failure can occur. The vehicle should not be driven until repaired.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
MOT data shows suspension components failing due to corrosion or damage at 41.6 times the fleet average, affecting over 1,700 vehicles. This affects the 2.0L petrol, 2.2L petrol, and 2.4L diesel variants across all mileage ranges. The issue involves structural corrosion of suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and connecting components that can lead to complete suspension failure and loss of vehicle control.
Severely corroded suspension components can fail completely, causing immediate loss of vehicle control and potential accidents. Even minor structural corrosion compromises handling and safety. Depending on the extent of damage, repairs may range from component replacement to extensive welding work or vehicle write-off.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The front and rear coil springs are prone to fracturing, particularly on the 916 and 939 generations. MOT data shows this model fails spring inspections at 27.1 times the fleet average, with over 3,000 recorded failures. The springs can break suddenly, causing dangerous handling characteristics, uneven tyre wear, and potential damage to other suspension components. Failed springs typically snap near the coils rather than gradually sagging.
A completely failed spring renders the car unsafe to drive due to unpredictable handling and potential for the wheel to contact the bodywork. Even partially failed springs affect braking stability and tyre wear. Replacement requires both springs on an axle to maintain balance.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The 916 Spider shows a documented pattern of wheel bearing wear, failing MOT tests at 37.1 times the fleet average for bearing play. The front wheel bearings are particularly susceptible to premature wear, likely due to the vehicle's weight distribution and sporting driving characteristics. Failed bearings create dangerous handling characteristics and can ultimately lead to wheel detachment if not addressed.
A completely failed wheel bearing can cause wheel detachment while driving, creating an immediate safety risk. Even worn bearings affect handling precision, braking stability, and cause premature tyre wear. The bearing assembly typically needs complete replacement rather than repair.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The handbrake system shows the highest failure rate in the MOT data, failing at 42.3 times the fleet average. This affects both 2.0L and 2.2L petrol variants across all mileage ranges. The rear disc brake setup used for the handbrake is prone to seized mechanisms, corroded cables, and caliper problems that prevent adequate braking force. This is a legal requirement for MOT pass and affects vehicle security when parked.
Handbrake failure is an automatic MOT failure and makes the vehicle illegal to use on public roads. Poor handbrake performance also creates a security risk when parking on slopes and can lead to runaway vehicle incidents. Complete system adjustment or component replacement is typically required.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Alfa Romeo Spider common problems page.
Based on 20k real DVSA MOT tests, the Alfa Romeo Spider fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is brake hoses perished or damaged at 93x the fleet average, followed by parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (42x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Alfa Romeo Spider MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 9k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing belt and tensioner (£400–£600).
See the full Alfa Romeo Spider service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Alfa Romeo Spider has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2003-2005 (916 Phase 3 with 3.2 V6 JTS is the pick) or 2007-2010 (939 with 2.2 JTS or 3.2 V6)
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Alfa Romeo Spider, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Alfa Romeo Spider issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.