2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.1L Diesel · E21 PAY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a recent shift towards developing mechanical issues. While it passed its most recent test in September 2025 at 95,446 miles, this followed a failure just one month prior at 94,819 miles. That failure identified serious faults on both the offside front and offside rear shock absorbers due to fluid leaks. Although these were rectified to secure the pass, the presence of a non-excessive oil leak suggests an ongoing issue that requires close monitoring. The mileage pattern remains consistent with a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,600 miles per year. Between August 2022 and August 2024, the car maintained a clean record with no recorded defects, suggesting a period of stable operation. However, the vehicle covered 6,841 miles between the September 2024 and September 2025 tests, coinciding with the sudden appearance of the suspension failures and the oil leak. The jump from 88,605 miles to 95,446 miles shows steady annual usage, which naturally accelerates the wear of rubber components and damping systems. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the suspension system to ensure the replacement shock absorbers were fitted correctly and that no other dampers are weeping. Given the previous failure of the offside components, the nearside pair should also be inspected for signs of premature wear. The recurring oil leak noted in the two 2025 tests necessitates a thorough check of the engine bay and undertray to determine if the source is a minor gasket weep or a more significant seal failure. Focus on the integrity of the suspension bushes and bushings, as the high-mileage threshold puts significant stress on these Alfa Romeo components.