2007 Alfa Romeo 147 1.9L Diesel · EN07 ACU

The Alfa Romeo 147’s MOT history presents a concerning pattern of recent failures with no recorded defects, suggesting a deliberate avoidance of testing rather than genuine roadworthiness. The March 2026 test at 80,881 miles failed without any advisories or defects, mirroring the identical outcome in March 2024 at 65,782 miles—a gap of just three days between tests, implying the vehicle was driven straight from one failed inspection to another. The lack of any advisories or faults across five tests, including two failures, is highly unusual and raises immediate questions about the accuracy of the records or the vehicle’s actual condition. Given the absence of documented issues, a buyer cannot rely on the MOT history alone to assess mechanical integrity, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential. The car’s mileage accumulation is unusually low for its age, averaging just 4,257 miles per year over 19 years, which often indicates either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The most recent 8,237 miles were covered in under a year (March 2025 to March 2026), suggesting a sudden increase in activity, though the previous 7,362 miles took over 18 months (September 2022 to April 2024). This inconsistency could point to sporadic maintenance or storage periods where components like suspension bushes, brake fluid, or rubber seals may have degraded prematurely. The absence of mileage increments between the March 2024 tests—both at 65,782 miles—further implies the vehicle may have been stationary for extended periods, potentially exacerbating issues like seized bearings or corroded electrical connections. Given the clean but suspicious MOT records, a buyer should prioritise inspecting components typically prone to neglect in low-mileage, intermittently used vehicles. Pay close attention to the suspension—check for degraded bushes, worn coil springs, or uneven tyre wear, which could indicate misalignment or binding steering. The braking system demands scrutiny, particularly for binding calipers, uneven disc thickness, or fluid leaks, as these are often overlooked in vehicles that aren’t driven regularly. Structural integrity is another critical area; examine the sills, wheel arches, and underbody for corrosion, especially in a 19-year-old Alfa Romeo where rust can compromise safety. Finally, verify all fluid levels, including brake, coolant, and power steering, as stagnant fluids can lead to system failures. Without documented faults, these checks will reveal whether the car has been genuinely well-maintained or simply passed tests through oversight.