ALFA ROMEO 1472004 · 1.9L DIESEL

The 2004 Alfa Romeo 147 passed its most recent MOT on 17 April 2023 at 144,934 miles, but the underlying maintenance trend is worsening rather than stable. The April 2023 pass followed a failure just six days earlier at 144,892 miles, where the tester rejected the car for an outer sill modification likely to affect braking or steering, excessively worn offside front upper suspension arm bush, severely deteriorated nearside front CV boot, thin rear brake pads, and a parking brake efficiency below requirement. That failure pattern, combined with earlier suspension and subframe corrosion flags, shows deferred structural and mechanical upkeep across the record. Recorded mileage sits at 144,934 against a 22-year lifespan, an average of roughly 6,588 miles per year, which is typical for the age. The data shows only 2,613 miles accrued between the January 2021 test at 140,321 miles and the February 2022 failure at 142,287 miles, then a modest 2,605 miles to the April 2023 tests. No rapid accumulation or long-standing gaps appear, though the sparse six-test history limits insight into pre-2021 condition. Low annual use has not prevented wear items from degrading. Recurring front suspension faults demand in-person inspection. The nearside front lower arm ball joint showed slight play in January 2021, the same side's arm bush wore without excess movement at 142,287 miles in February 2022, and the offside front upper arm bush was excessively worn by April 2023. The buyer should check all four suspension arms, bushes, and ball joints for play or perishing, and confirm the nearside front CV boot flagged as severely deteriorated in both 2023 tests has been replaced. Structural and brake checks remain critical. The April 2023 failure cited a modified nearside front outer sill adverse to steering or braking, and the January 2021 test noted corroded front subframe mounting. Examine sills, subframe, and mounting points for corrosion or unapproved welding. Verify rear brake pads, parking brake efficiency, and the previously failed windscreen washer and position lamps are now compliant before purchase.