2008 Alfa Romeo 159 2.4L Diesel · RJ58 AAZ

The vehicle remains roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift from basic consumable neglect to emerging mechanical wear. The most recent test in November 2025 at 79,829 miles identified a minor exhaust gas leak, which follows a perfectly clean result in November 2024. While the car has passed its inspections consistently, the appearance of the exhaust issue suggests that the vehicle is beginning to show signs of age-related degradation despite the relatively low annual mileage. The mileage profile is notably low for an 18-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,435 miles per year. The data shows consistent, low-intensity usage, moving from 28,627 miles in October 2013 to 79,829 miles by late 2025. This low-frequency use generally reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, but the long intervals between tests and short-distance driving often trigger premature failure of rubber-based components, seals, and brake hardware, which aligns with the recurringrelated issues seen in the history. A buyer must scrutinise the front braking system, as records show a persistent pattern of pitted and scored discs along with thinning pads between 2022 and 2023. The tester also flagged a fluctuating nearside front brake in 2022, indicating a likely sticking caliper or warped rotor that requires attention. Furthermore, the history of tyres worn on inner edges in 2014 and consistently worn edges between 2019 and 2020 suggests potential alignment issues or worn suspension bushings. The physical inspection should focus heavily on the exhaust system identified in the 2025 test to determine if the leak is a simple gasket or deeper manifold corrosion. Given the vehicle's age and low mileage, check for dry-rot in rubber hoses and corrosion on the subframe, as these are often missed during standard MOT inspections but compromise structural integrity on older Alfa Romeo models. The recurring history of failed bulbs and headlamp aim indicates that previous owners only addressed faults rather than performing proactive maintenance.