1982 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 2.5L Petrol · XRU 569Y

A remarkably clean MOT history defines this 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfetta, with three consecutive passes between 2021 and 2025 and no advisories or defects recorded on any of those tests. The single failure in December 2021 is the only blemish on the record, and notably no specific defects were logged even on that occasion, which may suggest a category that was not recorded in the data rather than a major mechanical concern. Overall, the vehicle presents a stable and improving roadworthiness trend, with the most recent pass on 14 May 2025 confirming clean test results across the board. For a car approaching its forty-fifth year, this absence of recurring advisories relating to corrosion, suspension, or braking components is genuinely unusual and speaks to a consistent standard of upkeep. The recorded mileage of 26,640 miles across a forty-four year lifespan equates to an average of roughly 605 miles per year, which is exceptionally low even by classic car standards. There are visible gaps in the testing history, with the most recent two tests in 2023 and 2025 separated by a two-year interval, and earlier entries showing year-on-year testing from 2021 onwards. This suggests the Alfetta has seen periods of limited use interspersed with more active driving, a pattern that can be both beneficial and problematic mechanically. Low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components but places greater stress on seals, gaskets, and rubber elements that deteriorate through standing rather than use. The Alfetta's rear transaxle layout, inboard rear disc brakes, and De Dion rear suspension are particularly susceptible to the effects of prolonged inactivity, and any period of storage can accelerate corrosion in the rear axle assembly and seize the inboard rear brake caliper mechanisms. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection points should centre on the areas most affected by intermittent use in a car of this vintage. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn trailing arm bushes, deteriorated De Dion tube mounts, or play in the inboard rear brake caliper carriers. Steering response should be precise without vagueness or excess play, as wear in the front suspension wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, or rack mounts is common on Alfettas of this age. The pedal feel under braking is especially important: any judder, sponginess, or uneven effort may point to seized or partially seized inboard rear calipers, which are difficult and costly to service due to their location within the rear axle assembly. Equally, check for any pulling to one side, which could indicate a binding caliper or a seized rear brake mechanism. Beyond the mechanical running gear, a thorough physical inspection is warranted given the gaps in testing and the car's age. Examine the sills, jacking points, inner wings, and rear suspension subframe mounting areas for corrosion, as these are known weak points on the Alfetta and would not necessarily be flagged on an MOT unless severe. Inspect the condition of all rubber components, including suspension bushes, ball joints, and driveshaft gaiters, as these harden and crack with age regardless of mileage. Check underneath for any oil weeping from the engine, gearbox, or transaxle, and verify that the cooling system is in good order with no signs of perished hoses or corrosion in the header tank. Finally, confirm the operation of all electrical systems, including the distinctive Alfa instrumentation, and ensure the vehicle starts readily from cold, as a warm-restart on a carburetted or early fuel-injected engine after short trips can mask underlying fuel system or ignition issues.