2018 Alpine A110 Premiere Edition Auto 1.8L Petrol · 110 LMS

A fractured front coil spring recorded at the August 2023 test is the most significant mechanical event in this A110's history and remains the defining concern for any prospective buyer. The spring failed outright on the nearside front, forcing a Major defect and a failed test, yet the subsequent September 2023 retest and the 2024 and 2025 tests all passed without recurrence. That pattern is reassuring on one hand, since the opposite side did not subsequently fracture and the vehicle cleared the next three examinations cleanly, but it also demonstrates that this lightweight sports car's suspension is not immune to component failure. The April 2025 pass with no defects recorded confirms the car is currently in roadworthy condition, though the buyer must remain alert to the possibility of further spring or damper degradation given the car's age and the loads transmitted through its double-wishbone front geometry. At 47,857 miles over roughly eight years, this A110 has averaged close to 6,000 miles annually, which is well below the typical mileage band for a contemporary sports car and points to a usage profile characterised by irregular rather than sustained daily driving. Such low accumulation can be advantageous for high-stress components like the clutch, gearbox internals and engine internals, but it raises legitimate concerns around components that deteriorate through standing rather than use. Brake discs and pads, particularly at the rear, have already shown their susceptibility to corrosion, with the 2024 test recording pitted or scored rear discs and thinning rear pads despite the modest mileage. Standing periods also encourage oxidation on exposed underbody hardware, moisture retention in the exhaust system and potential flat spots or sidewall deterioration in tyres that sit loaded for extended intervals. The two test failures and advisories related to the front tyres in 2023, combined with a rear tyre edge-wear advisory in 2024, suggest that this car may have been tracking slightly out of alignment, or that the front suspension geometry has been disturbed since the spring fracture. On a test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to steering feel at low and moderate speeds, listening for any clonking, knocking or binding as the wheel passes over bumps, dips or cats-eyes, which could indicate worn suspension linkages, top mounts or wishbone bushes that have not yet been flagged at test. The car should also be assessed for straight-line stability on a smooth road, checking for any discernible pull to either side that could indicate either misalignment following the spring replacement or uneven tyre wear developing once more. Light, slightly vague steering, or any reluctance to self-centre after a corner, would warrant further investigation of the front end geometry. Given the recorded rear brake disc pitting and thinning pads, a thorough inspection of the rear braking system is essential. On the test drive, the buyer should feel for any judder through the pedal under firm application, which would confirm the discs have worn beyond their skim limit, and listen for any scraping or grinding noise that would suggest the pads have progressed further since the 2024 advisory. The handbrake should hold the car securely on a steep incline, as rear caliper slide pins corroding from infrequent use can cause the mechanism to seize or stick. Under the car, a torch-led inspection should look for any surface corrosion on the subframe, brake pipes and undertrays, particularly given that low-mileage sports cars frequently suffer cosmetic corrosion in the rear wheel arches and on exposed aluminium components. Finally, the engine bay should be examined for any oil residue around the turbocharger, sump and cam covers, and a cold start should be observed to confirm the 1.8-litre turbo settles to a smooth idle promptly, as standing periods can mask early signs of oil weepage that become visible only once the engine reaches operating temperature.