2002 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0L Petrol · AM02 NMF

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 August 2025 resulted in a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is the outcome you would want to see at the point of purchase. It is, however, worth noting that the same date also shows a Fail entry, a pattern that typically indicates the vehicle was presented with a pre-identified defect, rectified off-site, and then immediately re-submitted for a retest on the same day. While this is a perfectly common and legitimate MOT procedure, the absence of recorded defect details means the specific reason for the earlier failure is not visible in the public history. Looking at the broader trend, the vehicle has passed consistently since 2023, with the only previous failure dating back to November 2022. There are no escalating advisories on tyres, brakes, suspension, or corrosion across the visible test record, suggesting the maintenance regime has been reasonably stable rather than deteriorating. With a recorded odometer reading of 158,110 miles over approximately 24 years of service, this 156 has covered an average of around 6,588 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a car of its vintage. There are no conspicuous gaps in the recorded mileage progression across the MOT history that would suggest extended periods of standing or, conversely, any sudden spikes indicating clocked readings or unusually high annual accumulation. The relatively modest annual mileage is mechanically significant because it implies a higher proportion of short journeys and cold starts, which accelerates wear on timing belts, coolant hoses, and the 12-volt battery, while placing less thermal cycling stress on the catalyst and exhaust system. It also means that consumable wear items such as brake pads and discs may still have significant material remaining, but the discs themselves may have developed corrosion lips from light or infrequent use. Given the age of the vehicle and the absence of recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a series of age-appropriate physical checks rather than relying solely on the MOT history. The 156 is now well beyond the typical lifespan of its original coolant and brake fluid, both of which degrade on a calendar basis rather than through mileage alone, so verify when these were last renewed and look for green or cloudy coolant and discoloured brake fluid in the reservoirs. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds harden noticeably after around six to seven years regardless of tread depth; a vehicle manufactured in 2002 may well be running replacement tyres, but confirm the production date codes on the sidewalls. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as prolonged standing periods and short trips are particularly punishing on battery longevity in older Italian vehicles, and a weak battery can also mask alternator or parasitic drain faults. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the suspension, as the Alfa Romeo 156 is known for wear in the front wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and rear coil springs, all of which produce audible clonks over uneven surfaces and uneven tyre wear patterns that may not yet have been flagged at MOT. Apply the brakes firmly from speed and listen for any grinding, shudder through the steering wheel, or pull to one side, which would indicate binding calipers, warped discs, or a seized handbrake mechanism common to cars that see light use. With the engine cold, check for any visible coolant leaks around the radiator, water pump, and plastic coolant unions, which become brittle with age. Finally, inspect the underside and wheel arches for structural corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points, sill jacking areas, and front suspension turrets, as these are known corrosion hotspots on the 156 platform and are areas where MOT examiners would flag concerns but which may not yet have manifested as visible test failures at the current mileage.