2016 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4L Petrol · AX65 BKD

The 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulietta presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 17 December 2025 at 57,797 miles, passed but flagged several advisories that point to a worsening trend in basic upkeep. Both rear coil springs were noted as corroded, and all four rear tyres showed damage, cuts, and perishing, with one punctured by a nail. These are not new issues. The same rear coil spring corrosion appeared in the December 2024 test at 52,131 miles, and rear tyre damage was also flagged then. The fact that these defects have persisted across consecutive annual tests suggests the previous owner tolerated deterioration rather than proactively addressing it. The vehicle is roadworthy today, but the trajectory of flagged items indicates deferred maintenance rather than careful ownership. The mileage profile is notably low for a ten-year-old car. At 57,797 miles, the annual average sits at roughly 5,780 miles. The record shows a gap between February 2023 at 41,416 miles and December 2023 at 45,553 miles, a rise of just 4,137 miles over ten months. From December 2023 to December 2024, the car added 6,578 miles, then only 5,666 miles in the following twelve months to December 2025. This is consistent with light, irregular use rather than sustained daily driving. Low mileage can preserve mechanical components, but it also means the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which accelerates tyre perishing, brake disc surface corrosion, and suspension bush deterioration. The tyre condition flagged in the last two tests supports this interpretation. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and underside. The repeated advisory on corroded rear coil springs across two consecutive MOTs raises a legitimate concern about structural integrity. Surface corrosion can be cosmetic, but section loss on a coil spring increases the risk of fatigue failure, particularly over speed bumps or loaded corners. Have the springs inspected for pitting, flaking, or reduced free height. Check the rear shock absorbers for oil misting and the condition of top mounts and bump stops, as these are common failure points on the Giulietta platform. The rear tyre situation demands immediate attention. Perishing, cuts, and a previous puncture on the nearside rear suggest the car has been sitting with aged rubber or driven without regular tyre checks. Inspect the date codes on all four tyres. If any are more than six years old, replacement is advisable regardless of remaining tread depth. While examining the rear end, check the condition of the rear brake discs and pads. Binding rear brakes are a known issue on this model, and the MOT record does not explicitly flag them, but corroded springs and aged tyres together suggest the rear axle has not been a priority. A test drive over uneven surfaces will reveal any knocking from worn trailing arm bushes or anti-roll bar links, which are common wear items on higher-mileage Giuliettas and can deteriorate even under light use if age takes its toll.