2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4L Petrol · BL65 AAF

The most recent MOT test on 2026-02-14 resulted in a pass, though it followed a failure on 2026-02-10, which highlighted persistent issues including a malfunctioning engine MIL, worn front tyres nearing legal limits, and a nearside front wheel bearing defect. The pattern of advisories and failures over the past two years suggests a deterioration in both mechanical reliability and component longevity, particularly concerning the engine control system and front suspension elements. While the latest test cleared the vehicle of major faults, the recurring advisories—particularly the tyre wear and front suspension arm bush wear—indicate ongoing wear progression that demands closer scrutiny during a pre-purchase inspection. The fact that the vehicle failed on both engine-related and safety-critical items in 2023 further underscores the need for thorough diagnostics to confirm whether these issues have been resolved or are merely deferred. The 2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta’s recorded mileage of 72,559 miles over approximately 11 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,596 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical driving patterns for its age. However, the absence of a service history or any significant mileage gaps raises concerns about potential under-maintenance or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate wear in critical systems like brakes, suspension, and the drivetrain. The engine MIL failures in both 2023 and 2026 suggest that the vehicle may have been driven with a degraded or neglected powertrain, leading to accelerated component failure. Additionally, the lack of a clear service record could mean that fluid degradation, such as brake fluid or coolant, may have progressed beyond the point where they can be safely renewed without risking system failure or catastrophic damage. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a pre-purchase examination are the front suspension and wheel bearings, given the recurring advisories and failure history. Focus on the front lower suspension arms for signs of excessive play or corrosion, as well as the wheel bearings for grinding noises or excessive vibration when the vehicle is driven at speed. Listen for a distinct hum or whine from the near-side front wheel bearing during acceleration and braking, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that may indicate misalignment or suspension issues. The engine MIL faults warrant a thorough inspection of the engine control unit (ECU), fuel injectors, and sensors, with a test drive to monitor for any persistent misfires or performance degradation. If the engine shows signs of neglect, such as oil contamination or carbon buildup, further diagnostics may be necessary to assess long-term reliability. Beyond mechanical checks, the tyre condition is of paramount importance, with both front tyres showing wear close to the legal limit and appearing worn on the edges, which could indicate improper alignment or underinflation. Inspect the tyres for sidewall cracks or perishing, which are more likely to occur in a vehicle of this age, even if it has been driven moderately. Check the brake system for signs of corrosion or binding calipers, particularly on the near-side front brake assembly, as standing for prolonged periods can cause rust buildup. Verify the 12V battery health, as older vehicles may struggle with cold starts or electrical accessories if the battery is weak or the alternator is failing. Finally, given the oil leak advisories, inspect under the vehicle for any signs of oil pooling and confirm that the oil level is topped up to the correct specification, as oil degradation can accelerate engine wear. If the vehicle has been driven with infrequent servicing, consider a full fluid refresh, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, to mitigate potential long-term damage.