2005 Alfa Romeo 147 1.6L Petrol · GJ55 AOD
2005 Alfa Romeo 147 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 29 Sept 2005. Recorded mileage 98,595 miles. MOT valid until 08 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- ALFA ROMEO 147
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 98,595 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
GJ55 AOD Key Findings
- 22 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/06/2026
- 98,595 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (18 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GJ55 AOD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
22 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 (GJ55 AOD) between December 2008 and June 2026.
The record contains 18 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 10 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (18 issues), Brakes (14 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (10 issues), Tyres (7 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 37 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle (1.2.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)”; “Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)”.
GJ55 AOD Mileage History
- 09/12/200836,571 mi
- 14/12/200948,816 mi+12,245 mi
- 17/09/201052,418 mi+3,602 mi
- 24/09/201157,489 mi+5,071 mi
- 29/09/201262,138 mi+4,649 mi
- 06/10/201262,138 mi
- 21/09/201366,167 mi+4,029 mi
- 04/10/201471,017 mi+4,850 mi
- 17/10/201575,760 mi+4,743 mi
- 19/10/201679,486 mi+3,726 mi
- 19/10/201679,486 mi
- 21/10/201782,957 mi+3,471 mi
- 15/10/201886,005 mi+3,048 mi
- 21/10/201988,857 mi+2,852 mi
- 28/10/201988,877 mi+20 mi
- 16/11/202090,845 mi+1,968 mi
- 15/11/202192,851 mi+2,006 mi
- 21/11/202294,914 mi+2,063 mi
- 14/12/202397,386 mi+2,472 mi
- 20/12/202497,826 mi+440 mi
- 10/06/202698,595 mi+769 mi
- 10/06/202698,595 mi
Average of roughly 3,544 miles per year across 22 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo 147
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 in striking red presents an unexpectedly clean recent MOT history, showing four consecutive first-time passes without a single advisory. While Italian hatchbacks demand vigilant upkeep, this example's recent paper trail suggests it has been cared for by its previous owners.
When inspecting this 2005 Alfa Romeo 147, the most critical element to verify in the service history is the cambelt and water pump replacement interval. Twin Spark engines are notoriously sensitive to neglected belt changes, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure; ensure there is documentary proof this has been done recently regardless of the low mileage accumulation. Additionally, inspect the underside and suspension components thoroughly for corrosion or worn bushes, which are common wear points for this era of Italian hatchback.
Negotiate based on the overall condition of the bodywork and interior electrics. While the red paintwork is a classic and desirable hue for an Alfa Romeo, check for lacquer peel and car park dings. Inside, test every electrical switch, window regulator, and the heater blower, as older Italian electronics can occasionally present intermittent gremlins that require patience to resolve.
Running a 2005 1.6-litre petrol Alfa Romeo 147 involves moderate day-to-day expenditure. Fuel economy for the 1598cc Twin Spark engine typically sits in the mid-30s mpg range for mixed driving, meaning fuel costs will depend heavily on your annual mileage. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) will fall into the standard bands for a mid-2000s petrol vehicle of this engine size.
Insurance sits in a moderate group, making it reasonably accessible for most drivers, though specialist or younger drivers should shop around for quotes. Maintenance costs can be slightly higher than mainstream Japanese or domestic rivals due to specialist parts availability, but sourcing components through independent Italian car specialists can help keep bills manageable.
Pay close attention to the front suspension wishbones and anti-roll bar drop links, as these are well-known consumable items on the 147 platform that can cause knocking sounds when worn. Although the MOT history from 2021 to 2024 shows zero recorded defects or advisories, suspension components can degrade quickly under British road conditions.
Check the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks around the rocker cover gasket and variator, and listen closely to the engine on a cold start for any diesel-like rattling from the top end, which indicates a worn variator. Finally, examine the tyres and brakes to ensure adequate remaining depth and condition to match the vehicle's otherwise clean safety record.
First registered in September 2005, this petrol-powered Alfa Romeo is equipped with a 1598cc engine and currently displays 97,826 miles on the odometer. Its MOT trajectory between November 2021 and December 2024 is exemplary, featuring four consecutive clean passes at 92,851 miles, 94,914 miles, 97,386 miles, and 97,826 miles respectively. This steady, low-mileage accumulation over recent years points to light use and conscientious maintenance.
The Alfa Romeo 147 requires diligent preventative maintenance to stay reliable, with particular attention needed for its electrical systems and cambelt intervals.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: ALFA ROMEO 147
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Gearbox Synchro and Bearing Wear(Serious)
The 147's manual gearbox, particularly on early 1.6 and 2.0 Twin Spark models, can suffer from worn synchroniser rings and bearings. This manifests as difficulty engaging gears, crunching when shifting, or gear lever play. The issue is often worsened by high mileage or infrequent gearbox oil changes.
- Cylinder Head Gasket Failure(Serious)
The 1.6 Twin Spark engine on the 147 is known for cylinder head gasket failures, often around 30,000–40,000 miles. Overheating from a faulty thermostat or coolant loss can cause the gasket to blow, leading to coolant mixing with oil, loss of compression, and potential engine damage.
- ABS Sensor and Wheel Speed Sensor Failure(Moderate)
The 147's ABS and wheel speed sensors are prone to failure, triggering the ABS warning light and disabling the anti-lock braking system. This is an MOT failure if the warning light is illuminated. Sensors can fail due to wiring damage, corrosion, or sensor wear.
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ALFA ROMEO 147 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2005 model year cars.
- Gearbox Synchro and Bearing WearSerious
The 147's manual gearbox, particularly on early 1.6 and 2.0 Twin Spark models, can suffer from worn synchroniser rings and bearings. This manifests as difficulty engaging gears, crunching when shifting, or gear lever play. The issue is often worsened by high mileage or infrequent gearbox oil changes.
- Cylinder Head Gasket FailureSerious
The 1.6 Twin Spark engine on the 147 is known for cylinder head gasket failures, often around 30,000–40,000 miles. Overheating from a faulty thermostat or coolant loss can cause the gasket to blow, leading to coolant mixing with oil, loss of compression, and potential engine damage.
- ABS Sensor and Wheel Speed Sensor FailureModerate
The 147's ABS and wheel speed sensors are prone to failure, triggering the ABS warning light and disabling the anti-lock braking system. This is an MOT failure if the warning light is illuminated. Sensors can fail due to wiring damage, corrosion, or sensor wear.
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