1994 Alfa Romeo 155 2.5L Petrol · L595 CPA

The vehicle's most recent DVSA examination on 23 July 2024 resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, suggesting that at the time of test it met the minimum roadworthiness standards required for its class. The immediately preceding test on 18 July 2024, just five days earlier, was recorded as a failure, although no specific defect details have been captured against that entry. While a five-day gap between a fail and a pass is not unusual and typically indicates that a minor rectification was carried out, the absence of recorded defect data from the failed test prevents a full appreciation of what was addressed. The overall maintenance trend therefore appears stable in the sense that the vehicle is currently roadworthy and presented no advisories, but the brevity and limited depth of the recorded history means that no long-term trend can be reliably inferred. The recorded mileage of 107,574 miles across approximately 32 years equates to an annual average of around 3,362 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Such low usage is consistent with one of two scenarios: either the car has been used lightly and sparingly throughout its life, or it has spent considerable periods standing unused, possibly with extended gaps between MoT tests and potential periods of inactivity. While low mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox and clutch, it simultaneously increases the risk of age-related deterioration in items that degrade through standing rather than use. Rubber components, seals, gaskets and brake hydraulic systems are particularly vulnerable to long periods of inactivity. Given the absence of recorded advisories and the limited MOT history available, a prospective buyer should focus on age-related rather than mileage-related wear. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres over six years old should be regarded as due for replacement. The brake system warrants particular attention, including checking for seized or binding calipers, pitted or corroded brake discs from standing, and the condition of flexible brake hoses which may have hardened or cracked with age. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as prolonged periods of standing combined with the electrical demands of an ageing Italian saloon will rapidly discharge a marginal unit. Coolant, brake fluid and engine oil should be assessed for condition and service date, with brake fluid ideally renewed every two years regardless of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature. Beyond the consumables, attention should be given to the cooling system, as the Alfa Romeo 155 is known for age-related issues with radiator cores, water pumps and expansion tanks, and any signs of coolant staining or weeping joints should be noted. Suspension components, including front wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links and rear beam bushings, should be checked for perished rubber and play, listening on a test drive for clonking over uneven surfaces or speed humps. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion, particularly at mounting points and joints, given the age of the vehicle. Finally, the service history should be examined to confirm regular annual or bi-annual servicing regardless of the low mileage, as time-based servicing remains critical for preserving the mechanical integrity of a vehicle that has now entered its fourth decade.