2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce TB AWD Auto 2.0L Petrol · ML20 DFX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 4 March 2026, was passed but returned a series of advisories concerning the brake discs on all four wheels and thin rear pads on the nearside. In the preceding year the MOT showed only inner‑disc advisories, and the two years before that recorded no defects at all. This pattern indicates a gradual emergence of wear rather than an abrupt deterioration; the vehicle’s overall maintenance record is still acceptable but the brake system is now entering a phase where component replacement will become necessary. At six years old the car has logged 18 335 miles, which works out to just over 3 000 miles per annum – well below the UK average for a family saloon. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage. While low mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and suspension components, it can also allow moisture to settle, promote corrosion on brake rotors and calipers, and allow battery electrolyte to degrade. There is no evidence of any sudden mileage spikes that would suggest heavy short‑term loading, so the wear that is appearing is likely a function of age rather than high‑stress use. Prospective buyers should give the brake system the greatest attention. Inspect each disc for deep scoring, uneven wear patterns or excessive rust; the advisories note pitting that, while not yet a safety‑critical weakness, will reduce braking efficiency and can lead to vibration when the pads are applied. Examine the rear pads for remaining thickness – if they are already thin they may need replacement within the next few thousand miles. On a test drive, feel for any pulsation through the pedal, a high‑pitched squeal on initial application, or a gradual increase in stopping distance, all of which would confirm that the discs are approaching the end of their service life. Planning for a full disc and pad set replacement within the next 6 000 miles would be prudent. Because the car has spent much of its life at low mileage, age‑related checks are equally important. Verify that the tyre sidewalls are free of cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening; even with low tread wear, tyres older than five years can become unsafe. Inspect the under‑carriage and wheel arches for any surface rust, especially around suspension bushes, control arm joints and the exhaust system, as standing periods can accelerate corrosion. Test the 12‑volt battery with a load tester and check the electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid type, since prolonged inactivity can reduce capacity. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil, coolant and brake fluid changes – fluids degrade over calendar time regardless of mileage, and fresh fluids will help preserve the engine, transmission and brake components for the foreseeable future.