1997 Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0L Petrol · P160 AWL
1997 Alfa Romeo GTV (2.0L, petrol). First registered 13 Jan 1997. Recorded mileage 66,588 miles. MOT valid until 12 May 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- ALFA ROMEO GTV
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 66,588 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
P160 AWL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/05/2026
- 66,588 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P160 AWL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Alfa Romeo Gtv (P160 AWL) between April 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 14 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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: “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”; “Rear Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))”; “Nearside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”.
P160 AWL Mileage History
- 13/04/202461,275 mi
- 20/04/202461,299 mi+24 mi
- 10/05/202461,322 mi+23 mi
- 10/05/202564,671 mi+3,349 mi
- 14/05/202666,588 mi+1,917 mi
Average of roughly 2,550 miles per year across 5 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 GTV & Spider (916)
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.
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ALFA ROMEO GTV Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- Rear Multi-Link Suspension Bush and Spring Pan WearModerate
The Type 916 features an advanced multi-link rear suspension system attached to an aluminium subframe to provide subtle passive rear-wheel steering. The factory rubber bushes and spherical joints in the spring pans and dogleg control arms perish and crumble under UK road salt and grit. This leads to severe rear wheel camber misalignment, rear-end wandering over bumps, and rapid inner tyre wear.
- Twin Spark Cam Belt and Variator FailureSerious
The 2.0 Twin Spark 16V engine utilizes a toothed timing belt with a plastic-bodied tensioner pulley, alongside a hydraulic camshaft variator that advances intake timing. The tensioner bearings can seize and strip belt teeth, resulting in instant valve-to-piston collision and ruined cylinder heads. Over time, the variator mechanism wears, causing a distinctive diesel-like clatter on startup.
- Spider Soft-Top Mechanism and Water IngressModerate
On Spider models, the fabric roof relies on mechanical latches, rubber weatherseals, and (on electro-hydraulic versions) hydraulic rams and microswitches. Misaligned microswitches cause the roof to stall during its cycle, while degraded header rail and window seals permit rainwater into the cabin, soaking underlay, fogging screens, and corroding delicate electrical connections.
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