2019 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6L Diesel · PA67 PLA

This Alfa Romeo Giulietta presents an unusual MOT history that warrants careful scrutiny before purchase, despite the most recent test on 2025-10-10 returning a clean pass with no defects recorded. The defining mechanical concern is the presence of two failed MOT tests in the record without any specific defects being documented against them. On 2024-10-08 the vehicle failed, and then passed just seven days later on 2024-10-15, while a similar pattern occurred on 2023-10-05 where a failure and a pass were recorded on the same day. Failures with no defects listed typically indicate that the vehicle was either not presented in a testable condition, could not be driven onto the testing bay due to administrative or safety concerns raised by the examiner, or had components that were so obviously below standard the tester simply could not proceed without entering specific reasons. The absence of documented failure items is not necessarily reassuring and suggests you must establish independently that all required repairs were genuinely carried out and signed off. The pattern of immediate re-tests succeeding within days implies either minor rectification work or an administrative resolution, rather than any major mechanical overhaul. Against an age of approximately seven years, the recorded mileage of 47,721 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 6,817 miles, which sits comfortably within typical parameters for a vehicle of this vintage and segment. There are no extended periods absent from the MOT record to suggest the car has been laid up or used sparingly beyond the normal commuting profile, and the consistent annual testing pattern indicates regular road use. This mileage band is generally favourable for wear on major mechanical components such as the clutch, timing chain, turbofan, and suspension subframes, none of which would be expected to be approaching end-of-life at this accumulation. However, Giulietta-specific drivetrain components including the twin-clutch automated manual gearbox where fitted, and the diesel particulate filter on diesel variants, are known to be sensitive to short-trip urban use, so it would be prudent to confirm the actual use profile of the vehicle rather than relying on the headline mileage alone. Given the unexplained failure history, your inspection should begin with a thorough walk-around and underneath the vehicle on a ramp if possible, paying particular attention to the front subframe and suspension wishbones for any signs of corrosion or weeping fluid from the dampers. Alfa Romeo Giulietta vehicles of this era are particularly prone to corrosion forming on the rear axle assembly and the lower suspension arms, so any surface rust or flaking should be noted carefully as these areas can fail structural assessment if deterioration progresses. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, as worn anti-roll bar bushes and drop links are a common weakness. Steering should remain precise without vibration through the wheel, and any pulling to one side under braking would suggest binding calipers or uneven brake pad wear that may not have been picked up on previous rolling-road brake tests. In addition to the structural inspection, pay close attention to the behaviour of the gearbox during your test drive, ensuring that all gears engage smoothly without crunching or excessive delay, particularly on the popular 1.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel variants which use different transmission units. Check for any illuminated warning lights on the dashboard, especially the diesel particulate filter, exhaust emissions, or engine management systems, as these can be expensive to rectify and may explain the previous failures if emissions-related. The braking system should feel firm and progressive with no juddering through the pedal under heavy application, which would indicate warped front discs. Finally, request evidence of the rectification carried out between each failed and subsequent passed test, as the MOT certificate alone does not detail the nature of any repairs, and an independent inspection by an Alfa Romeo specialist would be a sensible precaution given the unexplained failure history on this otherwise low-mileage Italian hatchback.