2004 Alfa Romeo 147 3.2L Petrol · RO04 LFA

A 2004 Alfa Romeo 147 with this clean a three-test DVSA record is an unusually reassuring proposition for a car of this vintage and marque, where corrosion, suspension wear, and electrical gremlins are far more typical concerns. The most recent assessment on 9 June 2025 recorded a straightforward pass with no advisories or defects, and that outcome is consistent with the two prior passes in June 2022 and June 2023, which also returned clean sheets. This unbroken run of passes without advisory notes points to a vehicle that has remained within roadworthy tolerances across all inspected categories, with no recorded concerns relating to braking performance, suspension components, steering, tyres, exhaust integrity, lighting, or visible structural corrosion at the time of test. The recorded mileage of 11,758 miles against a 22-year registration age equates to an average accumulation of roughly 534 miles annually, which is exceptionally low even for a used vehicle classified as a low-mileage example. The absence of an MOT test in 2024 is consistent with the DVSA exemption rules applied to vehicles registered before the relevant change in testing policy, meaning the gap does not indicate the car was off the road, but rather that no annual test was statutorily required that year. Mechanically, such a low annual mileage figure carries mixed implications: the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain will have experienced limited wear in terms of total operating hours, yet prolonged standing periods typical of low-mileage classics encourage deterioration of rubber components, sealing lips, and lubricants. Brake calipers on a 147 of this age are particularly susceptible to seizing when seldom actuated, while the twin-cam engines are known to suffer oil leaks from cam covers and rear main seals once gaskets harden through lack of thermal cycling. From a buyer's perspective, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific component flagged by the DVSA to investigate, but the low annual mileage profile dictates that particular attention should be paid to items that degrade with age rather than use. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, as these deteriorate on Alfa Romeo 147s regardless of mileage. Apply firm pressure to the brake pedal at low speed to confirm the car pulls away cleanly without pulling to one side, which would indicate a binding or seized caliper from prolonged inactivity. Inspect the underside of the engine and bellhousing for fresh oil staining on a warm engine, as dried gum deposits around the cam cover and sump area will indicate the presence of longstanding seepage. Check for any uneven tyre wear, which on such low mileage should be minimal but can betray alignment issues or prolonged stationary loading. Additional checks should focus on the condition of the coolant expansion tank and associated hoses, as these plastic components on early 147s become brittle with age and are a common failure point unrelated to mileage. With the engine idling from cold, observe whether any warning lights remain illuminated or whether the revs hunt erratically, as the Bosch Motronic management system on these vehicles can suffer from idle control issues after long periods of standing. Inspect the exhaust system for signs of rust or separated joints, particularly at the flexible section and rear silencer mounting, as 22-year-old underbody components will inevitably show corrosion even on a low-mileage example. Finally, verify that the clutch bite point is firm and consistent, as a hydraulic slave cylinder that has not been regularly exercised may exhibit a soft or delayed engagement. The clean MOT history provides genuine confidence in the car's ongoing roadworthiness, but a thorough physical inspection remains essential to confirm that age-related deterioration has not progressed beyond what annual testing can detect.