2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.1L Diesel · RX68 FDP

The most recent MOT test on 2026-03-12 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, though with two minor advisories: a light oil misting from the near-side front shock absorber and the offside front tyre operating dangerously close to the legal tread limit. This suggests the car has been maintained to pass the test, but the recurring tyre and brake issues indicate neglect in critical areas. The trend over the past two years is unstable—failing twice in 2025 on brakes, headlamps, and parking brake functionality before passing in 2024 without defects, only to reappear in 2026 with suspension and tyre concerns. The electronic parking brake system’s repeated failures in 2025 are particularly concerning, as they imply either a faulty actuator, wiring issue, or prolonged disuse. The mileage progression reveals aggressive usage, averaging nearly 17,000 miles annually over eight years, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age. Between 2024 and 2025, the mileage jumped by 14,418 miles in just over a year, from 103,112 to 117,530, before another 18,074 miles were accumulated by the 2026 test. This rapid accumulation strains suspension components, brakes, and tyres far beyond typical expectations, and the lack of intermediate MOTs or service records suggests the vehicle may have been driven without regular checks. The 2024 test’s clean pass—despite headlamp failures—contrasts sharply with the 2025 failures, indicating either a temporary fix or a period of reduced use before the car was pushed harder again. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear pads and electronic parking brake, which failed twice in 2025 and may have deteriorated further. The near-side front shock absorber’s oil leakage signals potential internal wear, and the offside front tyre’s edge wear suggests misalignment or aggressive cornering. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be checked for cracking or corrosion, especially given the high mileage. The headlamp failures in 2024 and 2025 imply either a faulty levelling mechanism or worn bulbs, but this is less critical than the brake and tyre issues. Structural rust in wheel arches, sills, or the subframe should also be examined, as prolonged exposure to road salt or poor maintenance accelerates corrosion in high-mileage vehicles.