2007 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4L Diesel · SM57 PHA

The 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera presents a mixed roadworthiness picture shaped by recurrent minor-to-moderate advisories punctuated by a single serious failure, with the most recent 2025 June test confirming current compliance while earlier records reveal a pattern of suspension and braking system concerns. After passing clean in early 2019 and again in December 2022, the vehicle suffered a failed MOT on January 16 2020 involving noisy wheel bearings and worn suspension arm pins, followed by another failure on February 20 2022 where rear brake discs were found significantly worn and offside rear brake pads measured below the minimum safe thickness of 1.5 millimetres. The latest 2025 June test restored a passing result, yet the persistence of structural corrosion advisories regarding the integral body structure and sub-frame suggests underlying durability issues that remain unresolved even though the vehicle now meets all requirements. The recorded mileage of 109,489 miles for a 2007 model represents an exceptionally low figure given the vehicle's age, translating to approximately 5,763 miles per annum over nearly two decades. This rate of accumulation is substantially lower than typical for a car of this make and model, indicating either infrequent driving or substantial periods of storage between intervals of use. The gap between the December 2021 and December 2022 MOT tests spans just under two years with no intervening failures, but the subsequent failure in early 2022 occurred after only six months of apparent stability following the 2021 pass. Such irregularity in testing frequency combined with such modest odometer reading implies that critical wear components—particularly suspension bushings, brake pads, and subframe joints—may have aged faster than the mileage figure alone would suggest, especially if the vehicle was kept idle for extended periods. The most pressing mechanical areas requiring attention are the suspension linkages and brake system. During the 2020 and 2022 failures, worn or binding suspension arm pins and bushes were documented, and the 2022 failure also highlighted severely pitted or scored rear brake discs that required replacement. On a test drive, the buyer should feel for any play or looseness in the front and rear suspension arms when moving the steering wheel, listening for grinding or squealing as the wheels turn, and paying particular attention to the rear brake calipers and disc surfaces through the wheel well opening. Additionally, the subframe corrosion noted in multiple records warrants a visual inspection for flaking or rusted metal along the chassis rails and crossmembers, as this can compromise alignment and cause uneven tire wear. While the 2025 MOT cleared these specific items, the recurring nature of the advisories indicates that preventive maintenance, particularly on the suspension bushings and brake calipers, remains essential to ensure continued safety and reliability.