2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Alfa Romeo 147

  19.6% All 2008 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Wheel bearings2.8× usual
  Alfa Romeo 147

  7.1% All 2008 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Washers2× usual
  Alfa Romeo 147

  7.6% All 2008 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  36% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?