2007 Alfa Romeo Brera diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Sub-frame3.1× usual
  Alfa Romeo Brera

  18.8% All 2007 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.4% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Alfa Romeo Brera

  15.1% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Alfa Romeo Brera

  14.7% All 2007 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.7% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Suspension arm3× usual
  Alfa Romeo Brera

  9.6% All 2007 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.4% of all 2007 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.

Common 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% 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.

• Brakes
  38% 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.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% 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
  20% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera 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 sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2007 Alfa Romeo Brera diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?