2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Coil springs2.4× usual
  Alfa Romeo Giulietta

  24.4% All 2010 cars

  10.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 4.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Brake discs1.6× usual
  Alfa Romeo Giulietta

  23.2% All 2010 cars

  14.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings4.8× usual
  Alfa Romeo Giulietta

  7.7% All 2010 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 0.7% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Side repeaters4.1× usual
  Alfa Romeo Giulietta

  5.8% All 2010 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.9% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Headlights1.7× usual
  Alfa Romeo Giulietta

  9.9% All 2010 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  42% 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
  34% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% 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 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?