2007 Alfa Romeo GT petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Alfa Romeo GT petrol?

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

• Exhaust system2.3× usual
  Alfa Romeo GT

  20.3% All 2007 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.8× usual
  Alfa Romeo GT

  6.5% All 2007 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

Common 2007 Alfa Romeo GT petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  39% 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
  34% 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
  29% 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
  24% 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
  24% 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 an engine warning light.

• Rust and bodywork
  13% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Alfa Romeo GT petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2007 Alfa Romeo GT petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2007 Alfa Romeo GT petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?