1999 Alfa Romeo GTV: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Alfa Romeo GTV?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Alfa Romeo GTV than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Alfa Romeo GTV

  14.3% All 1999 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.3% of all 1999 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.

• Airbag warning light5× usual
  Alfa Romeo GTV

  6.5% All 1999 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.1× usual
  Alfa Romeo GTV

  9.9% All 1999 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 4.6% of all 1999 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 1999 Alfa Romeo GTV MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Alfa Romeo GTV MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  41% 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.

• Suspension
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  22% 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.

• Tyres
  19% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Alfa Romeo GTV

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 1.8× as often on the 1999 Alfa Romeo GTV as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 1999 Alfa Romeo GTV as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1999 Alfa Romeo GTV as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?