2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Alfa Romeo 147 MOT pass rate and common faults

195 MOT tests in 2024. 63.1% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time63.1%
Failed or needed repairs36.9%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 195 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.7%
  2. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid4.6%
  3. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.6%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.1%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
  7. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated2.6%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics29.2%
  2. Brakes13.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.3%
  4. Body & chassis10.3%
  5. Seat belts & airbags8.2%
  6. Suspension7.7%
  7. Tyres7.7%
  8. Emissions & leaks5.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.9%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.3%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.8%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened10.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Alfa Romeo 147?

In 2024, 63.1% of 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 cars passed their MOT first time, across 195 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Alfa Romeo 147?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).