2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Alfa Romeo 147 MOT pass rate and common faults

175 MOT tests in 2024. 71.4% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

127Well above average
Passed first time71.4%
Failed or needed repairs28.6%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 175 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed4.0%
    13 marked dangerous
  4. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  5. Washers: not working3.4%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.9%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.3%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.3%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.3%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.9%
  2. Brakes15.4%
  3. Suspension14.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.0%
  5. Body & chassis11.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.7%
  7. Tyres4.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.7%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.0%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.1%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened9.1%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 2004 Alfa Romeo 147?

In 2024, 71.4% of 2004 Alfa Romeo 147 cars passed their MOT first time, across 175 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Alfa Romeo 147?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Alfa Romeo 147 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 127, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).