Faults:

EGR cooler cover cracked causing coolant loss (common problem).

Tailgate to body wiring broken and had to be replaced (common problem).

Driver's side seat base collapsed (poor quality stitching).

Top of gear knob broken off.

Steering wheel cracked near radio control buttons.

Handbrake button sticks in.

Dash top compartment catch broken.

Lots of badly fitting interior trim and numerous rattles which come and go.

Radio occasionally loses sound on 2 speakers.

Required 4 shock absorbers and 2 front suspension arms at at only 65,000 miles.

One daytime running light failed at 75,000 miles requiring a new headlight unit.

Lower engine mount (dog bone) came loose. The pinch bolt appeared to have stretched.

General Comments:

The above list might seem that I have had endless issues with the car, but it has never actually broken down or left us stranded. It drives well (apart from the numb steering) and is economical and powerful. The things which do let it down are the poor quality interior, which appears to have been thrown together in a hurry from cheap materials. The engine is also quite unrefined compared to most other modern diesels. You can always tell it's a diesel unless you are going fast enough for tyre and wind noise to overcome the noise from the engine.

I do like Alfa's after having owned several, but I don't think I would buy another Giulietta. It seems that Alfa have taken a step backwards again in terms of build quality and driver involvement compared to the 147 and 159.