2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  23% All 2009 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 4.2% of all 2009 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.

• Wheel bearings3.8× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  7.9% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Handbrake performance4× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  4% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Brakes
  42% 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.

• Tyres
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel

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 2× as often on the 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?