2015 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Coil springs5.2× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  22.5% All 2015 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 2.6% of all 2015 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.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  23.9% All 2015 cars

  12.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.9% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Track rod ends4.6× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  13.2% All 2015 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1.4% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sub-frame6.6× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  5.9% All 2015 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Wheel bearings7.4× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  5.2% All 2015 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.3% of all 2015 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.

Common 2015 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 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
  41% 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.

• Tyres
  39% 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  7% 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 2015 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 5.2× as often on the 2015 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2015 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2015 Alfa Romeo Mito diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?