2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Track rod ends4.6× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  10.5% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.1% of all 2016 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.

• Coil springs3.5× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  11.1% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.1% of all 2016 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.

• Exhaust system4.9× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  8.3% All 2016 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Engine oil leaks2.7× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  5.4% All 2016 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)8× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  3.2% All 2016 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

Common 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  28% 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.

• Suspension
  25% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% 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 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?