2018 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Coil springs11.2× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  12.3% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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 discs1.8× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  17.3% All 2018 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.5% of all 2018 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.

• Wipers2.1× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  5.9% All 2018 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.8% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Track rod ends3.3× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  3.9% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 2018 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.

• Braking performance2.7× usual
  Alfa Romeo Mito

  3.2% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2018 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 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
  30% 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
  24% 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
  20% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  9% 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
  3% 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 2018 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 11.2× as often on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2018 Alfa Romeo Mito petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?