2014 Alfa Romeo Mito 0.9L Petrol · AE64 OEC

The 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo presents a mixed maintenance picture with a recent pass that masks a significant failure just 24 hours prior. The most recent test on 1 March 2024 at 83,223 miles passed, but only after a serious failure on 29 February 2024 at the identical mileage. That failure flagged fractured or broken coil springs on both front corners, a critical structural suspension defect, alongside excessive play in the nearside rear wheel bearing and a deteriorating front exhaust flexi section. The car was clearly not in a roadworthy state at the end of February, and while the March pass indicates those specific items were addressed, the pattern suggests reactive repairs rather than consistent preventative upkeep. The front exhaust flexi section advisory carried over into the pass, meaning a known weak point remains unresolved. The mileage progression tells a story of very light recent use. The car covered roughly 13,398 miles between January 2022 at 60,775 miles and February 2023 at 74,177 miles, then sat completely static for over a year, recording no mileage change between the February 2023 and February 2024 tests. A vehicle sitting idle for extended periods can develop its own problems, including brake surface corrosion, tyre flat-spotting, and seized components, which may partly explain the rear brake disc wear and parking brake efficiency issues flagged in the 2023 test. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and exhaust system. Both front coil springs were fractured or broken in February 2024, so confirm whether genuine or pattern replacement parts were fitted and check for any uneven ride height or clunking over bumps. The front exhaust flexi section has appeared as an advisory in both the 2023 and 2024 tests, meaning it has been deteriorating for at least two years and could fail imminently. Inspect the full exhaust for gas leaks, particularly at joints and the flexi. The rear braking system also warrants close attention. The 2023 test flagged worn rear discs, thin inner pads, and marginal parking brake efficiency, and while the car passed in 2024, there is no evidence these items were replaced rather than merely adjusted. Check rear disc thickness, pad material remaining, and parking brake lever travel. The nearside rear wheel bearing was replaced or repaired after the February 2024 failure, so listen for whine or roughness on a road test. Finally, the defective gearbox mounting noted in January 2022 at 60,775 miles was never reappear as an advisory, suggesting it was fixed, but excessive drivetrain movement or clunking during gear changes would indicate the mount has failed again.