2016 Alfa Romeo Mito 0.9L Petrol · BN16 UAR

The Alfa Romeo Mito presents a mixed mechanical picture at its most recent MOT in October 2025 at 64,422 miles. The car passed, but the tester flagged multiple suspension advisories that point to a worsening trend rather than a stable one. Both rear coil springs were noted as corroded, and the offside front Macpherson strut pin or bush was worn, producing noise during operation. Front brake discs were also worn, pitted, or scored on their inner faces. These are not new isolated faults; they represent a continuation of suspension and steering wear that has been developing over several years. A coolant leak and an oil leak, described as not excessive, have appeared repeatedly since 2023, suggesting seepage rather than catastrophic failure, but they remain unresolved. The mileage progression is broadly consistent with light, regular use. Between October 2022 and October 2024, the car covered roughly 7,800 miles over two years, then added about 7,100 miles in the following twelve months up to the October 2025 test. The annual figure sits close to the 6,400-mile average typical for a ten-year-old vehicle. There are no alarming gaps or sudden jumps in the record that would suggest long-term standing or severe neglect. The MOT history itself is clean in terms of frequency, with a test recorded every October since 2022, and the single failure in October 2022 was quickly retested and passed nine days later. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the suspension components that have drawn repeated attention. The rear coil springs showed corrosion in the most recent test, and corrosion on load-bearing springs raises questions about structural integrity, particularly if the car has been used on salted roads. The offside front strut bush or pin wear, combined with the earlier advisory about notchy top mounts, means the front damping and locating components deserve close scrutiny. Check for uneven tyre wear, clunking over bumps, and any visible cracking or weeping around the strut tops. The inner faces of the front brake discs were flagged as worn or pitted, which can indicate pad contact issues or caliper drag; inspect disc thickness and pad condition, and test for binding by checking whether the car pulls to one side after braking. The persistent minor oil and coolant leaks should be traced to their source. While described as not excessive, any active seepage on a ten-year-old engine warrants investigation into gasket condition and potential future repair costs.