2012 Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4L Petrol · DU12 TYG

The 2012 Alfa Romeo MiTo holds a current MOT valid from 28 March 2026, but the most recent test reveals a maintenance pattern that is neither stable nor clearly improving. On that date, the vehicle failed at 110,141 miles with an excessive engine oil leak and an SRS warning lamp indicating a fault, followed by a pass at 110,142 miles after repair. The oil leak was severe enough to warrant an immediate failure, suggesting either a sudden failure of a gasket or seal, or a pre-existing issue that was left unresolved until the test forced the matter. The SRS lamp points to a fault in the supplementary restraint system, which may involve airbag sensors, wiring, or the control module. While both faults were rectified within a mile of the initial failure, their appearance at such a late stage raises questions about how proactively the car was maintained in the preceding months. The mileage progression is broadly consistent with roughly 7,867 miles per year over fourteen years, which is typical for this age of vehicle. Between the March 2025 test at 100,196 miles and the March 2026 test at 110,142 miles, approximately 9,946 miles were covered in twelve months, slightly above the long-term average but not alarmingly so. The March 2024 test at 94,756 miles shows a clean pass with only a windscreen washer defect noted and rectified on the same day, indicating no significant mechanical deterioration at that point. The gap between 2024 and 2025 is unremarkable, and there are no suspicious jumps or plateaus in the record that would suggest the car was standing idle or that the mileage has been tampered with. A buyer inspecting this MiTo in person should pay close attention to the engine and underside for any residual or recurring oil leaks, particularly around the valve cover, camshaft seals, and oil filter housing, as the excessive leak flagged in March 2026 may have been a symptom of a broader sealing issue rather than an isolated fix. The SRS warning lamp history demands a diagnostic scan to confirm the fault codes have been cleared and that the airbag system is fully operational, as intermittent electrical faults in Alfa Romeo models of this era are not uncommon. The nearside front brake binding noted in March 2025, even if not excessive at the time, warrants inspection of the caliper slide pins, brake hose condition, and disc surface for uneven wear or heat scoring. Front tyre wear on the inner edges, flagged in the most recent test, indicates possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes, and the front suspension should be checked thoroughly for play in the lower arms and track rod ends. Given the car's age and the nature of the defects recorded, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent specialist familiar with Alfa Romeo platforms would be a prudent step.