2009 Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4L Petrol · DV09 DXK

The most recent MOT (13 January 2026) was a clear failure. The test flagged a front brake disc that is “seriously weakened on the inner face”, erratic front service‑brake behaviour, rear brake binding, major exhaust leaks, a compromised front exhaust rubber, and a front sub‑frame that is “corroded and seriously weakened”. Rear coil springs and shock absorber casings are also noted as corroded. These are all safety‑critical items that would need replacement before the car can be driven legally. A pattern emerges from the last three years of MOT data. In October 2024 the car passed, but the report already listed worn front brake discs, corroded suspension arms, and a sub‑frame that was “corroded but not seriously weakened”. By September 2024 a minor front exhaust leak and a faulty rear seat‑belt appeared, and in early 2026 those same areas have deteriorated to major failures. The trend is therefore clearly worsening rather than stabilising. Mileage is low for a 2009 model – about 4 000 mi per year – which could mean the car has been lightly driven or spent long periods stationary. Low mileage does not protect against corrosion, and the extensive rust on the sub‑frame, suspension arms and coil springs suggests the vehicle may have been stored in a damp environment or exposed to road‑salt for many years.