2012 Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4L Petrol · LL62 XMM

The vehicle's most recent MOT test on 18 February 2026 resulted in a pass, though it was accompanied by two advisories relating to wear on both the front and rear brake discs, described as pitted or scored but not seriously weakened. This follows a failure just 19 days earlier on 30 January 2026, where a major defect was recorded for a fractured offside front coil spring, alongside advisories for a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its inner edge, surface corrosion to the rear brake discs, and knicks or cuts to the offside front tyre's inner sidewall. Looking at the broader trend, the maintenance picture is worsening rather than stable. The 2024 and 2023 tests both flagged corroded rear coil springs, and the front brake disc wear advisory first appeared in 2024 and persisted into 2026. The earlier tests from 2022 and 2020 were notably cleaner, suggesting progressive deterioration of the suspension and braking components consistent with the vehicle's age. With a recorded mileage of 60,043 miles over approximately 14 years, this equates to around 4,289 miles annually, which is considerably below average for a car of this type and age. Such low annual mileage typically suggests either genuine light use or, more often, extended periods of standing or occasional short journeys. This usage profile carries distinct mechanical implications: brake discs and calipers are prone to corrosion and binding through inactivity, coil springs and suspension bushes deteriorate faster from standing exposure to moisture and salt than from mileage accumulation, and exhaust systems suffer accelerated external corrosion. The recurring advisories on corroded coil springs and pitted brake discs strongly reflect a standing-vehicle pattern rather than wear from sustained driving. Given these documented defects, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection and listen carefully during a test drive. With the front brake discs already showing wear, request a measurement of remaining disc thickness and check for lipping or uneven run-out, as scoring and pitting typically progresses to brake shudder under heavy braking if discs are not refurbished or replaced. Following the replacement of the offside front coil spring in January 2026, inspect for any remaining signs of broken or sagging springs on all four corners, particularly the rear springs which have shown progressive corrosion; listen for clonking noises over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces and check for uneven ride height. The corroded rear brake discs flagged in both 2026 advisories warrant a physical check for warping or binding calipers, which would manifest as uneven braking pull or dragging, and bear in mind that the rear exhaust was flagged as deteriorating in 2021. Beyond the recorded defects, the low-mileage, older-vehicle profile demands attention to time-served components. Inspect all four tyres carefully, not just for tread depth but for sidewall perishing, cracking, and cuts given the advisory on the offside front sidewall damage, as tyres over six years old degrade from age regardless of remaining tread. Have the 12 volt battery independently load-tested, as prolonged standing use typically shortens battery life to two to four years. Verify the service history book for timely replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil on calendar intervals rather than mileage alone, since low annual use means these fluids may have exceeded their recommended service life despite low odometer readings. Finally, inspect thoroughly underneath the vehicle for structural corrosion, paying close attention to the rear coil spring mounting areas and exhaust mounting points, as surface corrosion advisories on these components suggest broader chassis exposure that warrants a professional pre-purchase inspection.