2014 Alfa Romeo Mito 0.9L Petrol · MW14 FXY

The Alfa Romeo Mito holds a valid MOT issued on 22 January 2026 at 123,178 miles, but its recent test history reveals a worsening mechanical trend rather than a stable one. Five days prior, on 12 January 2026 at 123,176 miles, the car failed with a fractured offside front coil spring, a broken front exhaust bracket, deteriorated track rod end ball joint dust covers, a worn offside front tyre, a faded rear registration plate, and a parking brake system operating below required efficiency and inoperative on one side. The subsequent pass on 22 January 2026 shows these items were rectified, yet the pattern of multiple failures within a single test cycle points to deferred maintenance rather than proactive servicing. The vehicle has covered approximately 10,265 miles per year since manufacture, which is typical for a 2014 supermini. Mileage accumulation between tests is broadly consistent, rising from 119,185 miles in January 2024 to 121,550 miles in January 2025 and reaching 123,176 miles by January 2026. No significant gaps or sudden jumps suggest long-term standing or clocking concerns. The annual mileage pattern does, however, indicate sustained daily use, which places steady wear on consumables and chassis components. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering assembly. The fractured offside front coil spring flagged in January 2026 is a serious structural defect that can cause sudden ride-height collapse and uneven tyre loading. The nearside track rod end ball joint dust covers were also deteriorated on both sides during the same test cycle, suggesting the boots have been permissive of dirt ingress for some time, which accelerates inner joint wear and can lead to vague steering or clunking over bumps. Inspect the coil springs for any signs of sag, cracking, or corrosion at the seat, and check the track rod ends for play with the front wheels raised. The braking system warrants a thorough in-person check. The January 2026 failure cited parking brake inefficiency and a stiff lever, indicating either stretched cables, binding rear calipers, or contaminated brake shoes. While the car passed five days later, a buyer should test the handbrake on a slope and inspect rear brake components for uneven wear or seized mechanisms. The recurring broken front exhaust bracket across both the 2025 and 2026 tests suggests the exhaust system may be hanging loose, placing stress on the manifold or flexi-joint. Examine the full exhaust for fresh welds, temporary repairs, or corrosion around mounting points. Finally, the faded rear registration plate and historically dim headlamps noted in 2025 are minor housekeeping items, but they reinforce the impression that basic upkeep was not prioritised between 2024 and early 2026.