2009 Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4L Petrol · NA59 OOD

The Alfa Romeo Mito’s most recent MOT test on 3 October 2025 at 156,197 miles passed without defects, though the preceding record from October 2024 at 142,652 miles revealed a pattern of minor but recurring issues. While no serious failures have been recorded, the trend suggests a vehicle that has been maintained at a basic level—addressing immediate pass criteria but not preemptively replacing worn components. The absence of advisories in the latest test implies the tester did not identify any imminent failures, yet the 2024 report highlighted worn brake discs across all four corners, corroded coil springs (front and rear), and a noisy offside rear wheel bearing. These are not critical at present but indicate long-term neglect of suspension and braking components, which could escalate into binding calipers or excessive wheel play if left unchecked. The mileage progression of approximately 9,188 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gap between tests—around 12 months each time—is standard. There is no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation or prolonged inactivity, though the 2023 tests at 140,250 and 140,253 miles suggest a brief period where the vehicle may have been stationary or driven very little before retesting. The lack of significant mileage jumps between 2022 and 2024 (137,805 to 142,652) further supports a steady usage pattern, though the 2023 failure for an inoperative offside parking brake hints at intermittent issues that were likely resolved before the subsequent pass. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension, particularly the front and rear coil springs, which show corrosion across multiple tests. The worn brake discs from 2024 warrant checking for uneven wear or glazing, while the noisy rear wheel bearing should be tested for excessive play or heat. The 2023 parking brake failure also raises questions about the handbrake mechanism’s reliability, so its operation and cable tension should be verified. Structural corrosion near the rear sills, though not severe, deserves attention to ensure it hasn’t progressed since the last test. Given the history, consumables like brake pads, tyres, and wiper blades will likely need replacement soon, but the critical concern lies in the suspension and braking systems, which show signs of deferred maintenance.