2017 Alfa Romeo Mito 0.9L Petrol · OC07 MAC

The latest MOT test outcome for the 2017 Alfa Romeo Mito reflects a critical mechanical failure that necessitated its retest, with the 2025-01-21 inspection recording a major defect for a fractured or broken offside front coil spring under 5.3.1 (b) (i). Despite this, the vehicle passed subsequent MOTs through to 2026-01-20, indicating either a temporary or partially resolved issue, though the coil spring failure itself remains a persistent concern. The overall maintenance trend shows an initial period of advisories related to tyre wear close to legal limits, which persisted through several tests before culminating in the major spring failure. While the vehicle has otherwise maintained a clean MOT record since the spring issue was flagged, the presence of a fractured coil spring—particularly given its location and the vehicle’s age—suggests underlying suspension wear that may have been exacerbated by prolonged standing or uneven loading. The advisories on tyre wear, particularly the balding inner edge, also warrant closer attention, as they may indicate improper alignment, excessive load distribution, or prolonged static positioning that accelerates tyre degradation. The recorded mileage of 47,144 miles for a vehicle aged nine years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 5,238 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age and likely reflects either infrequent operation or extended periods of static storage. Such low mileage can mask wear on consumables like brake pads and fluids, as well as potential issues arising from prolonged idling or standing, such as corrosion in brake systems, standing fluid degradation, or premature tyre perishing from exposure to environmental elements. Conversely, if the mileage were higher, one might expect more pronounced signs of wear on suspension components, drivetrain elements, and internal engine wear, but the current low usage profile suggests that wear progression may be slower than expected. The absence of significant mileage accumulation over the past few years could also imply that the vehicle has been maintained with care, but it also raises questions about whether the coil spring failure was a result of neglect or if the suspension was already compromised before the owner took possession. For the prospective buyer, the most critical inspection focus should be on the front suspension system, particularly the offside coil spring and its associated components. The fractured spring indicates that the suspension geometry may be unstable, leading to uneven ride quality, clunking noises during cornering or over bumps, and potential misalignment of the wheels. On a test drive, listen for excessive clunking or rattling from the front left side, particularly when accelerating or braking, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that could confirm misalignment or suspension misbehaviour. Inspect the front wheels for binding or excessive play when turning, which may suggest binding calipers or warped brake discs. Additionally, visually examine the coil spring for signs of further deterioration, such as fraying or additional fractures, and ensure the shock absorbers are functioning correctly by testing their damping—press down on each corner and release; the vehicle should return to its original position smoothly without excessive bounce or sagging. Beyond suspension, the tyre advisories highlight the need for a thorough inspection of the front tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can compromise structural integrity, and ensure they are within legal limits, even if they are not yet at the legal threshold. If the tyres have been stored for extended periods, consider rotating them to prevent uneven wear from prolonged static positioning. Given the vehicle’s low annual mileage and the presence of a major suspension defect, practical checks for age-related issues should also be prioritised. The tyre tread depth advisories suggest that the inner edges have worn significantly, which may indicate improper alignment or excessive load on that side, but the broader tread pattern should be examined for signs of dry rot or cracking in the sidewall, as this can develop even with low mileage due to prolonged exposure to UV light and temperature fluctuations. Check the brake system for signs of corrosion or binding, particularly around the offside front wheel, where the coil spring failure may have contributed to misalignment or uneven braking forces. Inspect the brake discs for scoring, warping, or excessive thickness wear, and listen for grinding noises when braking, which could indicate metal-to-metal contact from worn pads or damaged discs. The brake fluid reservoir should be checked for contamination or moisture buildup, as standing fluid can degrade over time, compromising braking performance. Additionally, verify the 12V battery health, as prolonged static use can lead to sulphation or reduced capacity, and test the starter motor for responsiveness when engaging the ignition. Finally, since the vehicle has not accumulated high mileage, fluid servicing intervals based on calendar time rather than mileage should be adhered to, particularly for the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, as these can degrade without significant wear from usage. A comprehensive service history check would also be beneficial to confirm whether routine maintenance such as spark plug replacement, filter changes, and suspension component inspections have been conducted.