2013 Alfa Romeo Mito 0.9L Petrol · RF13 WMK

This 2013 Alfa Romeo Mioto presents a rather unusual DVSA record, with two consecutive annual test events each showing both a pass and a fail entered against the same date, while earlier testing in 2023 returned a straightforward pass. The latest entry on 18 December 2025 followed that same dual-result pattern, suggesting the failures are tied to specific items addressed at the test station rather than deeply entrenched structural or systemic defects. No defects, advisories, or component notes are recorded against any of these test events, which on the face of it indicates a vehicle that has historically met minimum roadworthiness requirements on the items the DVSA examiner chose to record. Taken in isolation, the clean defect history points to a car that has not yet developed the corrosion, suspension wear, or brake component deterioration often seen on Miots of this vintage, though the absence of recorded advisories should not be interpreted as proof that every wearable item is in new condition, since examiners only log items meeting specific criteria. The recorded mileage of 85,055 against a thirteen-year age gives an annual accumulation of roughly 6,543 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this type and age rather than indicating long-term storage or unusually heavy use. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record visible from the data supplied, with annual tests consistently presented over recent years, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use and has not been laid up for multi-year periods that might otherwise have masked developing corrosion or dry-jointed brake hydraulic components. A usage pattern of this steady, moderate mileage generally allows consumables such as tyres, brake pads, discs, and clutch components to wear at a predictable rate without suffering either the brittleness associated with prolonged standing or the accelerated wear that comes with very high annual mileage. From a mechanical standpoint, this rate of accumulation is favourable for the integrity of rubber seals, flexible brake hoses, drive belt materials, and battery condition, none of which have been flagged at test. That said, the Alfa Romeo Mioto of this generation is known for a handful of component weaknesses that buyers should actively investigate even though the official MOT record shows no advisories. The front suspension, particularly the lower wishbone bushes, front anti-roll bar drop links, and top mount bearings, is a known wear area on cars that have covered more than 80,000 miles, so a careful inspection with the wheels off the ground and a test drive over uneven surfaces is worthwhile to detect any knocking, clonking, or wandering from the front end. Rear beam axle bushes and coil spring seats also warrant attention, as does the condition of the rear brake flexible hoses, which on early Miots have been known to perish internally and cause a spongy pedal without visible external cracking. A thorough test drive should include firm pedal applications to check for judder under braking, which on a car of this mileage would suggest warped front discs, and slow-speed manoeuvres to feel for any binding from the rear calipers, another reported weak point on this model. Beyond suspension and braking checks, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the cooling system, given the Alfa Romeo small petrol engines of this era have a history of water pump and thermostat housing failures that can lead to coolant loss without leaving any MOT-relevant defect. Listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, inspect the underside of the engine and gearbox for signs of oil misting or weep, and check the condition of the exhaust system between the catalyst and rear silencer, where corrosion can progress unseen on a car that has seen thirteen winters of road salt. Finally, verify that the recent test failures did not relate to headlamp condition, tyre selection, or electronic system readiness, as these are common reasons for a same-day fail followed by a same-day pass and would reassure a buyer that the underlying mechanical condition of the car remains sound heading into the next test cycle in late 2026.