2013 Alfa Romeo Mito 1.2L Diesel · WN62 PYP

The most recent DVSA examination took place on 23 September 2025, at which the Alfa Romeo Mito was issued a pass certificate, although four advisory items were recorded alongside a borderline tyre defect. Looking at the broader testing pattern, the vehicle has experienced a recent deterioration in its roadworthiness standing. Across the three most recent annual tests, the car has alternated between fail and pass outcomes, with a dangerous failure in September 2024 involving exposed tyre cords and a leaking shock absorber, followed by a major failure only six days before the September 2025 pass relating to an inoperative reversing lamp. The persistence of rear axle swivel pin and bush wear advisories across the last two tests, together with recurring coil spring corrosion noted on both axles over multiple examinations, points to a developing chassis and suspension wear pattern rather than isolated one-off defects. The braking system also warrants attention, having been flagged for imbalance at the 2022 test and again showing related component concerns since, indicating that braking maintenance has not been fully resolved. With 68,591 miles recorded over approximately thirteen years, the Mito has averaged only around 5,276 miles per year, which is well below typical usage for a vehicle of this age and points to significant periods of standing or very light use. Such low annual mileage carries its own mechanical considerations, as prolonged inactivity tends to accelerate corrosion on ferrous components, degrade brake discs and pads due to surface rust and caliper binding, and shorten battery life. The evidence from the MOT history supports this concern, with coil spring corrosion now noted on all four corners across successive tests and rear axle bushes showing progressive wear despite the modest mileage, both of which are characteristic of a car that has spent considerable time stationary. There is no indication of any unusually high mileage years that would suggest motorway use or rapid accumulation, so the wear profile should be interpreted as age and standing-related rather than distance-related. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories on the rear axle swivel pins and bushes deserve particular attention on inspection. These components control rear wheel alignment and locating, and progressive wear typically presents as a clonking or knocking noise from the rear suspension over bumps, vague or wandering handling at speed, and uneven inner or outer tyre tread wear. A physical check involves rocking each rear wheel top to bottom and side to side with the car jacked to detect play, or listening for a dull rattle on a test drive over uneven surfaces. The coil spring corrosion advisories across all four corners suggest general chassis corrosion is established and progressing; a thorough examination of the springs for deep pitting or scaling is worthwhile, as severely corroded springs can eventually fracture, particularly on a car that has clearly been exposed to damp standing conditions. Given the dangerous tyre failures recorded in 2022 and 2024, a close tread depth measurement across the full face of all four tyres is essential, along with sidewall inspection for perishing and cracking associated with age rather than wear. Beyond the recorded advisories, the age and low usage profile of this Mito demands several standing-related checks that would not normally be highlighted by mileage alone. The brake discs should be inspected for severe corrosion pitting or lipping, the calipers should be checked for free sliding movement to rule out seizure, and a firm brake pedal feel with no juddering on application will confirm the system is functioning correctly after potential periods of disuse. Brake fluid should be replaced on a time basis rather than purely by mileage, as it is hygroscopic and degrades regardless of use, and similarly the coolant and engine oil will have aged considerably given the low annual mileage and should be verified as recently refreshed. The 12V battery is likely to be approaching the end of its service life given thirteen years of ownership, and its date code and state of charge should be checked before purchase. Finally, given the multiple electronic and lamp-related defects seen across the 2023 and 2025 tests, a thorough functional check of all exterior lamps, the windscreen washer system, the engine management warning lamp cycle on ignition, and the electronic stability control system should be carried out, as these intermittent electronic faults have appeared with some regularity in the recent testing history.