Owners Club MiTo Register Buyers Guide

What you need to know What to look out for when buying Reference guide to take when viewing This buyers guide is aimed at sports rear bumper diffuser and existing and potential MiTo sports dials with white illumina- owners to help understand the tion on a black background. different MiTos available and The 2010 launch of the Clover- what to look for when buying. leaf model included 17” Clover- A well-maintained and cher- leaf alloy wheels and Cloverleaf ished MiTo can be a fabulous badging, dark headlining and , but choose one based on wheel, 305mm Brembo your needs, your driving use front brakes as standard (with all and the condition of the car. calipers painted red) along with There are several tips to look chrome, twin tailpipes and sports out for in this guide, along with dials with white illumination some easy to use pictures for from the early Veloce. you to print and take with you Revisions in 2011 resulted in when looking at a used MiTo. the introduction of the Sprint And don’t forget there is a trim which broadly aligned to the wealth of other information in original Turismo but with added the Useful Info section of our Blue&Me, cruise control, remote website, mitoregister.com. audio controls on the steering wheel and front fog lights. The Trims same year, the revised line-up The launch-MiTo trim levels became Progression, Distinctive seat upholstery (from the previ- unique upholstery). were Turismo, Lusso and Velo- and Quadrfoglio Verde. The en- ous Veloce). The Quadrifoglio The 2016 facelift of the entire ce. The entry-level Turismo try-level Progression was effec- Verde trim mirrored the Clover- MiTo range created four trim featured grey or red Turismo tively a down-graded Sprint with leaf specification but with 18” levels: MiTo, Super, Speciale and cloth seats, manual air- Exclusive QV alloy wheels, ac- Veloce. The entry-level MiTo conditioning, electrically adjust- tive suspension, rear parking featured 16” alloy wheels, Alfa able mirrors, the Alfa Romeo sensors and new DNA, Uconnect 5” colour DNA system, radio/CD and black upholstery with green touchscreen, audio controls on 16”wheels. The Lusso trim add- stitching. the steering wheel and black ed carbon-effect dashboard In 2012, the new Sportiva Tecnosilk fabric upholstery. The (initially available in black, red trim was introduced which, in Super was upgraded with new or blue), Lusso cloth seats in simple terms, was the Quadri- 17” Turbine alloy wheels, rear black, red or blue, leather foglio Verde trim but without parking sensors, front fog lights, steering wheel and gear knob, 15” steel wheels, no Blue&Me or the more powerful 170bhp cruise control, front armrest and chrome window trim, front fog cruise control and no Alfa Romeo and active suspension. anthracite fabric upholstery. lights and remote audio con- DNA on the new 8v 78bhp petrol The Sportiva featured the same Speciale featured 17” darkened 5 trols on the steering wheel. engine. The Distinctive was simi- darkened interior, 18” QV Veloce trim featured seats in lar to the original Lusso but in- wheels, green-stitched alcanta- black or red sports cloth, 17” cluded 17” wheels, red painted ra interior and other features, wheels, red painted brake cali- brake calipers, sports rear bump- coupled with Sportiva badging. pers, rear spoiler, integrated er diffuser, aluminium sports The MiTo line-up was re- Blue&Me, a front armrest, pedals, rear spoiler and sport freshed in October 2013 for the 2014 model year in Sprint, Distinctive, Sportiva (renamed QV Line during 2014) and hole alloy wheels, a flat- Quadrifoglio Verde trim. The bottomed steering wheel, carbon refresh included new technolo- -fibre finish headlights, red paint- gy with the new Uconnect sys- ed brake calipers, a new sports tem and the inclusion of cruise rear diffuser, sports dials with control, rear parking sensors white illumination and fabric and and other small features (e.g. alcantara upholstery with red lumbar support) as standard on stitching. The new Veloce mir- all trims, though the re- rored the Speciale with the addi- introduction of the Progression tion of new 18” darkened 5-hole entry-level trim in 2015 along alloy wheels, active suspension, with the special edition Junior Uconnect NAV, twin tailpipes and model down-graded those as- Veloce badging, and was only pects to options (though the available with the 170bhp petrol Junior edition included some engine with TCT .

Copyright © 2019 Alfa Romeo Owners Club | MiTo Register www.mitoregister.com Copyright © 2019 Alfa Romeo Owners Club | MiTo Register www.mitoregister.com Fuel Euro Engine Power Top Speed 0-62 mph CO2 Consumption Emis. Std Depending on the year and trim level, fourteen engine and 0.9 (85) TwinAir Petrol 83 bhp 67 mpg 108 mph 12.1 sec 98 g/km 5 gearbox combinations were 0.9 (105) TwinAir Petrol 103 bhp 67 mpg 114 mph 11.0 sec 99 g/km 6 available during the production of the MiTo. 1.4 16v (95) Petrol 93 bhp 47 mpg 112 mph 10.8 sec 138 g/km 5 Early models offered a 1.4 8v (78) Petrol 76 bhp 50 mpg 103 mph 13.0 sec 130 g/km 5 95bhp 16v petrol alongside 1.4 TB (120) Petrol 120 bhp 46 mpg 123 mph 8.5 sec 145 g/km 4 120bhp and 155bhp turbo en- 1.4 TB (155) Petrol 155 bhp 43 mpg 134 mph 7.7 sec 153 g/km 4 gines (often referred to as the 1.4 (105) Petrol 103 bhp 49 mpg 116 mph 10.7 sec 134 g/km 5 ‘TB’ or ‘T-Jet’ engines). The first diesel engines were availa- 1.4 TB (135) MultiAir Petrol 133 bhp 50 mpg 129 mph 8.4 sec 129 g/km 5 ble as a 90bhp 1.3 JTDM or 1.4 TB (135) MultiAir Petrol TCT 133 bhp 51 mpg 129 mph 8.2 sec 126 g/km 5 120bhp 1.6 JTDM. The turbo 1.4 TB (140) MultiAir Petrol TCT 138 bhp 52 mpg 130 mph 7.8 sec 124 g/km 6 petrol and 1.6 diesel engines 1.4 TB (170) MultiAir Petrol 167 bhp 47 mpg 136 mph 7.3 sec 139 g/km 5 are noticeable quickly than the 1.4 TB (170) MultiAir Petrol TCT 167 bhp 52 mpg 136 mph 7.1 sec 124 g/km 6 normally-aspirated 1.4 or the 1.3 JTDM, but none of the en- 1.3 JTDM (85) Diesel 83 bhp 80 mpg 108 mph 12.9 sec 90 g/km 5 gines are particularly slow and 1.3 JTDM (95) Diesel 93 bhp 65 mpg 112 mph 11.2 sec 112 g/km 5 all deliver a fun drive. 1.3 JTDM (95) Diesel 93 bhp 83 mpg 112 mph 12.1 sec 89 g/km 6 In 2010, the TB petrol en- 1.6 JTDM (120) Diesel 118 bhp 64 mpg 123 mph 9.6 sec 114 g/km 5 gines were replaced with the 1.6 JTDM (120) Diesel (Start/Stop) 118 bhp 65 mpg 123 mph 9.6 sec 112 g/km 6 new MultiAir engines which featured electro-hydraulic con- box which can suffer from bear- by people unfamiliar with the bust, but many aspects require a trol of inlet valves, giving im- ing wear at higher mileage, typi- brand. The MiTo is frequently strong battery voltage. A weak proved efficiency and perfor- cally resulting in whining, difficult somebody’s first car and histor- or old battery can lead to various mance. The MultiAir engines gear selection or gear-lever mov- ically is owned by the younger errors or warnings and even seri- were initially in 135bhp and ing of its own accord. generation, helped by cheap ous failures such as the Electric 170bhp versions, but ultimately finance deals. Alfa Romeo spe- Power Steering. So check the were available in 105bhp, What to Check cifically targeted the cool, battery is new or recent, or plan 140bhp and 170bhp variants. The MiTo is generally a relia- young generation with the Mi- to fit a new battery within the From 2012, the 875cc, two- ble car. But there are some key To and it helped sales in later first weeks of ownership to avoid cyclinger TwinAir engine be- things to check when considering years, but it can also result in a any spurious (or worse) issues. came available offering lower general lack of care and purchasing one. MultiAir Engines insurance groups and greater maintenance. Service History efficiency, though actual fuel Look out for poorly main- The MultiAir engine, despite consumption was considerably Everyone will always tell you tained brakes, paintwork and its improved efficiency, requires worse than the claimed figures to look for a full service history budget tyres which could, very specific oil quality and also as drivers tend to rev the en- with any car. But with the MiTo, though not always, indicate a gine harder to keep up the pace this is particularly important as lack of investment in proper resulting in more fuel being some versions require very spe- servicing and maintenance. It used. cific maintenance and oil quali- is possible that somebody who The diesel engines evolved in ties. If the MiTo has its original is unwilling to invest in general line with emissions regulations, service book, check for stamps at upkeep may also be less willing with the JTDM-2 engines from genuine Alfa Romeo dealers or to invest in the correct oil or 2010 featuring diesel particu- Alfa Romeo Specialists. Of equal OEM parts. late filtration for emission con- importance are the receipts for trols. This does mean that die- those services, as that is where features a little-known (and quite sels should not be used exclu- any advisories or recommended well hidden) MultiAir filter which sively for town/city driving or repairs will be listed (and hope- is separate from the usual oil only short trips: they need fully proven as carried out). If filter. Many owners, garages and good, fast runs to keep the die- there is no service history, walk even some dealers do not under- sel particulate filter clear which away, whatever the discount stand the importance of this is not possible with short drives being offered or however good which contributes to MultiAir or city driving. the MiTo seems. unit failures (approximately £500 Transmissions are generally to replace, plus labour). Symp- General Maintenance Battery robust, but the early 155 TB toms are misfires and rough- petrol and 1.6 diesel versions Unlike many cars from Alfa The electronics and electrics running, so only buy a MiTo with were fitted with the M32 gear- Romeo, the MiTo is often owned in the MiTo are relatively ro- a comprehensive service history

Copyright © 2019 Alfa Romeo Owners Club | MiTo Register www.mitoregister.com from an Alfa Romeo dealer or leaf/QV models have adaptive Exhaust be sure to try all modes when Alfa Romeo Specialist, and suspension which features Koni The exhaust back-box on all test driving a MiTo. Simply press check that the owner knows shock absorbers which are very models tends to rust prema- and hold the switch up/down for which oil is used and has a gen- expensive to replace. So check turely on the outer metal skin. a few seconds to change the eral awareness of (and has fol- all shock absorbers for any leaks Whilst this is not necessarily a mode. Note, the 78bhp petrol lowed) the maintenance sched- or misting and check the last few problem, if left untreated will engine models do not have DNA. ules of the MiTo. MOT certificates for any adviso- lead to further corrosion of the USB/AUX Steering ries about shock absorbers silencer itself, so be sure to misting. Most, but not all, MiTos have The MiTo has a unique Elec- check underneath and, at the a USB and Aux-in socket (just tric Power Steering unit that Alternator very least, use rust to negotiate below the gearstick on early uses sensors to monitor the Early models suffered from a a discount. steering torque, vehicle speed poorly designed drainage route Heater and rotation to determine the from the scuttle whereby water The standard MiTo heater is amount of assistance needed. from the windscreen dripped a three-dial unit and can suffer But it is a sealed unit, so any directly onto the alternator caus- from failed heater resistors. failures need a complete refur- ing premature failure. This is This is a cheap and easy fix, but bishment or replacement. particularly evident in winter check the heater works on all Whilst there are specialists who where the water freezes on the settings and if not expect to be will refurbish the unit for alternator. Most cars were mod- replacing the heater resistor around £350, ensure you check ified with a revised scuttle drain (under the glovebox). An op- the steering at standstill, at pipe but check the condition of tional dual-zone climate control slow speed and on the move the alternator for rust or mois- unit suffers less with the resis- for anything out of the ordi- ture on pre-2011 cars. tor (and has a different type, nary. Tailgate Electrics albeit still under the glovebox) models or under the armrest on later models). Some entry-level The MiTo has a wiring loom trims and special editions did not from the car to tailgate with a have these fitted as standard, but single point of failure. Whilst be aware that on the majority of there are wiring loom repair kits pre-2016 models, smartphones available, always check that the only connect via Bluetooth for rear wiper, the heated rear calls and texts, not music. So the screen and the boot release USB or Aux-in is the only simple button (the Alfa Romeo badge on way to connect your smartphone the tailgate) all operate without Gears to the MiTo, and their absence issue. Any odd behaviour with but check the controls all work may prove important to you. The M32 gearbox is fitted to any of these could mean the wir- and the display operates as it Early (pre-60 registration) Mi- early 155 TB petrol and 1.6 die- ing loom needs fixing. should as replacing these units Tos with a USB socket also need sel cars and can suffer from is very expensive. a special Blue&Me Apple USB bearing wear. This tends to DNA adaptor to connect an iPhone. show up as a whining in These typically cost around £70 5th/6th gears, a constant whine The Alfa DNA system has three settings: Dynamic, Nor- but are not required for 60- from 20mph, crunching of registration onwards cars. gears or difficulty selecting mal (later called Natural) and gears and a ‘haunted All Weather. Setting the differ- Summary gearstick’ (the gearstick moving ent modes changes the dynam- The MiTo is a fabulous car if of its own accord, typically in ics of the MiTo (steering, sus- the previous owners have taken 1st or 5th gears). Check the full pension, throttle response) so care of it. Do not let this short gearbox operation at all speeds Door Handles list of potential issues put you off to ensure it operates correctly. a MiTo: drive one and see for All MiTo manual gearboxes Both exterior and interior yourself what a great car the should be light and easy to en- door handles can suffer with MiTo really is. gage all gears. wear on higher-mileage MiTos, so check the operation and for But do your homework, do Suspension any looseness in the door han- your checks, and take this guide The majority of MiTos have dles as whilst not very expensive with you when you view a used relatively standard suspension, are a pain to change. Being a Alfa Romeo MiTo. though they do have a frameless door, the MiTo win- And remember there are plen- tendence to snap springs at dows drop a centimetre on open- ty of MiTos currently in the UK, higher mileage so always check ing the door, so check this oper- so take your time and ensure you for this. The 170bhp Clover- ates correctly too. choose the best you can afford.

Copyright © 2019 Alfa Romeo Owners Club | MiTo Register www.mitoregister.com Battery Engine Engine Oil The battery needs to be rela- Check the coolant level looks correct and Ask the seller which oil is in tively new and hold a strong clean. Check the underside of the oil cap the car. If they do not know charge. Old batteries may for white mayonnaise (could indicate (particularly MultiAir models) lead to errors and warnings. head gasket issue). Check for any strange this shows a lack of under- noises or rattling from the engine when standing. Check the dipstick running. Check alternator for rust or to ensure the oil looks new Brakes moisture. Cambelt should be changed and at the correct level. Check condition of discs and every 4 years so check for written records pads - poor condition might of this (excl. 0.9 TwinAir and 1.3 JTD indicate a lack of maintenance which both have chains). Temperature elsewhere on the car. 305mm Check the car starts well Brembo front calipers were from cold and when warm, optional on some models (and and ensure the temperature standard on higher models). rises correctly (to the half Check handbrake operation at way point) after seven or a standstill and gently at a slow eight minutes. speed to ensure it functions.

Steering Gears/Clutch Check lock-to-lock at a stand- Ensure every gear engages still, at low speed and during well at a standstill and on the the test drive. Any noise or test drive. There should be no change in behaviour may whining or difference in noise indicate an Electric Power with the clutch pedal de- Steering issue which needs pressed or released. Pay par- the entire steering unit to be ticular attention to 1.6 diesel replaced or rebuilt. and early 155TB models with

the M32 gearbox. Tyres Ensure tyres have plenty of Keys/Door Handles tread. Premium tyres are a All MiTos have two remote good indication of general keys. If there is only one, maintenance investment. they are very expensive to Unbranded/budget tyres replace. Check higher mile- may indicate cheap mainte- age cars which may have nance elsewhere so are a loose door handles. bad sign.

Paintwork Suspension Stonechips are common at Check for any noise or loose- the front and on the rear ness from the suspension wheel arch flares - check for when on the test drive. Com- any bad chips and any re- mon issues with front top- sulting paint lacquer peel mounts will make the suspen- which is not a simple fix. sion/steering feel loose. 170bhp versions have adap- Tailgate tive suspension (expensive to replace) so check the shock Check the rear wiper works and Exhaust absorbers for moisture/leaks the tailgate release button (the Rust is common on the outer skin of or any advisories of shocks Alfa Romeo badge) opens the tail- the rear exhaust, but check for any ‘misting’ on MOT. Check all gate. Any issues could suggest a blowing noises or obvious holes. springs which have a tendency break in the wiring loom between But use rust to reduce price. to snap on the MiTo. the car and the tailgate.

Copyright © 2019 Alfa Romeo Owners Club | MiTo Register www.mitoregister.com Radio (Older Models) Hazard/Lock Buttons Sat Nav The original CD/radio is relia- The hazard warning/door lock Early MiTos had an optional ble, but check all buttons buttons can, on occasion, built-in sat-nav/radio though work and the display lights up become pushed into the maps are no longer available. correctly. dash. This is a relatively easy There was an optional dash- fix but worth checking. port with a plug-in TomTom unit but overwhelmingly there was no Sat-nav on early cars. Heater On the standard three-dial heater, check the fans operate Steering Buttons on all settings and check both If the MiTo has buttons on the heat and air conditioned air steering wheel, ensure they flows correct. If the fan only work and check for damage or works on one setting (e.g. the scratches as they are tricky to lowest or the highest setting) it replace. is likely a cheap fix of the heat- er resistor. DNA Most versions of the MiTo are fitted with the DNA system. USB/Aux (Early Models) Check it operates in all modes Some early models had either a by pressing and holding the USB or Aux-in (or both) socket switch up or down for three or below the gearstick. If the ver- four seconds until the mode sion does not include these, it changes. The DNA modes makes it difficult to connect change throttle response, your smartphone to play music. steering lightness and (on 170bhp models) the adaptive suspension firmness.

Door Handles Check the door handles oper- Uconnect (Newer Models) ate the doors and are not Later models had the Uconnect damaged as they are difficult touch-screen installed, but many to replace without removing models only had Sat-nav as an the whole interior door card. option. Check if the MiTo has a “Nav” button if you need Sat- nav, and check all touch-screen functions of the unit. Only the USB/Aux (Later Models) newest MiTos enable music to be played via Bluetooth. Most Later models with the Ucon- versions have calls and texts via nect system will have the USB the Bluetooth Blue&Me system. and Aux-in sockets below the

armrest. Dual-Zone Climate The standard three-dial heater Upholstery and Seating unit could be upgraded to a The driver’s seat bolster can wear on higher mileage dual-zone climate system as an cars and on leather interiors. The split rear seat with option. If the MiTo has this third seatbelt was an option and not standard on any fitted, ensure it operates in all MiTo. Almost all MiTos only have two rear seatbelts modes and ensure the fan op- unless this option was selected (relatively rare). Sa- erates correctly on all settings. belt carbon sports seats were an expensive option and Dual-zone means different tem- are very rare, though typically only add approximately peratures are possible for the £500 to the value of a complete car, though fetch passenger and the driver, so more if sold separately to be retro-fitted. check that functions correctly.

Copyright © 2019 Alfa Romeo Owners Club | MiTo Register www.mitoregister.com