[Megatron-UK]

Hi folks, long time since I've been on here. Finally got around to replacing my old 54 plate 147 JTDm.

Was initially looking at a Fiesta ST, but couldn't quite stretch to it, and happened to see a Mito while I was out and about.

So, I found a 2010 Cloverleaf 170 in gardenia white, titanium grey light surrounds and the upgraded 18" titanium grey wheels. It's quite smart looking and the bodywork seems immaculate. It's got black full leather interior with red 'carbon' panels. Everything seems to work, which is a bonus :biglaugh:

http://www.redgatelodge.co.uk/used-ALFA ROMEO-MITO-Newcastle-Upon-Tyne-Tyne-and-Wear-774053

It's got 36k on the clock, test drove it and it all seems to drive nice - loads of power, smooth, nice ride (compared to my lowered and bone jarring 147). Even my wife seemed to like it :thumbup:

It needs a few things sorting out - a front tyre replacing (kerb damage) and a set of new rear discs, but that seems like everything.

Just wondered if this was a decent looking example? Going back for a second look tomorrow - anything I should be specifically looking at?

 

[Peteimpreza]

Check the ol changes have been done at least every two years , ideally every one .

Brake fluid is every two regardless of mileage .

It should have had a cam belt change at five years regardless of mileage .

 

[Skaffen]

Yeah, I'd make sure the cam belt has been done (and insist they do it as part of any deal if it hasn't). If it's doing low mileage then oil changes should really be annually (as per Alfa recommendations). See if the invoice for the most recent service shows what oil was used and check it's the correct specification.

 

[Bri_Y]

Looks like the wheels have been refurbished - I might be wrong but I think the titanium grey 18" wheels were still two-tone.

 

[pookie]

The wheels are the correct colour, the earlier cloverleafs were painted that matte grey, one thing to look out for is that in the summer if we get some sunshine the red 'carbon look' dash reflects badly on the windscreen, I was told this by a dealer when I went for a test drive in 2009 before I bought my mito with the black dash, even that one reflects on to the screen a bit.

 

[Megatron-UK]

Cheers folks. I did have a quick look at the service book when I was there at the weekend - 3 stamps by the look of things (last in Dec 2015), not sure about a timing belt; I'll need to check.

If I had to do it myself, what's the belt change like on the multiair compared to a normal 16v motor like my JTDm? The belt route looked quite a bit simpler.

Popped back for a second look today with my old man (mechanic - and services all my cars; hence the question about the belt change procedure) for his opinion. He did spot a couple of things that I didn't (rear silencer heavily corroded - which they said they'd sort, as well as a small crack in the plastic engine under-tray; probably car-park or kerb damage, not something I'll lose sleep over), but overall, he also seemed quite pleased.

I'll see what happens with the remedial work they said they would do (tyres, exhaust, rear discs), verify the service history and take it from there.

:thumbup:

 

[Megatron-UK]

Well, we went for it!

Picked up the Cloverleaf on Friday. They fitted 3 new 18" tyres as well as a set of new rear discs and pads for us as part of the purchase price - checked the rear exhaust box (which was corroded) but determined it wasn't leaking, so that's been left as-is. Can't really argue with that when they did all the above work.

I decided that we'd do the cambelt ourselves, as well as fit an Ulter Sport rear box (when the time comes), as looking at the steps for the former it's nothing too difficult; just a case of borrowing the locking tools.

We've driven it a couple of times over the weekend so far - my wife really loves it; she normally drives a 2009 Micra 1.2, so it's a big step up for her! Myself, I've driven big engined petrol turbo (911 Turbo, Escort Cosworth - both are still garage queens!) and diesels (the 147) for the last few years, so it's weird adjusting to a small revvy 4 pot turbo! That said, when put in Dynamic mode it's got a good turn of speed for a little 1.4, and this is my everyday 'practical' car, so I need to adjust to that :thumbup:

Love the interior, it's finished off really nicely, tons of gadgets we're still finding out about (we drove it home on saturday night and were both surprised when the rear view mirror automatically darkened!), so that should keep us happy for some time. Ride is also firm, but comfortable. All in all, I'm really happy with it, and a far more sensible purchase than the current Fiesta ST (which is still a fantastic hot hatch, btw, if you get a chance to drive one, take it - a rocket powered go-kart!).

John

 

[mushnafen]

Glad you bit the bullet and went for it.

Auto darkened mirror, now that's a bonus as this is not standard must have a visibility pack or something.

Enjoy


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[Megatron-UK]

Glad you bit the bullet and went for it.

Auto darkened mirror, now that's a bonus as this is not standard must have a visibility pack or something.

Enjoy

It must have something like that, yes - it has a couple of little lights on the bottom of the interior mirror. I guess they are to tell you when the auto-darkening feature is enabled or something. Haven't read through the entire manual yet, so I'm still figuring things out!

Will get some decent pictures up shortly... well, after my wife gives it a good clean as she managed to get it filthy on a short jolly this afternoon!

 

[pookie]

All of the early Mitos had the little lights under the rear view mirror, they glow red when you switch the headlights on and bathe the gearstick area in red light, one of those little touches that separate a supermini from a mini :happy: apparently the newer Mitos have dropped this feature, seems to be a cost cutting measure :furious: