Mito twin air as first car?

[WWESTY]

Looking for a first car for my son and been considering all the usual suspects - Polo, Clio, Ibiza, Mini.

Anyway, over the weekend I realised that something Alfa Mito shaped could also be in budget, and a lot more interesting!
Ran a few insurance quotes and it seems its no worse than anything else.

Looking at 2012/13 probably, with a budget around £5.5k, obviously depending on spec/mileage.

So, any opinions on the idea, Mito's as an ownership prospect, and what to look out for, would be very welcome!

Cheers

PS I've said the twin air, but should we be looking at 1.4?

Edited by WWESTY on Monday 15th August 11:50

[Vitorio]

WWESTY said:

PS I've said the twin air, but should we be looking at 1.4?

Edited by WWESTY on Monday 15th August 11:50

I'd be looking at the non-turbo 1.4 16v unit, itll be slower (although if it happens to be a 78hp unit, it is easily remapped to 95) but also most likely more durable. Im slightly weary of all these tiny turbo engines being driven by people with little mechanical sympathy, there is no telling how often its been stopped dead straight after a spirited drive, depriving the turbo of much needed cooling.

They are nice cars though, its essentially a punto with some added alfa-ness underneath.

[CainMY]

Currently 19 and I own a 2012 MiTo 0.9 Twin Air - got it for my first car with around 52k miles on it. I have owned it for around less 6 months now and I really enjoy it! It's different to the usual polo, ibiza, etc. Comes with the Alfa known DNA which I find actually helps quite a bit when overtaking haha, a USB port, it's great I've put a K&N panel filter on mine so there's a bit more turbo noise which I LOVE :P I've 'raced' a mk7 fiesta and I beat it every time, the polo is faster than the MiTo, i'm not sure about an ibiza though! I think the 0.9 MiTo is great though personally for a first car

I wanted to get the 1.4 TB however, insurance would be too much for me If you can afford the 1.4 then go for it - but be sure to check miles on it and the servicing, etc as there may be some issues. Hope this helps!

[WWESTY]

Thanks for feedback!

[Charliesum]

I ran a 1.3d as a work car for 3 years from new. Performed faultlessly but engine mounts were rusting like a bugger.
I traded it in for a new 0.9 multi air.
I was promised 50mpg!!!!!
For first 2000m I couldn't get over 21.
Absolutely gutless and ridiculous mpg.
The diesels can be given a tuning box treatment when you want a bit more.
Seat comfy even on long journey.
16 inch steel wheels don't look as good as 18s but give a good ride and bigger tyre walls offer protection for the keening moments.
Speakers can be replaced quite easily if he wanted to
Air con ok but not great
They look nice cars and other than the poor performance from the 0.9 are good first cars.
Just make sure their is minimal rust around engine bay

[WWESTY]

Thanks again for the input.
Certainly looks like a more interesting option and pleased to hear its not unrealistic.

[celestequattro]

My daughter passed her test a couple of months ago and after considering Polo, Mito, 500 etc. settled on a 875cc Mito TwinAir. Had the usual concerns over kerbing, mechanical sympathy etc. but all ill founded.

She loves it.

875cc cheaper to insure than 1.4 oddly enough....

[WWESTY]

celestequattro said:

My daughter passed her test a couple of months ago and after considering Polo, Mito, 500 etc. settled on a 875cc Mito TwinAir. Had the usual concerns over kerbing, mechanical sympathy etc. but all ill founded.

She loves it.

875cc cheaper to insure than 1.4 oddly enough....

Excellent, although I'll probably not tell him it was your daughter as he'll be thinking its too feminine...

At the moment for him it comes down to Mito or Mini. Mini will probably have to be a little older to make the budget.