Alfa MiTo - talk to me
Discussion
Not for me (I'm not really a fan of Alfa's, but let me off that for the minute), but for my brother (who is rather younger, more 'with it'/fashion-conscious, and less of an outright petrolhead).
He's got a new job and is after a new (well, 2nd-hand) car. Wants it to be one that looks good and he'll enjoy owning, but isn't overly fussed by ultimate performance/handling (previous co. car was an A3 TDI-140 3-door which he thought was "quick" because of the diesel 'kick' and 'handled well' because it had lots of grip). Needs to cope with long M-way journeys and soak up the miles without problem because of his job, so I guess he'll be looking at the diesel.
I've tried to do a search, and I've read a few bits on the AlfaOwner forum, but I wanted a warts-and-all (and unbiased) opinion - I can see it looks good and it'll be 'sporty' enough for him, so in that regard I think it'd suit him well. But the alternator issue worries me, and a good friend's 159 Q4 has been a bit of a garage queen (and my bro' hasn't got a mechanically-minded bone in his body!). So I'm still a little concerned that he'll end up with a Friday-afternoon car and it'll be difficult for him to manage (he's a contracting QS and needs to be on-site every day...repeated trips to the dealership could cause problems with his employer).
Also, any suggestions as to spec/engine/options to go-for or avoid would be very welcome.
Cheers,
Martin.
He's got a new job and is after a new (well, 2nd-hand) car. Wants it to be one that looks good and he'll enjoy owning, but isn't overly fussed by ultimate performance/handling (previous co. car was an A3 TDI-140 3-door which he thought was "quick" because of the diesel 'kick' and 'handled well' because it had lots of grip). Needs to cope with long M-way journeys and soak up the miles without problem because of his job, so I guess he'll be looking at the diesel.
I've tried to do a search, and I've read a few bits on the AlfaOwner forum, but I wanted a warts-and-all (and unbiased) opinion - I can see it looks good and it'll be 'sporty' enough for him, so in that regard I think it'd suit him well. But the alternator issue worries me, and a good friend's 159 Q4 has been a bit of a garage queen (and my bro' hasn't got a mechanically-minded bone in his body!). So I'm still a little concerned that he'll end up with a Friday-afternoon car and it'll be difficult for him to manage (he's a contracting QS and needs to be on-site every day...repeated trips to the dealership could cause problems with his employer).
Also, any suggestions as to spec/engine/options to go-for or avoid would be very welcome.
Cheers,
Martin.
My girlfriend has had a MiTo 1.4TB Veloce for the last year or so. I didn't expect to like it; as an MX5 driver and RWD evangelist who drove and hated a Mini Cooper S because it torque-steered so much, an Alfa with similar power-to-weight wouldn't have been my first choice. And Alfas are ALL unreliable, aren't they?
Well, wrong. 12,000 miles and you want to know the full list of faults? The Alfa mats are wearing through very quickly, the driver's internal door handle creaks a bit, and the USB socket broke. That's it. Everything else - all the steering wheel controls, the bluetooth handsfree gubbins, the fancy lights, everything still works. If I had to pick faults, I'd say the steering wheel's a touch too high (but I'm short) and the gearshift could have more weight to it (note: coming from an MX5's physical, mechanical feel).
And against all expectations, it's a peach to drive. I've never driven a 1.4 that sounds so growly and fun, the 'dynamic mode' genuinely changes the feel of the steering and the throttle, it barrels into corners perfectly happily and it's got some fancy electronic differential at the front that kills the torque-steer (well, mostly!). And - whisper it - it's probably cooler than my MX5. And much cooler than a sodding Mini, you don't look like an estate agent...
(This post is unbiased by the fact that she's selling it and I've just put an ad in the classifiends - honestly).
Well, wrong. 12,000 miles and you want to know the full list of faults? The Alfa mats are wearing through very quickly, the driver's internal door handle creaks a bit, and the USB socket broke. That's it. Everything else - all the steering wheel controls, the bluetooth handsfree gubbins, the fancy lights, everything still works. If I had to pick faults, I'd say the steering wheel's a touch too high (but I'm short) and the gearshift could have more weight to it (note: coming from an MX5's physical, mechanical feel).
And against all expectations, it's a peach to drive. I've never driven a 1.4 that sounds so growly and fun, the 'dynamic mode' genuinely changes the feel of the steering and the throttle, it barrels into corners perfectly happily and it's got some fancy electronic differential at the front that kills the torque-steer (well, mostly!). And - whisper it - it's probably cooler than my MX5. And much cooler than a sodding Mini, you don't look like an estate agent...
(This post is unbiased by the fact that she's selling it and I've just put an ad in the classifiends - honestly).
I've had my Cloverleaf for nearly 4 months now (although I was without it for 5 weeks whilst accident damage was repaired, twice) and it's the first Alfa I've owned.
The only issue I've got is with the front seats creaking - it's a fairly common problem and there are fixes to it. The Alfa Red paint does have problems with stone chips although mine doesn't appear to have been affected; Alfa provide clear plastic protectors (about £20) to fit over the rear wheelarch where most people seem to have problems. The water dripping onto the alternator issue should have been resolved by now, if not it's a quick fix at a dealer.
The steering isn't that communicative but it's better in Dynamic, as is the throttle response. If your brother can find one, I would recommend getting one with stop-start and the multiair engine.
The driving position will not suit everybody, having driven mine for some time I now realise I could do with having a bit more reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel. My wife finds the seats uncomfortable as the headrest pushes her neck forwards - so she doesn't go out in it much
Overall I really love mine, the 170 engine is a peach and it just doesn't need to be revved which is unlike every other car I've owned. It's also the first one I've had that complete strangers have commented upon at the petrol station. As for running costs, my QV is supposed to average 47 - I get more like 33 to 34 but it's still a tight engine and I do have a heavy right foot.
My best advice is to go for a good long test drive and join AO.com - you'll get a full warts'n'all view of the whole MiTo ownership experience from the good folks on there.
The only issue I've got is with the front seats creaking - it's a fairly common problem and there are fixes to it. The Alfa Red paint does have problems with stone chips although mine doesn't appear to have been affected; Alfa provide clear plastic protectors (about £20) to fit over the rear wheelarch where most people seem to have problems. The water dripping onto the alternator issue should have been resolved by now, if not it's a quick fix at a dealer.
The steering isn't that communicative but it's better in Dynamic, as is the throttle response. If your brother can find one, I would recommend getting one with stop-start and the multiair engine.
The driving position will not suit everybody, having driven mine for some time I now realise I could do with having a bit more reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel. My wife finds the seats uncomfortable as the headrest pushes her neck forwards - so she doesn't go out in it much
Overall I really love mine, the 170 engine is a peach and it just doesn't need to be revved which is unlike every other car I've owned. It's also the first one I've had that complete strangers have commented upon at the petrol station. As for running costs, my QV is supposed to average 47 - I get more like 33 to 34 but it's still a tight engine and I do have a heavy right foot.
My best advice is to go for a good long test drive and join AO.com - you'll get a full warts'n'all view of the whole MiTo ownership experience from the good folks on there.
havoc said:
I've read a few bits on the AlfaOwner forum, but I wanted a warts-and-all
Martin, I think AO is pretty unbiased. The issue is probably more that the Mito is so new that major long-term running issues have not come to light yet (if there are any).It's when cambelts come up for changing, and associated issues. A read through the Mito technical forum would probably put any Alfa-newbie completely off.
But the key thing to bear in mind is that it's a technical forum - where the only threads/posts will be negative. Just like PH used to be in the old days (I remember when this all green fields)
At time, a quick read through the TVR forums would put most off for life, as it was all technical problems/issues, etc
Do any magazines (whatcar for example) have a Mito as a long termer? If so, their reports would give you a totally unbiased view. Or why not write to HonestJohn
I've owned my Mito Mutiair for just three months, so like it says above, I can't comment on any long term issues. What I can say is that it comes with 2 year servicing and warentee. Granted not much good if you want to use the car but at least it wont cost.
The Steering feel and throttle response are both 'Odd' in Normal mode. I think this will become the norm as more cars have Electronics controling the car to save fuel. In 'Dynamic' it's an eye opener and fun!
Like all Alfas' it's a lovely place to be. I also thought it needed more reach with the steering wheel till just two days ago when I gave it a bit more of a tug when adjusting it, now it's fine. I've not been in a (new)Mini but there's one every street,the Mito's different.
Finally think about new, Alfa are offering some good deals at the moment.
The Steering feel and throttle response are both 'Odd' in Normal mode. I think this will become the norm as more cars have Electronics controling the car to save fuel. In 'Dynamic' it's an eye opener and fun!
Like all Alfas' it's a lovely place to be. I also thought it needed more reach with the steering wheel till just two days ago when I gave it a bit more of a tug when adjusting it, now it's fine. I've not been in a (new)Mini but there's one every street,the Mito's different.
Finally think about new, Alfa are offering some good deals at the moment.
I work for a car magazine and actually own a Mito.
It's the 1.6 JTM and so far after 19,000 miles it's still as good as new.
Nothing wrong except perhaps a couple of stone chips.
First service was £250. The car (on long journeys) does nearly 50mpg (even in Dynamic)
I've driven them all including the Cloverleaf but still think the 1.6 is the best for modern driving.
The only criticism I would level at it is the crashy ride and jiggly rear end on bad surfaces as well as slightly dead feeling brakes.
It's the 1.6 JTM and so far after 19,000 miles it's still as good as new.
Nothing wrong except perhaps a couple of stone chips.
First service was £250. The car (on long journeys) does nearly 50mpg (even in Dynamic)
I've driven them all including the Cloverleaf but still think the 1.6 is the best for modern driving.
The only criticism I would level at it is the crashy ride and jiggly rear end on bad surfaces as well as slightly dead feeling brakes.
Gizmo! said:
havoc said:
Thanks Gizmo...I'm desperately trying to steer him away from a Mini! 
Out of interest, why is it going?
Because she's moved and now walks to work... It's not getting used enough and it's a waste of money to have it sitting on the drive Out of interest, why is it going?
Blib said:
Gizmo! said:
havoc said:
Thanks Gizmo...I'm desperately trying to steer him away from a Mini!
Out of interest, why is it going?
Because she's moved and now walks to work... It's not getting used enough and it's a waste of money to have it sitting on the drive Out of interest, why is it going?
I've had my Mito since December. Excellent little car, mines performed flawlessly since day 1. The only problem I've had are the carpets wearing through but they only cost £40 for a whole set. Also be careful if you want one in red, it's more prone to chipping than the other colours offered so get the clear wheel arch covers (£80). The only thing is like all small cars I guess the steering moves about a bit too much so it can get tiring on the motorway for long periods of time.
DaveyS said:
I've had my Mito since December. Excellent little car, mines performed flawlessly since day 1. The only problem I've had are the carpets wearing through but they only cost £40 for a whole set. Also be careful if you want one in red, it's more prone to chipping than the other colours offered so get the clear wheel arch covers (£80). The only thing is like all small cars I guess the steering moves about a bit too much so it can get tiring on the motorway for long periods of time.
If you paid £80 for the wheelarch protectors then you've been ripped off mate, they should only be about £25. Mind you, mine cost over £19k but they did have a Cloverleaf attached to them.havoc said:
As an amusing aside, some friends (from PH) have just bought a Giulietta. Delivered yesterday, they go out this morning and the front No. Plate has fallen off!
Only an Alfa...
I am that man ! Thanks Martin sorry I missed you on Thursday Only an Alfa...
The big problem with Alfa ownership is not the Alfa car itself but the dealerships, why of why they can't sort the dealerships out is beyond me
This is the second Alfa I've owned the first being a GTV twinspark in the mid 90's, took a complete flyer on the Giulietta, placed the order in June with no test drive not even looking at one in the metal just going by magazine reviews.
went for a lusso spec 170 brake multi jet engine with black paint, red leather, turbine wheels and parking sensors (as requested by mrs latent), the engine is a revelation, just come out of a MCS and even tho' I've only done 200 miles so far it's a far more refined and smoother engine.
I'm not worried that the nearest dealer is a 30min drive, it's an alfa I don't care if it breakdown ! The warm glow you get when you pass Golfs, A3 and the like knowing your not one of the heard .......... Moo
Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff