Alfa Mito Twin Air?
Discussion
I'm looking at replacing my shed Ka with something a bit newer. I've already asked about the Fiat 500 Twin Air elsewhere in this sub-forum, but the Mito is really taking my interest now. I know it's very similar underneath, though a touch slower than the 500 (extra weight?).
Are there any Mito specific points I should look out for on the 2016/early 2017 models? I've seen a few sub 40k mile examples within budget (£8-8.5k), some are the facelift model and just squeeze into the £0 VED bank for being registered before 1 April 2017.
One thing I do need is that the rear seat folds down: It's not obvious from the photos, though a few cars I can clearly see a split rear back rest, which makes me think those ones must fold down. There are many that look like a full backrest as shown below. This isn't a problem so long as it does fold down, but I can't find mention of it in any advert details, so any Mito buffs who know the answer I would appreciate if you can confirm.
The car above is a 'Super' on a 66 plate/2017, but I've also seen a QV Line that has great spec (including the rare heated seats) with the same looking back seat.
Is there much difference between QV line and Super (or any other specs of 2016/2017 models)? Seems mainly cosmetic, but if the QV line has a firmer suspension, then maybe that would steer me towards a Super instead.
Are there any Mito specific points I should look out for on the 2016/early 2017 models? I've seen a few sub 40k mile examples within budget (£8-8.5k), some are the facelift model and just squeeze into the £0 VED bank for being registered before 1 April 2017.
One thing I do need is that the rear seat folds down: It's not obvious from the photos, though a few cars I can clearly see a split rear back rest, which makes me think those ones must fold down. There are many that look like a full backrest as shown below. This isn't a problem so long as it does fold down, but I can't find mention of it in any advert details, so any Mito buffs who know the answer I would appreciate if you can confirm.
The car above is a 'Super' on a 66 plate/2017, but I've also seen a QV Line that has great spec (including the rare heated seats) with the same looking back seat.
Is there much difference between QV line and Super (or any other specs of 2016/2017 models)? Seems mainly cosmetic, but if the QV line has a firmer suspension, then maybe that would steer me towards a Super instead.
Thanks Rob; good to know. I found an Alfa forum that has PDFs of brochures, price lists and other 'how to' documents, so I've gleaned a lot from that too. Though you're the only one to confirm about the back seat, so that's good to know. I currently use my Ka if I'm playing a gig and can just about fit my guitar/amp in the boot, but being able to fold the seats allows if I take extra stuff. I think the Mito boot looks a similar size, so should be OK. Might find a local one to try a guitar case in it to check though.
I did wonder about the ride, especially on the 17" wheels some of the possible cars have. So long as it's not bone shaking then I'll be OK. Will have to see how I like driving one, though I guess it's going to be a tighter, quicker version of my Ka being loosely similar underneath.
I've found a few for sale with under 40k miles and the last of the £0 VED. My plan would be to do all my own servicing (with the correct grade of oil, since I read that is critical). I've also seen a 'how to' of the multi-air strainer replacement which looks easy enough to change, so I'll be doing that ASAP on any car I buy, plus an oil change. I'd do the gearbox and coolant too (as I did on my Ka, even though it's a cheap shed). Knowing me it'll get a top to bottom/front to back check over and clean to make sure it's all up to scratch as I plan to keep this a while, hence looking for the newest/low mileage ones I can find to pick from.
I did wonder about the ride, especially on the 17" wheels some of the possible cars have. So long as it's not bone shaking then I'll be OK. Will have to see how I like driving one, though I guess it's going to be a tighter, quicker version of my Ka being loosely similar underneath.
I've found a few for sale with under 40k miles and the last of the £0 VED. My plan would be to do all my own servicing (with the correct grade of oil, since I read that is critical). I've also seen a 'how to' of the multi-air strainer replacement which looks easy enough to change, so I'll be doing that ASAP on any car I buy, plus an oil change. I'd do the gearbox and coolant too (as I did on my Ka, even though it's a cheap shed). Knowing me it'll get a top to bottom/front to back check over and clean to make sure it's all up to scratch as I plan to keep this a while, hence looking for the newest/low mileage ones I can find to pick from.
Finally got to have a test drive of one of these today. Wasn't a great example once I saw it in person (amazing how advert photos can deceive), but they got it out for me to look at and just about insisted I took it for a test drive. No one came with me, so I had a nice long drive and can say I really like how the feel and go, despite this being a sorry example. Sure it's not a road burner, but it makes a great sound as the revs go up and it feels nippy enough (especially compared to my old shed Ka that I drove there in).
The clutch felt light, but engaged almost as soon as it came off the floor: I guess this one could be worn out, so hopefully not typical other than the light weight (my Ka is a bit heavy in comparison)?
I've lined up a (hopefully) better condition private sale one in my preferred red colour; Sportiva spec which seems to have most things I would like (today's one was a QV). Any Mito has a lot of extra bits and pieces that my Ka doesn't have, so seems luxurious in comparison anyway. I only found one Mito with heated seats for sale, so I'm not bothered about holding out for that option. DAB would be nice, but then I realise that I mostly listen to my own memory stick in the car. Full climate would be nice, but again quite rare, so I can live with (working) manual air con as per the Ka.
Hope to be following up on here with some post purchase photos, but the seller is away for a few weeks, so I'll have to wait. Probably not a bad thing as I tend to get a bit obsessive when looking for a 'new' car so I'm a bit tired out from all the looking and due diligence on every possible example I find in budget.
I've also got my RS2000 that I should really be working on now I've cleared my garage (for the 6th time since I retired!!!!).
Appreciate any feedback about the clutch, but I think that was a poor example.
The clutch felt light, but engaged almost as soon as it came off the floor: I guess this one could be worn out, so hopefully not typical other than the light weight (my Ka is a bit heavy in comparison)?
I've lined up a (hopefully) better condition private sale one in my preferred red colour; Sportiva spec which seems to have most things I would like (today's one was a QV). Any Mito has a lot of extra bits and pieces that my Ka doesn't have, so seems luxurious in comparison anyway. I only found one Mito with heated seats for sale, so I'm not bothered about holding out for that option. DAB would be nice, but then I realise that I mostly listen to my own memory stick in the car. Full climate would be nice, but again quite rare, so I can live with (working) manual air con as per the Ka.
Hope to be following up on here with some post purchase photos, but the seller is away for a few weeks, so I'll have to wait. Probably not a bad thing as I tend to get a bit obsessive when looking for a 'new' car so I'm a bit tired out from all the looking and due diligence on every possible example I find in budget.
I've also got my RS2000 that I should really be working on now I've cleared my garage (for the 6th time since I retired!!!!).Appreciate any feedback about the clutch, but I think that was a poor example.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
Personally I'd want to see at the very least annual service history for a twin air. Does it have 5+ stamps?
The next one has indeed got full service history, lots of other receipts, etc. The seller has been great sending extra photos of some trivial scuffs, but it does show willingness to be fully open as it's a bit of a trek to go to look at this one. All seems more promising than today's one in condition terms, though should drive at least as well.Any comment about the clutch action on the one I drove today? Can't believe it's typical, though I'm not sure if the clutch is cable or hydraulic on these. I know when I flushed and bled my Ka clutch it was much better.
StescoG66 said:
BTW MiTo is on the Punto/Corsa platform rather that the Panda/500 one your Ka is on
Thanks, I'd only recently discovered this as I thought the connection was closer than this. I suppose it was thinking that Ka=500 and since the 500 has the Twin Air engine, I'd kind of linked them due to that. Funny that I've never really considered a Punto or a Corsa for myself (looked at Corsas for my son last year, but a better Fiesta came up first).I did notice that the petrol cap is the same as the one on the Ka though: The dealer couldn't get the key back out/lock it after he put some petrol in for my test drive so I had to do it.
Still wondering about the clutch action on that one I drove: There are a couple of TA not so far away as the one I'm going to view in two week's time (as the owner is away until then) and I'd hate to wait until then and have a long drive only to find that 'they are all like that sir'. I missed out on a red Junior less than 10 miles from me, but it's still being advertised, so I might ring them again and see if the sale fell through.
Meanwhile I've had a new windscreen put in my Ka ready for it's early MOT next week, so it'll be all ready to advertise if I buy the private sale one in a few weeks time.
Cheers Mike: I thought the days of rusty Alfas were long gone, so I'll give it a thorough check over underneath, then probably Lanoguard it each year. It'll be a second car and mostly shorter local trips, so judging from the test drive I had last week it's more comfortable than my current Ka, so that's an improvement.
I'd better put top mounts on the checklist/possible jobs to do after purchase too. Thanks.
I'd better put top mounts on the checklist/possible jobs to do after purchase too. Thanks.
Pepperpots said:
I changed springs, top mounts, brakes and tyres all round when I got it at 35k miles. They were all worn out. Oil service is important for these as well as the twin air engines and they're sensitive to regular changes with the correct stuff too. Beware neglected servicing.
I like it and it didn't break the bank but I like Alfas anyway
I'm looking at some around similar mileage. My plan is to check the service history to make sure oil changes have at least been done on time, but then to do an oil change with the correct grade and also replace the twin air strainer. The one I'm looking at has a decent service history, but I'll check in more detail when I view it too.I like it and it didn't break the bank but I like Alfas anyway
Hoping to view the private sale one this weekend after the owner comes back from holiday. I've looked at loads on line in the meantime, wavering between this one and other examples, or just going for something more boring, but common (hence more choice). Granted the Mito isn't a Ferrari, but it seems to have a bit of character about it that even the ropey/smelly one I drove didn't put me off. Since this is our second car, to replace the shed Ka, then I keep thinking that maybe I don't need to spend so much (since I'm retired and not a PH director type 
).
I found a low mileage, but FSH Cat N one, but as soon as I asked for some background on what caused the Cat N status I didn't hear anything back. Scratch that. Shame because a decent saving over most, looked good in the photos and MOT history had no nasty surprises. I've repaired cars myself in the past, so the idea didn't scare me off provided I knew the background. I suspect there was more to it than they wanted to discuss, or just hoping that some mug would buy it and not understand what Cat N even means...
I found some older, slightly higher mileage one, in lower spec to try to cut costs a bit, though always too far away for a quick look. A Junior came up nearby for a grand less than the one I'm due to see, but sold before I got to look at it. Shame as it would have been good to try a decent example to confirm that the clutch oddities on the last test drive weren't typical.
There is a cheaper one at a dealer near to the private sale one, which would at least give me a second chance to make the long drive more worthwhile, though it's a lower spec and higher mileage, possibly less full history too, which puts me off a bit. Will see how I feel over the weekend.
My gut feeling is that the private sale one is a really good example, but a bit overpriced. I'll forget the price after a few months and hopefully have a great example to enjoy for a long time if I look after it. My only worry is whether I'll decide I want rid of it in a year or so for some reason and then having paid over the odds and stopped the FSH by DIY servicing, then I'll take a bath. Time will tell I suppose.
I'll update the thread next week, with photos if I go ahead and can make a deal. Thanks for the feedback I've had and things to watch for.
PS. The Ka passed it's MOT with a couple of minor advisories that I will sort before I try to sell it, once I've got a replacement for it.
).I found a low mileage, but FSH Cat N one, but as soon as I asked for some background on what caused the Cat N status I didn't hear anything back. Scratch that. Shame because a decent saving over most, looked good in the photos and MOT history had no nasty surprises. I've repaired cars myself in the past, so the idea didn't scare me off provided I knew the background. I suspect there was more to it than they wanted to discuss, or just hoping that some mug would buy it and not understand what Cat N even means...
I found some older, slightly higher mileage one, in lower spec to try to cut costs a bit, though always too far away for a quick look. A Junior came up nearby for a grand less than the one I'm due to see, but sold before I got to look at it. Shame as it would have been good to try a decent example to confirm that the clutch oddities on the last test drive weren't typical.
There is a cheaper one at a dealer near to the private sale one, which would at least give me a second chance to make the long drive more worthwhile, though it's a lower spec and higher mileage, possibly less full history too, which puts me off a bit. Will see how I feel over the weekend.
My gut feeling is that the private sale one is a really good example, but a bit overpriced. I'll forget the price after a few months and hopefully have a great example to enjoy for a long time if I look after it. My only worry is whether I'll decide I want rid of it in a year or so for some reason and then having paid over the odds and stopped the FSH by DIY servicing, then I'll take a bath. Time will tell I suppose.
I'll update the thread next week, with photos if I go ahead and can make a deal. Thanks for the feedback I've had and things to watch for.
PS. The Ka passed it's MOT with a couple of minor advisories that I will sort before I try to sell it, once I've got a replacement for it.
Edited by OldSkoolRS on Wednesday 5th April 20:09
Sorry I thought I'd replied to your very useful post already, so a belated thank you.
I've found the spec/trim levels thing as you put it 'all over the place' and sometimes it's just minor cosmetic differences it seems when I read the PDFs of the original Brochures I found on Alfa Owner.
I did like the engine on the Twin Air I drove: I was a bit late in the test drive putting it into Dynamic, but even in Normal it seemed to go well enough for my modest needs. I agree with the diesel description too (which perhaps makes it feel quicker than it really is?), though I like the sound when I opened it up a bit.
I was due to look at a low mileage Sportiva spec on Monday, but it was postponed for various reasons by mutual agreement. Not off the table, but it's made me re-appraise the whole idea.
I keep reminding myself that it is to replace my current shed and not my main car, though I do drive the shed most days and the main car only occasionally for longer trips. The shed is used for parking at places I wouldn't want to take our main car and lots of local/short trips. My wife likes not having to worry about driving the shed Ka and a tidy/more expensive Alfa might become more of a worry too, especially a Sportiva with 18" wheels around our pot holed roads. I'm now tempted to buy an older/scruffier or even Cat N Mito then it would be more of a shed replacement, than a second 'nice car'.
Seems to be a few around that suit this new criteria, though I'm then concerned about how reliable these examples might be since they rarely come with any history. Wondering if just buying one that drives and looks good, then giving it a really thorough service (myself) ASAP after purchase, including replacing the Twin Air strainer and fresh oil/filter of the correct grade would be worth the risk? Are they really that fragile that if it doesn't have FSH from Alfa (or a specialist) that I should 'run a mile' as some of the buyers guides suggest?
Otherwise it's hard to find something that seems even vaguely interesting if I look away from the Mito: Anything with a VED of more than the Ka at £30 (now £35) a year is out of contention as I can't justify £150 a year for less than 4000 miles motoring, especially when we pay £180 for the main car already. The Mito just seemed to fill a useful slot as being quick enough, capable of the occasional motorway trip if I play a gig further away and being cheap to tax and insure.
As if it knew; the Ka was running a bit lumpy when I went out in it today.
I've found the spec/trim levels thing as you put it 'all over the place' and sometimes it's just minor cosmetic differences it seems when I read the PDFs of the original Brochures I found on Alfa Owner.
I did like the engine on the Twin Air I drove: I was a bit late in the test drive putting it into Dynamic, but even in Normal it seemed to go well enough for my modest needs. I agree with the diesel description too (which perhaps makes it feel quicker than it really is?), though I like the sound when I opened it up a bit.
I was due to look at a low mileage Sportiva spec on Monday, but it was postponed for various reasons by mutual agreement. Not off the table, but it's made me re-appraise the whole idea.
I keep reminding myself that it is to replace my current shed and not my main car, though I do drive the shed most days and the main car only occasionally for longer trips. The shed is used for parking at places I wouldn't want to take our main car and lots of local/short trips. My wife likes not having to worry about driving the shed Ka and a tidy/more expensive Alfa might become more of a worry too, especially a Sportiva with 18" wheels around our pot holed roads. I'm now tempted to buy an older/scruffier or even Cat N Mito then it would be more of a shed replacement, than a second 'nice car'.
Seems to be a few around that suit this new criteria, though I'm then concerned about how reliable these examples might be since they rarely come with any history. Wondering if just buying one that drives and looks good, then giving it a really thorough service (myself) ASAP after purchase, including replacing the Twin Air strainer and fresh oil/filter of the correct grade would be worth the risk? Are they really that fragile that if it doesn't have FSH from Alfa (or a specialist) that I should 'run a mile' as some of the buyers guides suggest?
Otherwise it's hard to find something that seems even vaguely interesting if I look away from the Mito: Anything with a VED of more than the Ka at £30 (now £35) a year is out of contention as I can't justify £150 a year for less than 4000 miles motoring, especially when we pay £180 for the main car already. The Mito just seemed to fill a useful slot as being quick enough, capable of the occasional motorway trip if I play a gig further away and being cheap to tax and insure.
As if it knew; the Ka was running a bit lumpy when I went out in it today.
Pepperpots said:
I change the oil as a precaution because whatever stamps are in the book aren't worth the paper they're written on. Unless perhaps from an authorised dealer, mine weren't.
I do that anyway on 'new' cars, plus I'd do the Twin Air strainer in this case. I'm wondering though if it's like locking the door when the horse has bolted though in terms of long term reliability: If a car hasn't had the correct grade of oil regularly over it's life will it make much difference to start doing it?Legacywr said:
What about an Abarth Punto instead? Very pretty cars.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303074...
Well, it looks quite nice, but £180 a year VED and about £5k over my (new) budget aren't, so I guess not on my short list. Appreciate the input though as I keep trying to think out of the box. That one would definitely be too nice as a shed replacement though.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303074...
A500leroy said:
Theres a very good fiat /alfa specialist in Stoke if your near by.
Not near I'm afraid, though I believe there are some round me (Berkshire) if a job came up that I couldn't handle myself.That's kind of where I'm at...just the buyer's guides and some comments elsewhere seem a bit over cautious if there aren't full stamps in the book. I do know from my company car days that main dealers aren't the be all and end all though. Thinking that if it's running well on the test drive, like the really scruffy one I drove did, then plenty of preventative maintenance by me should keep it that way. At least my labour charges are cheap. 
It's not like I need it to get to work, though would be awkward if I broke down on the way to a gig in it. We have our main car and even the back up of my son's car (which I bought, fixed up and then fixed again when he crashed it last month!!). The cost of the infamous Twin air unit isn't that bad if it did come to it, though I'm not sure how much work it would take for me to replace it. At this age, it's not really likely to get FSH anyway, so it's probably unrealistic/very rare to find such a car for sale, unless it's like the £££ one I found.
Otherwise it's no worse than any other option I can think of and arguably better than the risk of a Ford Ecoboost engine blowing up on me, otherwise I'd have maybe bought a Zetec Red or similar Fiesta.
It's not like I need it to get to work, though would be awkward if I broke down on the way to a gig in it.
We have our main car and even the back up of my son's car (which I bought, fixed up and then fixed again when he crashed it last month!!). The cost of the infamous Twin air unit isn't that bad if it did come to it, though I'm not sure how much work it would take for me to replace it. At this age, it's not really likely to get FSH anyway, so it's probably unrealistic/very rare to find such a car for sale, unless it's like the £££ one I found.Otherwise it's no worse than any other option I can think of and arguably better than the risk of a Ford Ecoboost engine blowing up on me, otherwise I'd have maybe bought a Zetec Red or similar Fiesta.
I think the 500, Panda, maybe some Puntos too use the Twin Air as well as the Mito.
I've seen some 'Live' limited edition Mitos that tend to be in my price range, usually red (my preferred choice), but they have the 85PS engine on a 63 plate typically rather than the 105PS. I'd ignored these due to the lower powered engine, but the 85PS Mito would still be quicker than the Fiesta 1.25 Zetec I'm also considering and my current Ka of course.
I've seen some 'Live' limited edition Mitos that tend to be in my price range, usually red (my preferred choice), but they have the 85PS engine on a 63 plate typically rather than the 105PS. I'd ignored these due to the lower powered engine, but the 85PS Mito would still be quicker than the Fiesta 1.25 Zetec I'm also considering and my current Ka of course.
I'm happy to potter about doing little jobs outside on it especially once the weather improves, so it if helps keep one going and I fix minor issues along the way I feel like I've improved it too. At least there isn't a cambelt that will need doing as those were the first jobs I did last year on my son's Fiesta and my Ka.
There is quite a range of mileages within budget, seeing the higher ones makes me think that they can't be that fragile if people are getting to 100k in them: I'll do under 4k a year so one with the same mileage as my Ka would still only be at mid 70k in 5 years time, when I expect we might change and go to a single car between us.
A couple of otherwise likely looking examples have a rather lairy red dashboard. I wonder how hard it would be to cover it with something (vinyl wrap?) as it's pretty marmite I'd guess and even though I like marmite I'm not a fan of the red dash. Typical example below:
I wouldn't buy and think about doing a swap after I looked on eBay and saw a black one for sale for £99, but the work involved looks enormous. Maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I'd get used to it.
There is quite a range of mileages within budget, seeing the higher ones makes me think that they can't be that fragile if people are getting to 100k in them: I'll do under 4k a year so one with the same mileage as my Ka would still only be at mid 70k in 5 years time, when I expect we might change and go to a single car between us.
A couple of otherwise likely looking examples have a rather lairy red dashboard. I wonder how hard it would be to cover it with something (vinyl wrap?) as it's pretty marmite I'd guess and even though I like marmite I'm not a fan of the red dash. Typical example below:
I wouldn't buy and think about doing a swap after I looked on eBay and saw a black one for sale for £99, but the work involved looks enormous. Maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I'd get used to it.
Sounds a nightmare. Worth knowing too because the first thing my wife does when she drives my Ka is to mess about with the heater controls, even though she's only going a short distance to the gym and she's only driving it because it's raining...so she might as well have left them where they were anyway, which is to clear the windscreen. 
A few more Mitos appeared for sale yesterday, so I did my due diligence on the most likely ones. One private sale very low mileage (15k), with a sunroof and heated seats too (both seem rare options), but black so not my favourite choice. Another higher mileage (60k) in red and has a leather interior which is the first I've seen within budget.
Might ring about the red one this morning as the black one is private sale and can't get to it for a few days now, so will probably go quickly as per other really low mileage cars I've seen. Might regret leather seats in winter though as nice as they look, as no mention of heated seats. Quite happy with non heated with fabric though, so I'm not holding out for those options particularly, more interested in the condition and how they drive.
Budget creeping back up slightly, but still well under my initial plan.
Either that or just buy nothing and wait for others to turn up.
A few more Mitos appeared for sale yesterday, so I did my due diligence on the most likely ones. One private sale very low mileage (15k), with a sunroof and heated seats too (both seem rare options), but black so not my favourite choice. Another higher mileage (60k) in red and has a leather interior which is the first I've seen within budget.
Might ring about the red one this morning as the black one is private sale and can't get to it for a few days now, so will probably go quickly as per other really low mileage cars I've seen. Might regret leather seats in winter though as nice as they look, as no mention of heated seats. Quite happy with non heated with fabric though, so I'm not holding out for those options particularly, more interested in the condition and how they drive.
Budget creeping back up slightly, but still well under my initial plan.
Either that or just buy nothing and wait for others to turn up.
Well I've bitten the bullet. A fair bit under my initial budget and lots of history, plus the garage is doing an oil and filter change and the air strainer replacement as part of the pre-collection service. The colour I wanted, plus 17" rather than 18" wheels (potholes round here are terrible) and Teledial pattern too. Extra bonus is the leather interior. Given my low annual mileage I'm not overly worried about the 61,000 miles it has and I guess that's not too bad for this age anyway.
Hope to collect it on Monday, but a couple of dealer photos for now:
That lovely interior:
Always liked this angle of them too:
Of course I could turn up and it's a pile of *** but £99 deposit to hold is worth the risk and not too far to drive to get it.
Hope to collect it on Monday, but a couple of dealer photos for now:
That lovely interior:
Always liked this angle of them too:
Of course I could turn up and it's a pile of *** but £99 deposit to hold is worth the risk and not too far to drive to get it.
Legacywr said:
Looks nice
Thanks.A500leroy said:
Readers thread when you have it!
Will put something up, though I should get busy doing one for my RS2000 really once I get on with that properly. At least this one shouldn't need much of my time unless I want to do anything outside in the sunshine (when it comes back!).WelshPetrolhead said:
That looks really smart!
Thanks; appreciate your input earlier on this thread and some other posts I found on here you'd made about your Mito. Don't know what I'll do tonight as no more Autotrader searches, otherwise I might find another one and get buyer's remorse before I've even picked it up. I'll have to talk to Mrs OS I suppose, but then it is our wedding anniversary (apparently...I thought it was tomorrow with all the excitement and the recent bank holiday putting me out
).The Prof said:
Considering one of these for my son and test drove one at the weekend - characterful engine for sure.
Any low mileage examples (QV line) in grey, black or red 2015 or newer. I’d be interested in talking. In scotland would be nice, but will travel.
I bought the red one above on Monday...pretty decent and came with the DAB radio option, space saver tyre rather than a can of goo and two new front tyres which I wasn't expecting.Any low mileage examples (QV line) in grey, black or red 2015 or newer. I’d be interested in talking. In scotland would be nice, but will travel.
Don't know about Scotland, but there are a few on Autotrader at the moment, though I'm trying not to look now I've got mine.
There is a 15,000 black 64 plate one for £6,200 but it's near London. Has a sunroof and heated seats too. Don't be tempted to travel down here for the silver one outside Reading currently down to £7,500 (from £8,500 when I saw it) as it's a wreck and the clutch is well worn. There seemed to be plenty miles away from me, so maybe you'll find something closer.I put a new battery on mine yesterday as I got the 'check power steering' fault come up and it's often caused by a weak battery apparently. It was turning over a bit slow too, so since it's not covered by warranty (nothing ever is when I buy a car
) then I figured I might as well sort that out and put a decent one in with a 5 year warranty. OK so far and an easy job; no re-coding of the car or radio was necessary.Other than that I'm enjoying getting about in it.
Edited by OldSkoolRS on Friday 21st April 07:17
IMHO it's not worth the agro; it's an 80 mile return trip drive round the M25 and then potentially having to get home if they kept the car to 'investigate'.
Warranty booklet specifically mentions battery and other consumables/service items not covered, so no point going to a local VAT registered garage to then attempt to claim for a non-covered item.
I could have ended up paying more for a battery, plus labour and maybe not getting as good a battery. Being pragmatic I've sorted something out that probably would have been needed at some point during the expected 4-5 years I plan to keep the car for and the new battery is covered for 5 years now.
Swapping my insurance over today was more hassle than it should have been though: I got 5 days drive away insurance included as part of the £99 'admin fee' (which always annoys me, but I got that knocked off the price anyway). I had to change my Ka insurance over to the Alfa by tomorrow, but my renewal is less than a month away, so ever helpful Privilege had removed the button to 'amend details' on my policy page.
At least it was eventually sorted by WhatsApp chat(!) and they waived the usual £10.08 admin fee. They did try to upsell me everything from a bigger courtesy car option, breakdown and tried to get me to pay for the renewal as well (stuff that as other equally well known companies come up cheaper. ).
Warranty booklet specifically mentions battery and other consumables/service items not covered, so no point going to a local VAT registered garage to then attempt to claim for a non-covered item.
I could have ended up paying more for a battery, plus labour and maybe not getting as good a battery. Being pragmatic I've sorted something out that probably would have been needed at some point during the expected 4-5 years I plan to keep the car for and the new battery is covered for 5 years now.
Swapping my insurance over today was more hassle than it should have been though: I got 5 days drive away insurance included as part of the £99 'admin fee' (which always annoys me, but I got that knocked off the price anyway). I had to change my Ka insurance over to the Alfa by tomorrow, but my renewal is less than a month away, so ever helpful Privilege had removed the button to 'amend details' on my policy page.
At least it was eventually sorted by WhatsApp chat(!) and they waived the usual £10.08 admin fee. They did try to upsell me everything from a bigger courtesy car option, breakdown and tried to get me to pay for the renewal as well (stuff that as other equally well known companies come up cheaper.
).Edited by OldSkoolRS on Friday 21st April 14:06
Legacywr said:
Sorry, I didn’t mean it would be a warranty issue, it was a problem the car had at point of sale, which comes under your consumer rights, but as we said, not worth the leg work
I agree and if they'd been more local it might have been worth it, though I guess they'd have put the cheapest battery it could get away with only to push the problem further down the road for me. This is why I tend to buy cars privately since the warranty/come back never seems to work out for me, though in this case the price was cheaper than some private sales anyway, so overall I'm OK with it. If the PAS fault comes back then I will make sure that gets done under warranty and can be done locally at any VAT registered garage according to the booklet (will see if that is the case should it come to it though).I'll do certain jobs as long term preventative maintenance anyway. Especially as I only have book of service stamps and not a pile of parts receipts like I got with my Ka and my son's Fiesta; at least that way you've got an idea of what has been done.
Tidy looking cars there Rob 131 Sport and Darkslider. I suspect I'll go a bit mad just getting everything spot on with it, though hopefully nothing too pricey just doing all the service items like spark plugs, cabin filters, etc that I can't confirm have been done recently. I'll give it a machine polish too as it's quite swirly and touch in a few chips, but it's a good base to start from.
I imagine the 1.4 Turbo must be fun to drive being 50% more powerful than my Twin Air. I did look up remapping costs a while ago and there is one option to take mine up to 126bhp, though I have to remind myself it's really meant as our local run about. I did have fun driving back from a gig last night down some familiar country roads though, so I guess it's quick enough for my needs.
I renewed my insurance for next month, so keeping it standard is probably not a bad idea since I only have 1 year NCD as I had a company car until last May. Can't complain at just over £200 though, possibly reduced due to having my wife on the policy and that we're both retired, so no commuting use.
I imagine the 1.4 Turbo must be fun to drive being 50% more powerful than my Twin Air. I did look up remapping costs a while ago and there is one option to take mine up to 126bhp, though I have to remind myself it's really meant as our local run about. I did have fun driving back from a gig last night down some familiar country roads though, so I guess it's quick enough for my needs.
I renewed my insurance for next month, so keeping it standard is probably not a bad idea since I only have 1 year NCD as I had a company car until last May. Can't complain at just over £200 though, possibly reduced due to having my wife on the policy and that we're both retired, so no commuting use.
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