Advice - Alfa Mito

Andyk

Andyk

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61,355
Gazcw said:
My 1.4TB Giulietta was still multi air. Plus when you tell the insurance it is a 140bhp+ (not sure in Mito mine was 170) they will laugh to the bank.
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Already looked at insurance at quoted £1120. I think Mini is the way to go reading above and Mini is £850 a year and we have a specialist near by which helps as well.
 
Gazcw

Gazcw

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My boy has a DS3 1.6 diesel. It is the power more than engine size they look at now. His is the 90bhp and is just over a grand to insure, no black box, no car tax and all the toys. Has more on it than the Mrs newer 420i.
When he was learning in it it was £230 a year.
 
Gazcw

Gazcw

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7,800
Andyk said:
Already looked at insurance at quoted £1120. I think Mini is the way to go reading above and Mini is £850 a year and we have a specialist near by which helps as well.
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Just look out for the timing chain issue depending on the age you are looking at. There are loads out there that need new engines or have rattles. They had plastic tensioners that disintegrated.
 
philw696

philw696

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Gazcw said:
Just look out for the timing chain issue depending on the age you are looking at. There are loads out there that need new engines or have rattles. They had plastic tensioners that disintegrated.
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The earlier Mini One engine was pretty bulletproof and probably plenty of good ones still out there.
The later PSA engine no so good so check the service history well for timing chain replacement or buy cheap and get it done locally.
Only one Mini that Won the Monte Carlo Rally though ;)
 
schell70

schell70

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What about the 1.3 Diesel version? Not sure on the reliability though........or a Chrysler/Lancia Ypsilion?
 
philw696

philw696

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I had a Fiat 500 Diesel that I ran for several years and took to New Zealand where it still is.
Short journeys forever put the DPF light on but nothing than a spirited drive to sort out.
Not as good on fuel as they claim but back in 2014 it was £20 a year road tax when I left the UK.
 
safrane

safrane

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We have a 2003 Mini One, 1.6 - Had it since new and now with 95k on the clocks. Great little car with no rattles from the trim or engine.

Check it has a recent clutch as they are c£800+, Electric PAS needs to be checked as will the radiators as both are vulnerable.

Other bits are very robust... only changed the original exhaust this week!

Re insurance - Is that with a 'Black-Box'?
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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Mito has massive A pillars making it awkward when pulling out of junctions, especially for a novice. I was speaking to a Fiat/Abarth specialist the other day who said to avoid twin airs as problematic. As mentioned above, pre ‘06 Minis are pretty solid things, as @safrane says, chain rattle and clutches are the main things to look for. They’re also cheaper on tax if pre April 2006.
 
philw696

philw696

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Interesting that Dicky as this side of the Channel plenty of twin airs on some huge mileages.
Good servicing and the correct oil is the key.
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

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philw696 said:
Interesting that Dicky as this side of the Channel plenty of twin airs on some huge mileages.
Good servicing and the correct oil is the key.
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Yes, that’s key, and unfortunately as they’re cheap to buy, they often fall into the hands of those who wish to skimp on maintenance.
 
Andyk

Andyk

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61,355
philw696 said:
I had a Fiat 500 Diesel that I ran for several years and took to New Zealand where it still is.
Short journeys forever put the DPF light on but nothing than a spirited drive to sort out.
Not as good on fuel as they claim but back in 2014 it was £20 a year road tax when I left the UK.
Click to expand...

Interesting as he was looking at 500 twin air as no tax and only a 0.9 but I take it these have the same issue as the Alfa’s ?
 
D

dem maser

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Th
Gazcw said:
My 1.4TB Giulietta was still multi air. Plus when you tell the insurance it is a 140bhp+ (not sure in Mito mine was 170) they will laugh to the bank.
Click to expand...
The one that isn’t, just the 1.4 with no multi air I was referring to
Very fussy on oil but loads on high mileage so reliable as long as looked after
 
philw696

philw696

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25,632
Some more information here.
Ours is the later 105 bhp motor and has the benefit of disc brakes on the rear too.
www.evo.co.uk

Fiat 500 TwinAir review | Evo

Two cylinders and 900cc - is that really a recipe for fun? First drive of the groundbreaking Fiat 500 TwinAir
www.evo.co.uk www.evo.co.uk
 
Andyk

Andyk

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61,355
safrane said:
We have a 2003 Mini One, 1.6 - Had it since new and now with 95k on the clocks. Great little car with no rattles from the trim or engine.

Check it has a recent clutch as they are c£800+, Electric PAS needs to be checked as will the radiators as both are vulnerable.

Other bits are very robust... only changed the original exhaust this week!

Re insurance - Is that with a 'Black-Box'?
Click to expand...

Thanks Pete. No black box as with that it went down £200 to £650. That is for the 1.4 Mini One which looking at what is for sale must have been a later engine car as they seem to start at 2007.
 
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