Used Alfa Romeo MiTo for sale near Durham

CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.8 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 70
Average Price: N/A

Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Distinctive styling	Not as fun to drive as an Alfa should be
Frugal diesels	Cheap-looking, cramped cabin
Sporty driving position	No five-door version

Quick Summary

The Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008-2018) is a three-door premium supermini designed to challenge the MINI Cooper and Audi A1. With distinctive styling that echoes Alfa's design heritage, featuring a shield-shaped grille, bug-eyed headlights, and shapely body lines, the MiTo certainly turns heads. However, the interior disappoints with cheap-feeling plastics and underwhelming switchgear. The driving position is pleasantly low and sporty, but the cramped rear seats and awkward access make it impractical for families, whilst the 270-litre boot is comparable to rivals but hampered by a high loading lip.

The MiTo's handling is uninspiring, with vague steering and unsettled ride quality that fails to match the engagement of a Ford Fiesta or MINI. Engine options include frugal diesels—particularly the 1.3 JTDm achieving around 65-70mpg in real-world driving—and peppy 1.4-litre petrol units, though the two-cylinder TwinAir is loud and thrashy. Running costs are reasonable, with insurance groups ranging from eight to 27. Trim levels changed frequently throughout production, but all models feature alloy wheels, DNA driving modes, climate control, and stop-start technology. Later models added a 5.0-inch touchscreen with DAB radio and Bluetooth. Reliability concerns and a lack of substance undermine the MiTo's stylish exterior, making it a questionable choice in a competitive supermini market.

Best for: Buyers prioritising distinctive styling and frugal diesel engines, or those seeking a sporty driving position in a premium supermini.

Not ideal for: Families needing practicality, drivers wanting engaging handling, those seeking premium interior quality, or buyers concerned about Alfa Romeo reliability.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MiTo if: You prioritise distinctive styling and frugal diesel engines, or seek a sporty driving position in a premium supermini.

Consider alternatives if: You need practicality, engaging handling, premium interior quality, or have concerns about Alfa Romeo reliability.

Competitive Position: The Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008-2018) struggles in a highly competitive supermini market dominated by stronger alternatives. Whilst its distinctive styling and frugal diesel options are appealing, the car lacks the driving engagement expected from an Alfa Romeo. The Ford Fiesta offers superior handling and costs less, the MINI provides more engagement and a more upmarket cabin, and the Audi A1 delivers better build quality and materials. Reliability concerns with both the MiTo and Alfa Romeo as a brand further undermine its appeal. For most buyers, one of these rivals represents a more sensible and rewarding choice.

Read our full Alfa Romeo MiTo Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.