2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8L Petrol · MJ10 ABU

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 November 2025 resulted in a Pass, although two advisories were issued relating to slight play in both the nearside and offside track rod end ball joints. These advisories mirror a more serious issue recorded at the failure of 29 November 2021, when the offside track rod end was found to have excessive play and was clearly replaced prior to the subsequent re-test. The recurrence of play in both joints at the latest test, albeit slight, suggests that the replacement components may themselves be wearing, or that the surrounding steering and suspension geometry is contributing to accelerated deterioration of these joints. The overall trend across the documented history shows a pattern of escalating steering-related concerns alongside persistent exhaust noise advisories first noted in 2021 and still present as a minor gas leak in 2023, indicating a vehicle that has not been progressively improved but rather maintained to a baseline pass standard with several items now approaching the threshold of further attention. With sixteen years of age and 113,251 miles recorded, this Lancer has covered approximately 7,078 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its vintage and suggests consistent rather than extreme use. There are no obvious large gaps in the MOT record that would imply prolonged standing, which is a positive indicator for the integrity of seals, gaskets, and brake components. However, the mileage is now well into the zone where higher-mileage consumables such as suspension bushes, engine mounts, and drivetrain joints will have accumulated significant wear, and the relatively even annual usage still means that rubber and polymer components have been subjected to many years of thermal cycling, regardless of distance covered. Given the recurring advisories on both track rod ends, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the steering during a test drive. Any knocking, clunking, or vagueness through the steering wheel when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or during full-lock manoeuvres would suggest that the play has progressed beyond what the advisory indicates. It is advisable to have the front suspension and steering assembly independently inspected, with particular focus on the condition of the track rod ends, inner and outer ball joints, and the compliance of the front subframe bushes. Uneven or feathered tyre wear on the front wheels would also be a tell-tale sign of deteriorating steering geometry, and any new tyres fitted should be checked for abnormal wear patterns after only a few hundred miles of use. Beyond the documented advisories, the age of the vehicle warrants attention to several time-sensitive items that MOT testing does not fully cover. Brake fluid should be checked and likely replaced, as it degrades hygroscopically over a two to three year cycle and absorbs moisture regardless of mileage. The 12V battery is well past its typical service life and should be load tested, particularly if the vehicle has shown any hesitation to start. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, even if tread depth remains adequate, and the brake calipers and handbrake mechanism should be inspected for corrosion and binding given the vehicle's exposure to winter road conditions over sixteen years. Coolant condition, timing belt replacement history (if applicable to this model), and the integrity of the exhaust system beyond the previously noted centre joint all merit verification, as a minor gas leak left unaddressed can develop into a more significant failure or allow exhaust gases into the cabin area.