2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L Petrol · PX14 UBS

Front brake wear is the defining mechanical thread running through this Mitsubishi Mirage's MOT record, with brake disc advisories appearing on every test from 2023 onwards and the latest pass in June 2026 additionally flagging nearside front brake pads as wearing thin. This recurrence is noteworthy because disc advisories typically point to components that have either reached the end of their useful service life or have developed surface degradation from infrequent use and corrosion pitting. The June 2024 test also recorded an exhaust failure on emissions grounds, with the lambda sensor reading outside limits after the second fast idle, alongside advisories for a cracked fuel cap seal and minor exhaust gas leaks at both the front flexible pipe and the joint after the catalytic convertor. That failure represents the only Major defect recorded in the five-test history, but it sits within a broader pattern of exhaust and brake-related concerns that have persisted across multiple annual inspections. At 34,586 miles on a 2014 vehicle, the recorded mileage equates to roughly 2,882 miles per year, which is low for a car of its age and likely reflects significant periods of stationary use rather than gentle daily driving. The testing history is largely annual with no multi-year lay-up, but the mileage accumulated between recorded tests is modest, with the gap between the September 2021 pass and the October 2023 failures representing only a small mileage increase. Low annual accumulation of this nature carries specific mechanical implications for a Mirage: brake discs and pads are prone to corrosion pitting when a vehicle is used only intermittently, as moisture and road salts sit on the friction surfaces without the benefit of regular heat cycling to dry them out, which is consistent with the recurring pitted and worn disc advisories. Tyres fitted to a low-mileage car can also develop sidewall cracking from UV degradation and prolonged static load, an issue relevant here given the perishing advisories recorded on both front tyres in 2023. For a prospective buyer, the front braking system warrants direct physical inspection rather than assumption of remaining life. The discs should be examined for lipping at the outer edge, visible scoring across the friction surface, and any blueing or heat discolouration that would indicate the discs have been overheated or are running unevenly. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping from the front wheels on light braking, feel for pedal judder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm application, and check that the vehicle does not pull to one side under braking, which could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. The front brake pads should be measured for remaining material, as the June 2026 advisory suggests they are approaching the point at which replacement will be required regardless of any subsequent MOT outcome. The exhaust system deserves equally close attention given the emissions failure and the multiple leak advisories recorded between 2023 and 2024. A thorough under-bonnet and under-floor inspection should look for black soot deposits around flexible joints, movement in the rubber hangers when the engine is revved, and any audible ticking from the front pipe area when the engine is cold-started. The fuel filler cap seal should also be inspected and the cap replaced if the seal remains cracked, as a compromised seal can trigger an emissions failure on its own. During a test drive, listen for any change in exhaust note, particularly a rasp or hiss that intensifies on the overrun, and monitor for any smell of exhaust fumes inside the cabin, which could indicate a leak allowing gases into the passenger compartment. With 34,586 miles accumulated over twelve years, a buyer should also verify the timing belt replacement interval if applicable to the Mirage's specific engine, and check that all fluid levels are topped up given the likelihood of long stationary periods.