2012 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.3L Diesel · WR12 WFT

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT following a successful test on 27 February 2026 at 75,447 miles, occurring four months prior to the current assessment date. Yet the history indicates a deteriorating condition regarding suspension integrity. While the latest certificate shows no major failures, advisories flag various suspension components as rusted with worn bushes alongside slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint. This follows a pattern established in early 2025 where the nearside front track rod end showed excessive play during a failed test, suggesting the steering linkage system is experiencing progressive wear rather than isolated incidents. The presence of structural corrosion warnings alongside mechanical play points to an accelerating decline in chassis health despite the low annual mileage average. At 14 years old, the recorded 75,447 miles equates to roughly 5,389 miles per year, which sits well below the national average for vehicles of this vintage. Such low usage often correlates with long periods of standing or infrequent driving, potentially allowing moisture to accumulate within wheel arches and underbody cavities without the heat cycles of regular operation to dry them out. There are no significant gaps in the testing timeline between March 2024 and February 2026, indicating consistent regulatory compliance. However, the rapid emergence of suspension play between the 2025 and 2026 tests over a 12-month period contradicts the expectation of minimal wear associated with such low mileage figures. A prospective buyer must prioritise a physical examination of the underbody and steering geometry before committing to purchase. The repeated mentions of rusted suspension components and bush wear necessitate checking for structural compromise around the subframe and mounting points, not merely cosmetic surface rust. Inspectors should specifically measure the play in both front track rod ends, as the shift from excessive play on the nearside last year to slight play on the offside now signals potential imbalance in component lifespan. Finally, verify the tyre condition thoroughly since the February 2026 record noted a structural lump caused by separation, which could indicate storage issues or age-related degradation independent of tread depth. A specialist suspension check is recommended to confirm whether the corroded bushes require immediate replacement to prevent handling instability.