2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.0L Petrol · AJ14 FEO

A recurring issue with restricted access for inspection presents a persistent mechanical ambiguity for this vehicle, as engine covers, under trays, and sill covers have been flagged as preventing full visibility since at least September 2023. This limitation means that critical components such as oil seals, coolant hoses, and lower chassis elements may not have been fully scrutinised during annual tests. While the car achieved a pass on 3 September 2025, the history shows a pattern of intermittent failures, most notably a major failure regarding the supplementary restraint system warning lamp in late 2025, which indicates a fault within the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner circuit. The vehicle has covered 121,012 miles over its twelve-year lifespan, averaging approximately 10,084 miles per year. This usage profile is consistent with typical UK driving patterns and suggests a steady accumulation of wear rather than excessive high-speed motorway use or long periods of stagnation. Mechanically, this level of mileage is consistent with the age of a 2014 model, but it necessitates a close inspection of wear-and-tear items such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and drivetrain components that are nearing the end of their standard service life. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system and lighting, given the previous advisories regarding pitted and scored brake discs on both the nearside and offside fronts. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic clicking or grinding noises when braking and feel for any pedal judder or vibrations through the footwell, which could indicate uneven disc wear or sticking calipers. The recent advisory regarding a loose front exhaust heat shield should also be addressed; while not an immediate safety risk, it can cause annoying metallic rattling or buzzing sounds, particularly during acceleration or when the engine is under load. The recent failure regarding the supplementary restraint system (SRS) lamp is a critical point of investigation. Ensure that the airbag warning light illuminates upon ignition and then extinguishes as normal; if the light remains illuminated, the vehicle has a fault in its safety system that requires professional diagnostic equipment to resolve. Additionally, check the functionality of all exterior lighting, specifically the nearside rear registration plate lamp and the dipped beam on the nearside front headlamp, as these have been flagged as inoperative in recent testing cycles. Given the recurring advisory about under-tray covers, a visual inspection of the underside for any signs of fluid weeping or corrosion is highly recommended to compensate for the limited visibility reported by the DVSA inspectors.