2007 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6L Petrol · AP07 RBX

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 September 2024 resulted in a Pass, though accompanied by five separate advisories relating to suspension and exhaust condition. A previous attempt on 29 August 2024 failed outright on a defective rear fog lamp lens, with additional minors raised for the registration plate lamp and headlamp lenses. Looking across the broader recorded MOT history, the pattern over the past five years reveals a vehicle that is progressively accumulating corrosion-related advisories, particularly around the rear suspension components, subframe, brake pipes, and exhaust system, while older advisories concerning axle bushes and front subframe corrosion have either persisted or evolved into more generalised component deterioration. This suggests a maintenance trend that is gradually worsening rather than improving, consistent with a nineteen-year-old chassis that is beginning to show its age in structural and underfloor areas. With 103,822 miles recorded over approximately nineteen years, the vehicle averages around 5,464 miles per year, which is notably low for its vintage. This kind of usage profile typically indicates either a second car, short-trip motoring, or extended periods of standing between uses, all of which carry their own mechanical implications. Low annual mileage generally reduces wear on high-mileage items such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch, but it accelerates deterioration of rubber components, brake discs and calipers through corrosion and seizure, and increases the likelihood of perished tyres from age rather than wear. The MOT history does not show any obvious large gaps or sudden mileage jumps, suggesting consistent if modest use, but the cumulative effect of age on consumables and underbody components remains a significant consideration. The recurring advisories relating to rear trailing arm bushes, rear suspension corrosion, and axle bushes warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, observe whether the vehicle tracks straight without wandering, and check for uneven or feathered rear tyre wear which would indicate bush deterioration. The advisories on brake pipe corrosion appearing in both 2021 and 2024 suggest this is a progressively worsening condition that may eventually lead to a test failure, so a thorough underfloor examination for surface corrosion, flaking, or pitting along the brake lines is advisable. The rear exhaust leak advisory, combined with earlier records of a deteriorated front exhaust flexi, indicates the entire exhaust system may be approaching the end of its service life, and the buyer should listen for ticking or hissing sounds from a cold start and inspect for black sooting around joints. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, several time-based rather than mileage-based checks are particularly relevant. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and tread cracking even if the tread depth remains adequate, as the 2020 advisory noted general tyre deterioration and the 2021 test recorded perishing on the nearside front. The 12V battery is unlikely to have been replaced frequently given the low usage, so its age and state of charge should be verified, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods. Brake discs should be inspected for severe surface corrosion and the calipers checked for binding after standing, which can cause uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. Engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable will all have degraded through age alone and should be considered for renewal regardless of mileage, while the documented front subframe corrosion should be monitored through annual MOT examinations to ensure it does not progress to a structurally significant failure.