2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L Petrol · CB64 CJB

The defining mechanical story of this 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of consistent roadworthiness with a single, narrowly focused area of wear emerging late in its testing cycle. Across six recorded MOT tests spanning 2017 through 2022, the vehicle has never failed and has produced only three advisories, all concentrated on the front braking system at the most recent test on 31 May 2022. Front brake pads were noted as wearing thin, and both the nearside and offside front brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted or scored, though not seriously weakened. The fact that the preceding five tests recorded no defects at all suggests the front brake components were approaching but had not yet reached a service intervention point, and any prospective purchase needs to treat the braking system as the primary mechanical consideration. Mileage accumulation on this Mirage has been notably modest for its age, with 61,168 recorded miles over roughly twelve years working out at approximately 5,097 miles per year. This figure is low even by small city car standards and points to either predominantly short-trip urban use or extended periods where the vehicle covered relatively few miles. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature typically reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox and clutch, but it can accelerate deterioration of items that suffer from underuse. Brake discs in particular are prone to corrosion and surface pitting when a vehicle is driven gently or stored for prolonged periods, and the advisory pattern recorded here is consistent with discs that have developed surface degradation through age and modest use rather than through heavy braking demand. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough physical inspection of the front braking system, given the three advisories clustered at the last test. On a road test, listen for any grinding, squealing or rhythmic noise from the front wheels during light braking, and feel for vibration or judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal which would suggest the pitted discs have deteriorated beyond cosmetic surface corrosion. Measure remaining front pad material if accessible and inspect both disc faces for scoring depth, lip formation at the outer edge and any signs of hot spots or blueing that would indicate uneven wear or binding caliper mechanism. A binding caliper on either side would also explain accelerated pad wear and uneven disc pitting, so check for residual drag by rolling the car briefly in gear with the handbrake released and feeling for resistance. Beyond the braking system, the relatively low recorded mileage and absence of any structural, suspension or corrosion advisories across the test history means the remaining inspection focus should be on age-related deterioration rather than wear from use. With the vehicle now being several years beyond its last recorded MOT, examine the condition of the coil springs, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar linkages and shock absorbers for cracking or perish, as rubber components degrade with age irrespective of mileage. Inspect underbody areas, subframe mounting points, brake lines and fuel lines for any surface oxidation given the car's age. Finally, given the modest annual mileage, verify that the 12V battery is in healthy condition by checking its age stamp and confirming the engine starts promptly without prolonged cranking, as low-use vehicles commonly suffer from premature battery failure.