2002 Mitsubishi Carisma 1.9L Diesel · CV02 VUW

The 2002 Mitsubishi Carisma presents a stable maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass at its most recent test on 20 November 2025 at 146,474 miles. The tester recorded zero defects on this occasion, mirroring the outcome of the preceding pass on 1 November 2024. While the vehicle failed its MOTs in October 2024 and November 2025, both failures curiously list no recorded defects, suggesting the issues were either rectified immediately before the retest or related to minor procedural faults rather than significant mechanical deterioration. The current roadworthiness status is sound based on the latest DVSA data. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with the vehicle's age, averaging roughly 6,100 miles per year. Between the November 2023 test at 131,007 miles and the October 2024 failure at 139,173 miles, the car covered 8,166 miles over an eleven-month period. The subsequent year saw a similar trajectory, adding 6,786 miles between the November 2024 pass and the November 2025 failure. This consistent, moderate usage indicates regular driving rather than prolonged standing or excessive long-distance touring, which typically bodes well for the longevity of consumable components like brake discs and suspension bushes. Despite the clean MOT record, a 24-year-old vehicle with 146,000 miles demands a thorough physical inspection, particularly regarding structural integrity and corrosion. The underbody, sills, and subframes require close scrutiny for rust, as older steel components are highly susceptible to decay regardless of recent test outcomes. The unexplained failures in late 2024 and late 2025, despite showing no defects, warrant investigation into the braking system and steering geometry. A buyer should test drive the car to check for binding calipers, uneven brake disc wear, or wandering steering, which might indicate intermittent faults that do not always present during a static MOT inspection. Suspension bushes and coil springs should also be assessed for age-related perishing, as these degrade over time even with low mileage.