2017 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L Petrol · CV17 VCM

The latest MOT test for this 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage, conducted on 2026-05-13, resulted in a failure due to dangerous defects in the offside front tyre—specifically, a tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm and a structural lump indicating tyre separation or partial failure. This marks a significant deviation from the vehicle’s previous MOT history, where the majority of tests passed without defects or only recorded advisories. While the 2025 test also failed due to exposed tyre cords, the 2026 failure is more severe, suggesting either a sudden, severe tyre issue or a failure to address prior advisories promptly. The pattern before 2026 was predominantly stable, with only minor wear-related advisories, so the recent failures indicate a concerning escalation in tyre integrity, warranting immediate attention to prevent potential road hazards. The recorded mileage of 99,375 miles for a vehicle aged nine years represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 11,042 miles, which is typical for its age and class. This level of mileage alone does not necessarily indicate excessive wear, but the combination of consistent usage over nine years—without significant gaps—could accelerate component fatigue, particularly in high-wear areas like tyres, brakes, and suspension. The absence of higher-mileage outliers suggests steady, moderate driving habits, but the recent tyre failures may still reflect cumulative stress from prolonged exposure to road conditions, temperature fluctuations, or improper maintenance. It is also worth noting that lower mileage could sometimes mask underlying issues, such as prolonged standing that leads to corrosion in brake systems or fluid degradation in hydraulic components. Given the recent MOT failures and recurring tyre-related advisories, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection focusing on tyre safety and structural integrity. The offside front tyre’s separation or lump suggests imminent failure, so replacing it immediately is critical to prevent a blowout or sudden loss of control. During a test drive, listen for unusual tyre noises such as a grinding or scraping sound when turning, which may indicate embedded foreign objects or uneven wear patterns. Additionally, check for uneven tyre wear on the near-side front tyre, which was previously worn close to the legal limit, and ensure the offside rear tyres, which showed cracking or perishing, are free of visible damage. Inspect the front brake discs for binding or excessive scoring, which could indicate caliper binding or warping from prolonged standing, and listen for a grinding noise when applying the brakes, which may signal worn brake pads or damaged discs. Beyond the tyre issues, the vehicle’s history also highlights a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) from the 2022 MOT, which should be repaired to maintain proper inflation and prevent uneven wear or blowouts. The front brake discs were noted as worn but not seriously weakened, so while they may require replacement in the future, they currently do not pose an immediate road safety risk. For the buyer, it is advisable to verify the service history for fluid changes, particularly brake fluid, which can degrade over time even without use, and to check for any signs of fluid leaks under the vehicle. Given the vehicle’s age and usage, a comprehensive inspection should also include a check of the suspension for signs of worn bushes, coil springs, or damaged struts, as well as a visual inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion or leaks, which could indicate underlying engine or catalytic converter issues. Lastly, since the vehicle has been driven regularly, the 12V battery should be tested for strength, and the alternator should be checked to ensure it is recharging the battery adequately, as both can fail more quickly under consistent use.