2016 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L Petrol · CX66 PKC

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 14 October 2025 with no advisories or defects recorded, continuing an unbroken run of clean passes dating back through the 2024, 2023, and 2022 test cycles. It is worth noting that the 20 October 2022 entry shows both a pass and a fail recorded on the same date; the failure was logged with no specific defect categories, which typically indicates an administrative or retest-related entry rather than a significant mechanical concern. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable and consistent, with no advisory items accumulating across four consecutive tests, suggesting the car has been kept in sound roadworthy condition throughout its recent life. The absence of recurring advisories on items such as suspension components, brake wear, or corrosion is a positive indicator, although it should be borne in mind that a clean MOT history alone does not guarantee the absence of latent issues, particularly in a low-use vehicle. With a recorded mileage of just 13,550 miles spread across approximately ten years, this Mirage has covered an average of around 1,355 miles per year, which is exceptionally low even by small city car standards. This level of usage means that mechanical wear on traditionally high-mileage components such as the clutch, gearbox synchromesh, brake friction material, and tyres is likely minimal, and the engine itself has probably accrued very few hours of load-bearing operation. However, such low annual mileage strongly suggests extended periods of standing or very short, infrequent journeys, which carry their own well-documented consequences including fluid degradation, surface corrosion on brake discs, potential fuel system varnish, and battery deterioration. Significant gaps in recorded mileage between tests are not evident here, as the MOT cycle is regular and annual, but the consistently low absolute mileage implies the vehicle may have spent considerable time inactive between uses. Given the clean advisory record and the age-and-use profile, a prospective buyer should prioritise inspection of components that deteriorate with calendar age rather than mileage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined carefully for perishing or cracking caused by UV exposure and age, even if the tread depth remains legal, as ten-year-old tyres can lose structural integrity long before they wear out. The brake discs are particularly susceptible to standing corrosion on a low-mileage car; on a test drive, listen for any grinding or shudder through the brake pedal on initial application, and check whether the car pulls to one side, which may indicate a seized or binding caliper. The 12V battery is another likely weak point, as batteries deteriorate with time regardless of use, so a load test or voltage check is prudent, and any hesitation or slow cranking on a cold start should be treated as a warning sign. Auxiliary drive belts, coolant hoses, and the rubber boot on the CV joints should also be visually inspected for hardening or splitting. Finally, attention should be directed toward time-based servicing items that are easily overlooked when a car is used sparingly. Engine oil and filter changes should be confirmed against time rather than mileage, as oxidation and moisture contamination occur even when the engine is barely used, with most manufacturers recommending an annual oil change regardless of miles covered. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, typically requiring replacement every two years irrespective of use, so the service book should be checked for a recent fluid change or a brake fluid test conducted as part of any pre-purchase inspection. Coolant and gearbox oil also degrade with age, and any evidence of weeping around the cam cover, oil filter housing, or radiator should be noted. A thorough road test should include checks for any dashboard warning lights, irregularities in idle quality given the small three-cylinder engine, and ensuring that the air conditioning system still functions effectively, as seals in the refrigerant circuit can perish over a decade of intermittent use.