2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · DP04 MZP

The most recent MOT on 27 May 2026 was a pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that test. However, the MOT history over the past two years shows a pattern of recurring front‑suspension failures – major ball‑joint wear on both the nearside (2025) and offside (2024) suspension arms – followed by subsequent passes after remedial work. This suggests that while the current condition is acceptable, the vehicle has required significant front‑end component replacement recently, and the trend is one of intermittent corrective maintenance rather than a steady improvement. At 131,849 miles for a 2016 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 13,200 miles per year, which is above the typical UK average of about 8‑10 000 miles. The relatively high utilisation means accelerated wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, clutch (if a manual) and the drivetrain. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would indicate long periods of storage, so the wear observed on the front suspension is consistent with the mileage rather than being a result of prolonged inactivity. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. A thorough visual inspection of the ball‑joint housings for any signs of corrosion, cracked rubber boots or excessive play is essential, and a hands‑on test of the steering column should reveal any clunking or looseness when the wheel is rocked at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. Uneven tyre wear on the front tyres can be a symptom of lingering ball‑joint wear or mis‑alignment, and a test‑drive should be used to listen for any metallic knock when negotiating bumps, as well as to feel for any wandering or vague steering response. If the ball joints have recently been replaced, verify that the new components are correctly torqued and that the dust‑cover boots are intact, as the MOT notes of damaged dust‑cover caps indicate a potential route for dirt ingress that could precipitate premature wear. Beyond the suspension, the vehicle’s age and mileage warrant checks on age‑related items. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry‑rot or loss of tread uniformity, especially if the car has been stored for any length of time. Examine the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and consider a load test, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Verify that brake discs are free of deep scoring or rust that could cause shudder, and that pads have sufficient thickness. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt (or chain) service in accordance with Mitsubishi’s schedule, as fluid degradation and overdue timing‑belt work are common failure points in high‑mileage, ten‑year‑old SUVs.