2015 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8L Diesel · DP15 DXM

The latest MOT inspection on 17 December 2025 resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, which suggests a positive trend in the vehicle's recent maintenance history. Looking back over the previous three years, there was a period of increasing advisories related to the braking system and tyre wear, particularly between 2022 and 2024. However, the absence of any advisories in the most recent test indicates that the previously identified issues, such as the thinning rear brake pads and the marginal parking brake efficiency, have likely been addressed or rectified. This shift from a declining maintenance profile to a clean pass suggests the vehicle is currently in a stable condition regarding its primary safety components. With a recorded mileage of 53,196 miles over approximately eleven years, this Mitsubishi ASX has been driven significantly less than the UK national average, averaging roughly 4,836 miles per year. While low mileage generally implies less mechanical wear on the engine, gearbox, and suspension bushings, it also presents specific risks associated with infrequent use. Vehicles that spend long periods stationary can suffer from accelerated degradation of rubber components, fluid breakdown, and uneven tyre wear. The historical advisories for tyre perishing and cracking in 2022 confirm that this vehicle has likely been subject to age-related rubber degradation rather than purely mileage-based wear. During your test drive, you should pay close attention to the braking performance to ensure the previous issues with the parking brake and rear pads have been fully resolved. Listen for any grinding or squealing when applying the brakes, and check for any pulsation or shudder through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped or unevenly worn discs. Since the parking brake efficiency was previously noted as marginal, ensure the handbrake engages firmly and holds the vehicle securely on an incline without requiring excessive lever travel. You should also check for any uneven tyre wear or vibrations at motorway speeds, as the history of edge wear on the rear tyres suggests potential alignment issues or suspension geometry changes. Given the low annual mileage, it is essential to perform a physical inspection of all rubber elements, including the serpentine belts, coolant hoses, and tyre sidewalls, looking specifically for signs of perishing or fine cracks. Check the underside of the vehicle for surface corrosion on the exhaust system and brake lines, which can occur more rapidly on vehicles that are not driven frequently enough to keep components clean and dry. Furthermore, verify the service history to ensure that oil and brake fluid changes have been conducted based on the calendar year rather than just mileage, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of distance travelled. Finally, inspect the battery health and ensure the charging system is robust, as low-usage vehicles are prone to battery discharge and sulfation.