2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Excd Safety Phev CVT 2.4L Hybrid electric (clean) · DP70 VAU

The latest MOT test on 2026-05-07 resulted in a passing outcome, though it included two advisories that warrant careful attention. The overall maintenance trend over the past five years appears stable, with no failures or major defects recorded between the 2024 test and the 2026 test, aside from the recent advisories. The presence of the near-side front shock absorber oil misting and the severely deteriorated offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover suggests that these components have been subject to wear or potential failure over time, particularly the latter, which is a critical suspension joint that, if compromised, could lead to steering play, uneven tyre wear, or even suspension collapse if left unaddressed. The tyre advisories from 2025-01-28 indicate that both front tyres are worn close to the legal limit and exhibit edge wear, which may signal underinflation, alignment issues, or excessive cornering forces—all of which can accelerate tyre degradation and compromise handling. The recorded mileage of 42,816 miles for a vehicle aged five years represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 8,563 miles, aligning with typical driving patterns for this age group. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests consistent use, though the CVT transmission in a PHEV configuration may still experience variable wear depending on driving style, particularly in stop-start traffic or when relying on electric-only modes. Higher mileage could accelerate consumable wear such as brake pads, suspension bushings, and seals, while lower mileage might indicate prolonged standing, which can exacerbate issues like standing corrosion on brake discs, caliper binding, or fluid degradation due to stagnation. The advisories on suspension components and tyres, however, suggest that the vehicle has been driven with some degree of regularity, placing stress on these systems. To proceed with a thorough inspection, the prospective buyer should prioritise checking the suspension components highlighted in the advisories. The near-side front shock absorber oil misting may indicate internal damage or seal failure, which could lead to a loss of damping effectiveness, resulting in a loss of ride quality, excessive body roll, or even a harsh ride upon impact. On a test drive, listen for a loss of damping—specifically, a clunking or slapping noise from the front left when driving over bumps—and note if the steering feels less responsive or if the vehicle settles unevenly. The severely deteriorated ball joint dust cover on the offside front lower suspension arm is a red flag; inspect the ball joint itself for play or excessive movement, which could cause steering vibration, uneven tyre wear, or a grinding noise when cornering. If the joint is compromised, the suspension arm may detach, leading to a dangerous loss of control. For the tyres, which are worn close to the legal limit, conduct a visual inspection of the tread depth and sidewall condition. Edge wear suggests the vehicle may be underinflated or misaligned, so verify tyre pressures at the correct PSI for the load and speed rating, and check for any cracks or perishing in the sidewall rubber, which can weaken the tyre structure and lead to blowouts. Listen for any unusual noises from the front tyres, such as a scraping or squealing sound when cornering, which may indicate misalignment or camber issues. Additionally, the buyer should examine the brake system for signs of standing corrosion on discs and calipers, as prolonged inactivity can cause rust buildup, leading to binding or reduced braking performance. Inspect the brake fluid reservoir for contamination or low levels, and consider having the brake fluid flushed if it has been more than two years since the last service, as moisture can degrade the fluid and compromise braking efficiency. Finally, given the vehicle’s age and PHEV configuration, verify the 12V battery health and ensure the electrical system is functioning correctly, as PHEVs may experience higher electrical demand cycles that can strain components over time.